Bugaboos

What are Bugaboos?

A bugaboo is something that causes worry.  Community associations (CA's) have many rules and restrictions.  They are typically found in the associations governing documents - in particular, the declaration and rules.  While CA's usually have many different restrictions and rules, there are a small number of them that cause the greatest concern.  That's because when a resident violates one of these rules, they are not easily corrected.  Below are some examples of violations that cause serious problems for the owner, board members, and management (the below are based on actual cases in CT).

Pets:

A resident has too many pets, a pet is too large, or the pet breed is not allowed.  Outcome - resident is forced to remove their pet(s).

Vehicles:

A resident has too many vehicles or the type of vehicle is not allowed outside of the unit's garage.  Outcome - resident has to sell a vehicle(s) or find a nearby location to store it.

Number Of Occupants:

A resident has numerous unrelated parties living in the unit, a resident planned to house a large group of students in the unit, a resident planned to house a large group of employees in the unit, or a resident planned to rent the unit out for short terms.  Outcome - resident has to sell the unit as it cannot be used for the intended purpose.

Operating A Business:

A resident has a business that drives foot and/or vehicular traffic to and from the unit.  Outcome - owner must sell the unit or has to rent or buy another property in order to run their business.

Changing The Interior Or Exterior Of A Unit:

A resident makes changes to the outside or inside of their unit without board knowledge and written approval.  Outcome - alterations made have to be removed or changes made to what was already done at residents expense.