(Reprinted from the BWCIA Newsletter)
A new policy for dealing with Deed Restriction violations will go into effect on JUNE 1, 2011. At present, when a homeowner violates a Bellaire West Deed Restriction (house needing paint, fence falling down, yard overgrown, etc.), he or she can expect a warning letter from the management company about it. And usually that’s all it takes to resolve the problem. But if warning letters are ignored and the problem continues, the Association’s attorney may have to get involved – resulting in significant legal fees for the offending homeowner.

In order to avoid expensive legal action while still motivating homeowners to correct their violations as they should, the Association will soon begin imposing nominal $25 FINES for non-compliance, if formal warnings do no good. Additional fines will be assessed if a violation continues or is repeated. Again, it’s important for everyone to understand these fines will be much less expensive than legal action. Legal action will only be taken if the fines are not paid, or if even fines fail to motivate a homeowner to correct an ongoing Deed Restriction. Homeowners will always have the right to appeal their fines to the Board of Directors, of course.

The management company will be sending everyone a letter explaining this new policy in greater detail. But for now, we just wanted to make you aware it’s coming, and to encourage you as always to abide by the community’s Deed Restrictions, which is actually a legal obligation of home ownership in this subdivision. Not only will that make warnings and fines unnecessary, but it’s the single best thing you can do to improve the quality of life in the subdivision and maintain your property values. Thanks for your consideration!

-- Your Board of Directors