Top violations

Mow regularly and keep beds and shrubs in good shape. Hedges can't block sidewalks or the view at intersections. Every home needs at least one tree in the front yard, and tools and equipment must be stored out of sight from the street.

Once trash day is over, put containers back in the garage or somewhere that can't be seen from the street or neighboring lots.

Yes, on the driveway only. It must stand upright and be secured. Goals can't go on the lawn or in the street.

No. Boats, trailers, motor homes, campers and commercial vehicles can't be kept on the driveway or the street. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles left on the street may be towed.

Routine maintenance is fine. Anything beyond that should happen inside the garage.

Check the CC&Rs first. Many associations limit leasing, for example with a minimum lease term or a cap on rentals. Contact the property manager before signing a lease.

Each home is for one family's private residence. Housing multiple families in one home is not allowed.

No. Keep pets in a fenced area so they don't run loose or become a nuisance to neighbors.

The HOA can charge violation fines, plus interest or late charges on overdue dues. These are due right away and become a continuing lien on the property until paid.

Common areas include the amenity center, parks, green and open space, detention ponds, the neighborhood entrances (signs, landscaping, irrigation, fencing and gates), screening walls and berms, landscape buffers, the perimeter fencing along the main road, and the cluster mailboxes. Some of these can sit on a homeowner's lot or a public right-of-way and still count as common area.

The HOA does. Maintenance, property taxes, insurance and improvements for common areas are paid by the Association. Once the developer finishes the original construction, it is no longer responsible for upkeep.

The HOA handles the repair or replacement, but the cost is split evenly among the homeowners who have a box in that cluster. Each of those homeowners is billed their share.

Yes, when it's reasonably needed to maintain, repair or replace common area features, such as a cluster mailbox, fence or landscaping that sits on or crosses into your lot. These features are allowed on a lot as long as they don't unreasonably interfere with using it as a home.

The HOA Board. When you buy a home in the community, you accept the common areas in their current condition and agree that the Board makes the decisions about them. That stays the same even when Board members or the management company change.