Is a HOA responsible for taking care of vacant property?

Answer 1

Your answer lies within your governing documents and may be determined by ownership.

For example, if your HOA is a 'young' development and the developer still owns the vacant lots, the developer may be responsible for maintaining them.

Otherwise, the governing documents may list a 'standard of care' that defines the 'curb appeal' of vacant lots, in which case, an owner is responsible for meeting this standard. (The association is responsible for common areas.)

If a vacant lot has been abandoned, and the association's board believes that this lot's condition is an 'eyesore' that affects property values, the board can levy a budget item to maintain vacant lot(s). Then, owners can fail to ratify a budget or discuss this budget item during the annual budget process.

Answer 2

Whether a homeowners association (HOA) is responsible for taking care of vacant property depends on the specific rules and regulations outlined in the association's governing documents. Some HOAs may have provisions that require them to maintain and care for vacant properties to uphold community standards, while others may place the responsibility on individual property owners. It is advisable to consult the HOA's governing documents or seek clarification from the HOA board to determine their specific obligations regarding vacant property.