New Laws Related To HOAs Take Effect Soon

The Homeowner Associations of North Carolina held several seminars in the Triangle area Tuesday to explain new laws related to homeowner associations that will go in to effect in January.

In January, homeowner associations will no longer be allowed to tell homeowners that they cannot fly government flags and display political signs unless it is specifically written in the covenant.

State laws will also place a $20 a month cap on late fees that associations can charge, and maximum fines will be reduced from $150 to $100.

Plus, associations will be required to provide financial records to homeowners.

The changes come after a controversy began about four years ago when a homeowner in Cary displayed a U.S. flag without asking for his homeowner association's approval, which violated association rules.

To help associations understand the new changes in state law, the Homeowner Associations of North Carolina is touring the state to brief board members about the new laws.

To find out when a seminar may be held in your area, please visit the association's

Web site

.