“Violation Notices: What They Can—and Can’t—Do to You

Erica Daniels
Jul 9
2 min read

If you’ve ever opened your mailbox to find a sternly worded letter from the HOA, you’re not alone. Violation notices are one of the most common—and most misunderstood—forms of HOA communication.

Some homeowners treat them like binding legal threats. Others toss them in the trash out of principle. Neither response is especially useful.

Here’s the truth: a violation notice is the start of a process, not the end of one.

What Is a Violation Notice, Really?

Think of it as the HOA’s version of a warning. It’s a formal notice that the board believes you’ve broken one of the community’s rules—usually something pulled from the CC&Rs, bylaws, or architectural guidelines.

Typical violations include:

Leaving trash cans out too long
Parking in the wrong spot or on grass
Faded or “unauthorized” paint colors
Holiday decorations overstaying their welcome
Grass that’s a few inches too ambitious

The notice usually demands compliance within a specific timeframe—sometimes with a threat of fines or “further action” if the issue isn’t resolved.

What They Can Do

If the violation is legit and you ignore it, the HOA often has the right to escalate. That might mean:

Charging fines (sometimes daily)
Revoking access to amenities
Scheduling a hearing
Placing a lien or referring to legal counsel (in extreme cases)

Most of these actions require due process—meaning the HOA has to follow its own procedures and give you a chance to respond or appeal.

What They Can’t Do

Here’s what a violation notice isn’t:

A judgment from a court
An automatic fine (in many states, notice and hearing must come first)
A declaration of guilt
A reason to panic

The board doesn’t have unilateral authority to rewrite rules on the fly or enforce “policies” that aren’t in the governing documents. Just because it’s printed on HOA letterhead doesn’t make it law.

How to Handle It

Read the letter carefully—Don’t skim. Look for the exact rule cited, the deadline, and whether you’re entitled to a hearing.
Request documentation—Ask to see the specific rule and any photos or evidence.
Stay civil and communicate—Even if the notice feels petty, keep records of all correspondence.
Dispute if necessary—If the rule is being misapplied or enforced selectively, push back—ideally in writing, and within any deadlines.
Fix it (if you’re in the wrong)—Sometimes, compliance is the path of least resistance, especially if it’s a minor issue.

The Bottom Line

Violation notices are part of life in an HOA. But they’re not final verdicts—and they’re definitely not immune to challenge. Knowing your rights, reading the documents, and staying calm go a long way.

Most boards count on homeowners backing down. The ones who push back? They’re the ones who keep the system honest.