Ask The HOA Knowledgeable: Pool Accessibility To The Handicapped?

Query: We’re a seniors solely (Over 55) home-owner affiliation. A potential purchaser inquired about handicap entry. All of our amenities are handicap prepared apart from our swimming pool. Is there any requirement that we’ve our pool accessible to the handicapped?
Reply: House owner associations are usually not required to supply handicap entry, nonetheless, they have to make “affordable lodging” for these residents that require such. Meaning if a resident requires a ramp to a unit entry, the board ought to approve the set up with the resident paying for it. The board can require affordable aesthetic concerns be included with such installations. Reassigning HOA owned parking locations to permit a disabled resident to be nearer to their unit is one other affordable lodging.
However contemplating that you’re a seniors solely group, it’d make sense to put in handicap entry to the pool as it’s probably that most of the members may benefit. Collect help from members who’re in favor of spending the cash. If the required majority endorse the thought, why not do it?
Query: Our HOA is attempting to get on monitor after years of self administration and neglect. Plenty of individuals have been properly meant however hadn’t a clue of what being a board member actually meant. Any recommendation on getting pointed in the proper course?
Reply: Significantly take into account hiring a administration firm that makes a speciality of home-owner associations to deal with your small business. There is just too a lot going for unpaid and untrained volunteers, even when they’ve the perfect of intentions. And nobody ought to need to implement guidelines on or acquire cash from their neighbors.
Above all, be affected person however persistent. Change comes slowly to some. Years of administration by neglect is a tough thoughts set to vary. Encourage extra versatile minds to run for the board.
Query: We’ve got a home-owner that has bins and papers stacked in opposition to the patio door and home windows. They’re very unpleasant from the skin and mildewed which is a well being concern for the neighbors. It additionally poses a doable fireplace hazard. Can the board require the home-owner to scrub up the within of their unit?
Reply: The board certainly can require clear up of a unit or dwelling that could be a well being, fireplace or security hazard. Ask the adjoining neighbors to first broach the topic with the offender. If this does not immediate motion, ask them to jot down the board a letter describing the issue and what they tried to do about it.
With these letters, the board can flip up the warmth by giving the offender a ten day deadline to scrub up. After ten days, say “different authorized cures can be explored if obligatory”. This normally will do the trick. If all else fails, get the HOA’s lawyer concerned. A method or one other, the simple or the onerous method, the job will get achieved.