NJ Lawns Community

Hey everyone, I'm kind of panicking here and hoping someone can help. I live in Paramus and just got a notice from my HOA saying I have 10 days to mow my front yard or they'll fine me $250. It's been a crazy summer - work has been insane and honestly I let the lawn go longer than I should have. It's mostly tall fescue and it got really long, maybe 6-7 inches. My next door neighbor went nuts over it and reported me. My question is - do I have any legal rights here? Can they really fine me that much for grass being too long? I've been trying to look up NJ HOA laws but everything is confusing. Also wondering if there's a way to contest it or if I should just pay and move on? Any advice from people who've dealt with this in Bergen County would be really appreciated.

Yikes $250 is steep but unfortunately pretty standard around here. A lot of the HOA communities in Paramus and Hackensack have those same fine amounts in their CC&Rs. Honestly your best bet right now is just knock it down and take pictures as proof it was fixed within the 10 day window. But regarding your legal rights - NJ has the Planned Real Estate Development Act which does give homeowners some recourse. You can request a hearing with the HOA board before they finalize any fine. I'd check your governing documents first though. Some communities waive the fine if you fix the issue within the compliance period. Also - get yourself a decent mower if you don't have one. I run a Honda HRX217 and it's been bulletproof for my KBG/fescue mix. Worth the investment if you're busy.

Thanks Mike - yeah I'm definitely going to mow it today. Rain finally stopped and I've got a friend coming over with his mower since mine is on the fritz. Quick update though - I actually called the property management company yesterday and they said the fine is already assessed and due in 30 days. They said I can appeal to the board at their next meeting which is in 3 weeks. Is it worth fighting or should I just pay? Also curious - anyone know if the HOA can put a lien on my house for unpaid fines? My wife is freaking out about that happening.

They can absolutely put a lien if you don't pay and lose an appeal most likely. Happened to a guy in my old complex in Ridgefield Park - ended up costing him like $800 total between the original fine, legal fees, and lien recording costs. Here's what I'd do - show up to that board meeting with proof you fixed the grass (before/after photos, receipts if you hired someone). Come prepared with a short statement about circumstances being temporary due to work. Be polite but firm. Most boards will at least reduce the fine if you're cooperative and it's a first offense. >also anyone know good lawn services in Paramus area? I'd check J&M Landscaping or B&B Lawn Care - both do quick turnaround Mow jobs. Probably cheaper than a $250 fine honestly.

Update everybody - I went to the board meeting last night and here's how it went... I brought photos showing my lawn has been maintaining at 3.5 inches since I got the notice, also had a receipt from the mowing service I hired ($85 for the whole front yard, not bad). I apologized to the board and explained work had been crazy but that I took responsibility. They ended up waiving the fine entirely! The president said since it was a first offense and I immediately corrected it, they'd give me a warning instead. Also noted my neighbor who reported me has complained about everyone else's lawns too so they're kind of tired of it. Lesson learned - show up, be humble, bring proof you fixed it, and don't just ignore it. Thanks everyone for the advice!