What Bugs You? Pesticide Application Notices for Community Associations

Spring is here. This means landscaping and lawn care season are in full swing, May flowers will bloom, and the bugs will follow. This spring is also my season to share perennial issues on my own Community Association Pet “Ps” list.

The first is pesticide notice.

Did you know that both the Virginia Condominium Act and the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act require associations to post notice of all pesticide applications in or upon common elements or areas?

Such notices must consist of:

• conspicuous signs
• placed in or upon the common elements or areas where the pesticide will be applied
• at least 48 hours prior to the application

See: Va. Code Section 55.1-1818; Va. Code Section 55.1-1957

Avoid the sting of non-compliance or complaints by ensuring your association posts the required pesticide application notices. One of the best ways to protect an association is to seek assistance from its landscape and/or lawn care contractor to post the required notices.

If not this year, then next, include this requirement in the written contract with the landscape or lawn care company. If you have any questions, reach out to one of the members of the Woods Rogers Community Associations team.

Next on my list of Community Association Pet “Ps” is pool rules. Subscribe to our legal alerts to stay informed about the legal issues facing community associations.