HOA issues with cutting grass

[palm36]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? FL

I am having problems dealing with a new president in my Home Owners Association. Long story short, he wants us to cut our lawn on a weekly basis while we feel our current schedule of once every two weeks is more than adequate to keep our front lawn in good order. The new pres seems to be a little tyrant end even sent my wife and I a letter threatening us to maintain a weekly schedule or they (the HOA) will have someone enter our property (front lawn) and cut the grass; and send us the bill.

The by laws are very subjective ("maintain the lawn/grass in good order and not overgrown"). Frankly, every two weeks over the Summer months seems very adequate in our opinion. Sometimes, being a mixed grass, intermittent thin long blades of grass (with seedlings) do grow out like lone towers in grass zones BEFORE the next two-week scheduled cut, but the grass is FAR from being a nuisance.

So, what can I do? whats should i reply? I read some sites that recommend a certified letter to the HOA requesting an exact explanation of what by law they feel is being breached and why so i could properly reply to it.

Please be as detailed with your response.

Thank you.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[justalayman]

I would suggest bringing the issue to the full board for clarification.

 

[NC Aggie]

I would suggest bringing the issue to the full board for clarification.

I agree. Most HOAs requirements about maintaining lawns and properties are too subjective. And frequency of maintenance doesn't necessarily correlate with appearance and vice-versa. I work for a local muncipality and I served on an advisory board for the Planning Commission and we dealt with a similar issue for a city wide ordinance addressing maintenance of developed and undeveloped parcels. The previous ordinance was vague, but we recommended and it was ultimately approved by the Council that the ordinance pertaining to keeping lawns cut must specifically state the maximum height that grass can grow. I would recommend that your HOA adopt a similar policy.

 

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

I live here in Florida. What kind of grass do you have? St. Augustine? Floritam? Bahai? Depending on the type of grass, a two-week period can look pretty bad in the summer. Sorry, but I agree with the pres on that one if you are talking Floritam or St. Augustine.

What does code enforcement state as to maximum height before you are in violation?

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? FL

I am having problems dealing with a new president in my Home Owners Association. Long story short, he wants us to cut our lawn on a weekly basis while we feel our current schedule of once every two weeks is more than adequate to keep our front lawn in good order. The new pres seems to be a little tyrant end even sent my wife and I a letter threatening us to maintain a weekly schedule or they (the HOA) will have someone enter our property (front lawn) and cut the grass; and send us the bill.

The by laws are very subjective ("maintain the lawn/grass in good order and not overgrown"). Frankly, every two weeks over the Summer months seems very adequate in our opinion. Sometimes, being a mixed grass, intermittent thin long blades of grass (with seedlings) do grow out like lone towers in grass zones BEFORE the next two-week scheduled cut, but the grass is FAR from being a nuisance.

So, what can I do? whats should i reply? I read some sites that recommend a certified letter to the HOA requesting an exact explanation of what by law they feel is being breached and why so i could properly reply to it.

Please be as detailed with your response.

Thank you.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

**A: you raised a good point. Document the 2 week or more period with photos. If the yard/grass looks orderly, you have a strong stand.