Is the HOA required to repair common areas?

I live in a neighborhood with hundreds of homes. I've lived here 5 years and have witnessed a steep decline in the look of the common areas.

Here's some examples of what's in disrepair

• Weeds, broke pavers, vandalized water drains, paint coming off of metal fencing, etc. by the pool area.
• Entrance fountain leaking and now drained and not functioning for almost a year.
• Huge potholes in ornamental concrete at entrance (city will only patch, not repair) for a year
• Overgrown weeds up tp 26 inches tall in common grassy areas

My question is, can the HOA decide to not repair things, or are they required to do so?

Thanks for the quick reply.

I have asked why they haven't fixed it yet and they just give me the runaround.

They say the typical, "We're talking about it," We're getting bids," We're going to vote on it." which all means, we're not fixing it yet.

Like I said, some of this stuff has been in disrepair for a year. It's insane.

Also, I have put in a request to see the last 7 years financials (legally required in Florida) and will be going to the management company to see them soon.

You could also contact your city's code compliance - at least about the landscaping.

Yes. I like this suggestion.

Typically, an Association doesn't have to show bids, only approved contracts.

Do NOT call the city for code violation if it's common area!!! Can NOT say DO NOT strong enough!!!! You know what happens? The city issues fines. You know who PAYS for those fines??? The HOA!!! Oh and those fines are NOT cheap. Do you want your HOA to be using their money for paying fines to the city or money on cleaning up the problem?

Our HOA had a neighborhood next door call in a complaint about an area our lawncare and ex-president was using for discarded landscaping debris. It had piled up badly over the years. We got hit with a 10 THOUSAND dollar fine if we did not clean up in 10 days! Got an extension but had only a week to get it picked up by Volunteers. That is because we could not afford more than the dumpster rental of $500.

Your HOA can only do what people are willing to do. So if things are not being done, then step up yourself to take part in doing something. Looking at records and complaining isn't the way to do that. It's finding out the steps one has to take to get the work done. Is it more money? Hiring license/insured contractors? Having a volunteer team?

Keep in mind the # of meetings your HOA has to make decisions. For us, it was 1 time a month. If someone came to us 1st meeting to report a burnt out bulb, it would be the NEXT meeting (month later) for us to make a decision on what to do. It may be the 3rd meeting before we can execute any plans. That is 3 months for a burnt out bulb. Otherwise, someone is going to complain we (the board) made a decision outside the meeting without telling the owners we were replacing a bulb....

The HOA money is your money. Want to change things? Get involved.

HOA money is yours and your neighbors money. A HOA budget works much like a "Kitty" pot in Poker. Everyone puts in the pot, best hand wins.

I agree with both Tim's last post & Geno & LetA. Do both, but perhaps ask for bids on just one or two items that are in particularly bad shape that don't seem to be too costly.

And follow George's advice too.