According to The Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO), Boards need a basis for differentiating valid noise complaints from unreasonable ones. To that end, boards should adopt definitions in their governing documents regarding nuisance animals.

 Most HOAs require owners to put their complaints of a nuisance in writing, either in a letter or by filling out a form created by the association. They will then send a letter to the dog-owner letting him/her know that neighbors have complained about the nuisance.

 If the problem continues, the board must hold a hearing with the owner and make a determination that a nuisance exists. Once that is done, penalties can range from fines to banishing nuisance animals from the association.

What have you done to mitigate issues?  Leave us a comment.