Homeowners moved and left lots of trash out

Our community is about 300 single-family homes. We select & pay for our own trash provider. Owners have a pending contract but have already moved. They left all of their move-out trash in front of their home. Bulk trash--an old dresser, debris, a tire, etc. Their trash company isn't picking up their trash. I assume they didn't pay because they don't live there anymore. The management company sent them a violation letter, but the standard time members get to resolve violations is 30 days. Of course its not feasible to let trash sit for potentially weeks. I doubt the owners will be motivated to remove trash from a home they've moved away from. We want to remove the trash, but also be compliant. Any suggestions?

I agree with Henry. Since they haven't closed yet you have a good chance of collecting. It never hurts to take pictures.

Anna, when you write "standard time," is 30 days, does that mean that the 30 days is published in your HOA's documents?? Or just that "it's always been that way?"

Having trash around is a breeding ground for more trash and rodents. That could lead to innocent homeowners having a rodent infestation. The more time you waste with pretty please letters the longer and more uglier the trash pile becomes. There could be a whole host of issues at this property like the bank foreclosing on the property. Who knows how long that ownership mess will last.

The best solution is to hire a junk removal company to have the junk removed. Remember, first send the owner of record a violation letter. Find out who the owner is though the county clerks office. You may need to go to the post office to see if they filed a change of address, but you need to send them notice. I would send the letter via certified mail with return receipt. Give them five days to clean up the garbage.
I would even be a cockier jerk and send a complaint to your county code enforcement. They have deeper pockets and more resources and may be able to get the ball moving faster than you can.

The rules are the rules and the law is the law. The timeline is the timeline. If it's 30 days it is 30 days. Find out what your City or County bulk trash pick is. Maybe the owners thought that the trash is picked up on a certain schedule.

I've recently moved myself. We have a bulk trash pick up for like furniture with the city once a month. It is once a week for other bulk like items like tree limbs or smaller items. It is regular trash pick up once a week.

So if it is a 2 or 30 day wait then that is what it is whether you like it or not. However, the HOA can always pay and see if the owner will pay the bill. Have a short period f time to do this. As it qualifies for a lien if left unpaid. Usually that period of time is 30 days prior to filing a lien.

What was the violation?

typically the closing company contacts the Association to find out what the assessments are and what the balance is.