Read your governing documents to determine whether or not the association has the responsibility or authority to approve leases.
If so, then the owner has the responsibility to present a lease for board review, and the board has a responsibility to review and either approve the lease as is, request changes to it, or deny the lease outright if the lease disagrees with the governing documents.
If a lease is written in clear violation of the governing documents, then the association's board may be able to void the lease and require that the owner either evict the tenant or craft a new lease.
For example, if the covenants preclude operation of a day care facility within the community, and an owner signs a lease with a day care operator who intends to operate a day care center in the community, then the board has the responsibility to void the lease.
Yes. You are legally obligated to pay homeowner association dues. As long as the homeowner's association was part of the public land records when you purchased your property you agreed to be bound by its terms and provisions. You need to review the recorded documents relating to your property.
Yes. The governing documents establish a 'private democracy' and every owner who purchases a 'unit' within the community agrees to abide by them. It's the responsibility of the board to enforce the covenants with warning letters, even fines. It is the responsibility of the owner to 'follow the rules'. In a court of law, the governing documents and its processes will generally prevail.
Yes
If you purchased a property that has an undivided interest in common areas and that requires membership in a homeowner's association you cannot make any changes to either arrangement. By purchasing your lot or unit you agreed to be legally bound by the rules, regulations, covenants and restrictions set forth in all the documents recorded by the developer.
The age to be able to enter into contracts would be 18.
Covenants have to be legally documented. If it is not in writing with the legal proof necessary to support it, the covenant can not be legally applied to you. Check with your local courthouse to find out what covenants apply, so that you know how to respond.
No.
Review your governing documents to determine what is required before painting a house. If permission is required and permission was granted, this is evidence that you can use to defend the colour of your house. The management company has no say in exterior colours -- the board may have a list of 'approved' colours. If permission is required and no permission was asked for or granted, you may be required to re-paint your house. If permission is not required, you can ask the association to pay to re-paint your home, once they approve colours, or you can ask that your current paint job be 'grandfathered in'.
Not legally
You don't.
To file a lien for delinquent homeowners association dues in Alabama, you should follow these steps: 1) Verify that the association's bylaws allow for liens to be filed. 2) Send a demand letter to the delinquent homeowner, stating the amount owed and a deadline for payment. 3) If payment is not received, file a lien statement with the probate office in the county where the property is located and provide a copy to the delinquent homeowner. 4) The lien will then attach to the homeowner's property, giving the association a legal claim against it. It's recommended to consult with an attorney familiar with Alabama HOA law for guidance specific to your situation.
Multiple associations are possible under a master deed scheme. This is practical when a community is developed in phases. Separating what you describe essentially as a 'class' of owners may not be a good idea, and may be illegal -- or may have been legally established with the covenants, conditions, regulations and restrictions (CC&Rs) were developed for the community.