Jim Potts

Synergy One Lending

  • Home
  • Resources
    • First Time Buyer Tips
    • First Time Seller Tips
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Programs
    • Loan Process
    • Mortgage Glossary
  • Buyer & Seller Guides
    • Construction & Renovation Loan Learning Center
    • Home Buyer Handbook
    • Buying a Home
    • Comprando Una Casa
    • Selling Your House
    • Vendiendo Su Casa
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Apply
  • Reviews
    • My Reviews
    • Google Reviews
  • About Jim
  • Contact Us

Can A Homeowner’s Association Charge Different Fines For The Same Violation?

August 7, 2020 by Jim Potts

Can A Homeowner's Association Charge Different Fines For The Same Violation?Living in a multifamily community, whether this is an apartment building or a condo building, comes with certain bylaws. There are usually fines that are used to prevent people from breaking the rules.It is important for everyone to know what these rules are, why they need to be followed, and the penalties for breaking them.

Sometimes, homeowners are surprised when they realize they might be fined differently for breaking the same rule. There are a few points to keep in mind.

The Fines Should Be The Same

While there might be different fines charged for breaking different rules (for example, altering a common area might be different than parking lot damage), the fines should be the same for the same infraction across different homeowners. For example, two homeowners who are both guilty of damaging the mailroom should be fined the same amount. They should not be fined different amounts. There are usually fines that are clearly stated in the HOA bylaws how much someone might be fined. If two people are fined different amounts, then a grievance should be taken up.

Why The Fines Might Be Different

There is one situation where two homeowners who break the same rule might be fined different amounts. This comes in the form of sequential violations. For example, a homeowner who breaks a rule the first time might be fined $10 for the first infraction. Then, the second infraction might jump to $25. The third infraction might jump to $50, and so on. This is one situation where two homeowners who break the same rule might be fined two different amounts.

Read The Bylaws Carefully

If a situation such as this arises, it is important for homeowners to look at the bylaws and see what the fines are supposed to be. All fines should be clearly stated in the bylaws to help homeowners figure out how, why, and where they might be fined.

If there are any fines that seem confusing, then the homeowners should take this up with the HOA and ask for clarification, which the HOA should provide. There might be a reason why the fines might be different. It could also be an honest mistake.

Jim Potts

Filed Under: Fair Housing Tagged With: Fines, HOA Fees, Mortgage Tips

Jim Potts

Jim Potts


Branch Manager
Call (760) 337-8100
NMLS# 227144
Synergy One Lending Logo

What's My Home Worth?

How can I help?


0 / 180

Connect With Me

Archives

Latest Articles

  • Mortgage Interest Rate Versus APR: What To Know
  • Navigating A Market With Higher Interest Rate
  • Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approvals and How to Avoid Being Declined for One
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 20, 2023

Our Location


5252 Balboa Avenue, 601a
San Diego, CA 92117

Copyright © 2021 | Synergy One Lending | NMLS# 227144 | Corp NMLS #1907235 | Licensed to Do Business in the State of CA | NMLS Consumer Access Portal | Privacy Policy | Disclosures


Equal Housing Lender

Copyright © 2023 · Powered by MySMARTblog