5
Smart Strategies to
Encourage Voluntary Compliance
If boards try to prevent violations in the first place, the net effect will
be less-stressed board members, happier residents, and all-around
more beautiful communities all year long. By doing the following, you'll
help residents voluntarily comply so that your community can better
meet its goals of maintaining property values and providing a positive
living experience.
- Address issues directly.
Identify current behaviors and consequences of said behavior if it
continues. Be authentic and make sure to have a compelling reason as
to why it's important to the community.
- Explain intentions.
Explain where the board derives its authority to govern it to remove
doubt. Help residents understand that it doesn't come from a desire to
intimidate, but to inform.
- Create a committee.
Create a committee comprised of homeowners who aren't on the
board and who aren't related to the board members to investigate and
assist the board with determining the need for the rule.
- Ask for input.
Don't simply vote on a rule. Take the time to gather information and
discuss and debate all input from residents before creating a rule.
- Give notice.
Give notice of the proposed rule before it's discussed and adopted.
You should also give a reasonable time frame for residents to
respond—usually 15-30 days.
- Communicate well and often.
Regularly remind homeowners about new rules in annual notices,
newsletters, and on community websites.
