In condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations, fines serve as a structured approach to uphold the community’s standards and ensure that everyone follows the established rules and regulations. While assessments and dues typically cover shared expenses (ex. common area maintenance, amenities, professional services), fines address individual infractions that can disrupt community harmony or impact property values.
Here are seven types of fines that you might find in a community association.
1. Late Payment Fines
Late payment fines are among the most common types of fines in community associations. They are designed to encourage timely payment of dues and fees that support the association’s budget. When homeowners are late with payments, it can create cash flow issues that impact the association’s ability to cover essential expenses like maintenance, landscaping, and utility costs for common areas.
Typically, associations set a specific grace period after the due date, after which a late fee is applied to the outstanding assessment balance. This fee can be a flat amount or a percentage of the overdue balance, depending on the association’s governing documents.
By enforcing late payment fines, associations aim to discourage delays and reinforce the importance of paying assessments on time, which ultimately benefits the entire community by ensuring adequate funding for shared resources and amenities.
2. Architectural or Landscaping Violation Fines
Landscaping fines are imposed when homeowners fail to maintain their property’s exterior in accordance with the community’s standards. That standards can include requirements for lawn care, grass length, tree pruning, and general upkeep.
Associations may issue fines for issues like overgrown lawns, unapproved plant types, or clutter in yard areas. These issues can impact the aesthetic appeal and property values within the association. Fines are generally designed to serve as a reminder for homeowners to keep their yards well-maintained to preserve the community’s overall cohesive appearance.
When developing and enforcing landscaping rules, board members should be mindful of state legislation, local laws, and municipal regulations that protect native plants and recognize homeowners’ rights to eco-friendly landscaping choices. This awareness ensures that landscaping fines are applied fairly and in compliance with legal protections, fostering a respectful balance between community standards and owner rights.
3. Noise Violation Fines
Noise violation fines are put in place to maintain a peaceful environment within the community, ensuring that association residents can enjoy their homes without undue disruption. These fines may be applied to a variety of noise disturbances, including:
- Loud parties
- Consistently playing music at high volumes
- Persistent pet noises
Associations typically outline specific quiet hours and noise limits in their governing documents, which serve as a basis for issuing warnings and fines. By enforcing noise rules through fines, associations help mitigate conflicts between neighbors and uphold a standard of living that prioritizes respect for all residents.
4. Parking Violation Fines
Parking violation fines are utilized to ensure that association parking policies are respected within the community. These fines may help board members and property managers manage limited parking resources and address common parking infractions, including:
- Vehicles parked in or near prohibited areas such as sidewalks, crosswalks, fire lanes, entrances, exits, or fire hydrants
- Residents parking in designated visitor spaces, which can inconvenience guests and lead to conflicts among neighbors
- Parking in no-parking zones during projects (ex. asphalt paving, window cleaning)
Additionally, community associations may issue fines for parking large vehicles like RVs, boats, or trailers in prohibited areas, as these may obstruct views, take up valuable space, or violate community rules and regulations.
5. Pet Violation Fines
Pet violation fines are used to promote responsible pet ownership and ensure the community remains safe and pleasant for all association residents. Homeowners may face fines for pet-related infractions, including:
- Not cleaning up after pets
- Having unapproved breeds
- Not adhering to leash laws
Some associations also have breed restrictions or size limits fines can be issued if residents violate these rules.
Board members must also be mindful of laws that protect emotional support animals, as these animals are often exempt from certain restrictions, such as breed or size limitations. To ensure compliance and avoid legal issues, boards should work closely with the association’s attorney to align their pet policies and enforcement practices with federal, state, and local regulations.
6. Short-Term Rental Violation Fines
Short-term rental violation fines are put in place to uphold the community’s policies regarding the use of properties for temporary or short-term rentals. These fines are often applied to homeowners who list their properties on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO despite clear restrictions in the association’s governing documents.
By imposing fines, associations aim to deter unauthorized rentals, promote safety, and ensure that residents comply with the established rules. Board members and property managers should work with e association’s attorney to ensure the community’s governing documents follow relevant law and reflect the most current municipal requirements. Thoughtfully drafted and consistent short-term rental policies that address:
- Minimum lease terms
- Rental restrictions
- Any exceptions (ex. military leave, financial hardship)
- Whether guests need to be accompanied by unit owners
- Fines breakdown and enforcement procedures
7. Trash and Recycling Violation Fines
Trash and recycling violation fines are typically used to promote proper waste management practices that keep the community clean and orderly. Association homeowners can face fines for leaving trash cans out on non-collection days, as this can create an unsightly appearance and attract pests.
Additionally, not securing waste properly—such as leaving lids open or overflowing—can lead to litter and debris scattering throughout community property.
Legal Resource
When applied fairly and in accordance with legal guidelines, fines serve as an essential tool to protect property values and encourage association members to adhere to community standards.
Do not hesitate to contact our law firm if your association has questions about fines, rule enforcement, drafting/updating association policies, or other legal concerns.
Please call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.
Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Please note the material contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established by your review or receipt of the information contained in this article. You should not act on the information discussed in this article without first obtaining legal advice from an attorney duly licensed to practice law in your State. While KSN has made every effort to include up-to-date information in this article, the law can change quickly. Accordingly, please understand that information discussed in this article may not yet reflect the most recent legal developments. Material is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. KSN reserves the right to revise or update the information and statements of law discussed in the article law at any time, without notice, and disclaims any liability for your use of information or statements of law discussed on the article, or the accessibility of the article generally. This article may be considered advertising in some jurisdictions under applicable law/s and/or ethical rules/regulations. © 2025 Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit, A Professional Corporation.