1. What is a Homeowners' Association (HOA)?
A Homeowners’ Association (HOA) is a governing body formed by homeowners within a specific residential community or neighborhood. Its primary role is to manage and maintain the common areas of the community, which may include parks, recreational facilities, roads, and landscaping. The HOA is also responsible for enforcing community rules and regulations, which are typically designed to maintain the aesthetic appeal, safety, and overall quality of life in the neighborhood.
The HOA plays an important role in maintaining property values by ensuring that the neighborhood remains attractive and well-kept. It can also provide a mechanism for resolving disputes between residents, whether related to noise, property issues, or violations of community rules. Additionally, the HOA may organize social events and foster a sense of community among neighbors.
In essence, the HOA serves as both a regulatory and service provider for the community, balancing the needs of individual homeowners with the collective interests of the entire neighborhood.
2. What does the Homes Owners' Association (HOA) do?
An HOA (Homeowners’ Association) manages and maintains a community, ensuring that shared spaces and common areas are kept in good condition. It enforces community rules and guidelines, such as property appearance, noise levels, and the use of amenities like parks. The HOA also collects fees to fund these activities and address the community’s needs, such as landscaping, security, and maintenance. In addition, it provides a structure for resolving disputes and promoting a harmonious living environment. Overall, an HOA works to enhance property values and create a well-organized, safe, and attractive neighborhood.
3. How are HOA fees determined?
HOA fees are determined based on the community’s budget, which covers the cost of maintaining shared spaces, providing services like landscaping and security, and funding necessary repairs or improvements. The fees are set by the HOA board and may be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the community’s needs or expenses.
Current HOA Fees
- P500.00 – Membership fee. One-time payment per UNIT. This fee covers initial administrative costs, such as setting up the homeowner’s account, and may contribute to the community’s reserves or development. Unlike regular HOA dues, which are paid periodically (monthly ), a one-time fee is a single upfront payment made when purchasing a home or becoming a member of the community.
- P300.00 – Monthly Fee – A HOA monthly fee is a recurring payment that homeowners make each month to the Homeowners’ Association (HOA). This fee helps cover the costs of maintaining common areas, landscaping, security services, community amenities (such as parks or clubhouses), and other shared services. The amount of the monthly fee can vary depending on the size of the community, the services provided, and the HOA’s budget.
4. What happens if I don’t pay my HOA fees?
If you don’t pay your HOA fees, the association may charge late fees and interest on the overdue amount. Continued non-payment could lead to more serious consequences, such as placing a lien on your property, restricting access to common areas, or even taking legal action to collect the debt. It’s important to stay current on payments to avoid these issues.
We currently have a 3-month arrears rule in place. If your HOA fees remain unpaid for three consecutive months, your account will be considered delinquent. As a result, certain services, such as garbage collection and access to common areas, may be restricted until the outstanding balance is cleared. It’s important to stay current on your payments to avoid any disruption in services and maintain access to all the benefits provided by the HOA.
5. Why do I need HOA stickers on my vehicle?
HOA stickers on your vehicle help the association monitor parking and ensure that only authorized residents or visitors use community spaces. They also allow residents to enter and exit the subdivision without the need to leave an ID. Without an HOA sticker, you’ll be asked to provide an ID, state your purpose for entry, and specify which unit you’re visiting. This system helps maintain security and order within the community.
HOA Annual Sticker Rate
P150.00 – Any 4-wheel vehicle
P100.00 – Motorcyles, tricycles, e-bikes
P500.00 – Services providers coming inside the subdivision such as internet providers, mineral water sellers, and other types of businesses outside the subdivision that need access to the whole community.
6. Can I make changes to my property if there’s HOA?
Yes, definitely! However, Any modifications, such as painting, landscaping, or building additions, typically require approval from the HOA to ensure consistency with community standards.
7. Property Renovations - Minor Vs. Major Permit
There are two types of renovation permits available for property improvements.
Minor Permit – Refers to small-scale updates or changes made to a property that don’t significantly alter its structure or appearance. These improvements typically include tasks like painting, installing new fixtures, creating room divisions, and laying tiles. According to our developer, minor improvements do not involve demolishing or extending any part of the existing structure.
Requirements :
- HOA Clearance – To be secured at the HOA office
- Simple Plan of the Improvement
- List of Materials
- List of Workers
- Barangay Clearance
Once completed, submit your application to the developer’s office and wait 24 hours for your permit to be processed. The permit comes with a white sticker and is valid for 6 months. If you’re unable to visit the office in person, you can email a copy of your application and wait for approval via email. Once approved, you can print the soft copy of the permit and show it to the guards to allow material delivery into the subdivision.
Major Permit – A major home improvement permit is required for significant renovations or changes to a property that involves structural alterations, expansions, or other major modifications. These improvements may include activities such as demolishing or extending walls, adding new rooms or floors, making electrical or plumbing upgrades, or installing gates. Major improvements typically require more extensive planning, inspections, and approvals to ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations.
Requirements :
- HOA Clearance – To be secured at the HOA office
- Plan of the improvement
- List of Materials
- List of Workers
- Barangay Clearance
- Letter of Consent from adjacent property
- Construction bond (P15,000.00 to be paid at the developer’s office)
Once completed, submit the requirements to the Municipal City Engineering Office. If the renovation or extension involves a slab, additional requirements will be requested based on their assessment. If not, they will inspect the submitted documents and, if everything is in order, will stamp it with approval. Afterward, bring the approved documents to the developer’s office, pay the P15,000 refundable bond, and wait at least 2 weeks for approval. The permit will come with an orange sticker and a 6-month validity, which can be renewed up to 3 times for a total of 18 months. Once the renovation is finished, submit a request for the bond refund at the developer’s office. They will inspect the completed project, and if there are no violations, you can expect your bond refund within approximately 3 weeks.