Much like football, where the rules are essential to maintaining fairness and safety, community associations rely on well-crafted and consistently enforced rules to ensure harmony, protect property values, and promote resident satisfaction. Strong rules start with a solid foundation: they must align with governing documents and applicable laws, be clearly written, and be relevant to the specific needs of the community. But drafting good rules is only the first step—boards must also periodically evaluate and update their rules to reflect changes in the community and eliminate those that are outdated or unenforceable.
Enforcement should be fair, consistent, and reasonable. Boards have the authority to issue fines for violations, but only after providing proper notice and offering the homeowner an opportunity for a hearing. The purpose of a fine isn’t punishment—it’s to gain compliance. Warning letters, flexibility in handling minor one-time infractions, and a focus on communication can often resolve issues without escalating tension. However, for more serious or repeated violations, boards must be prepared to act decisively and in accordance with their adopted policies.
Community engagement is also critical. Involving homeowners in the rule-making or amendment process—through surveys, committees, or open board meetings—can help build buy-in and reduce pushback. Ultimately, rule enforcement should be handled with the same strategic mindset as a football coach on game day: know the rules, apply them consistently, and keep the whole team focused on the goal of a well-run community.
Read the whole article in our Fall 2025 edition of the Common Interest Magazine and find more editions of the Common Interest Magazine by clicking on the link below.
By Scott A. Rosenlund and Kristofer D. Kasten
Attorneys, Bartzen Rosenlund Kasten LLC
CAI - Illinois Chapter
The Illinois Chapter of Community Associations Institute serves the educational, business, and networking needs of community associations in the Chicagoland Area. Members include condominium, cooperative, and homeowner...
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Joel Davis 
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