How do I pay my dues? When are payments due?

Residents can choose to pay their 2025 dues in one payment of $360, or they can request the Quarterly Payment Plan, which is four payments paid quarterly of $90 each. 

Annual dues are invoiced on 1/1 and due by 1/31 each year. A printed annual statement is mailed to all accounts prior to 1/1. 

The Quarterly Payment Plan sends invoices on 1/1, 4/1, 7/1, and 10/1. They are due 30 days after invoicing. All Quarterly Payment Plan invoices are sent to the email address on file, along with a link for online ACH payments. Residents must have a current email address on file to use the Quarterly Payment Plan in 2025. If more than two payments are missed, the account will revert back to annual billing and be charged late fees.

Residents may pay Annual/Quarterly dues by check, money order, bank bill pay, or the online invoice link. Checks and money orders may be made out to the Highlands Property Owners Association. Lot number and street address must be included on all payment methods. Late fees will be charged on unpaid annual and quarterly payment plan dues. 

When is trash and recycling pickup?

Richland County provides citizens with weekly pickup for Household Garbage and Yard Waste; bi-weekly pickup for recyclables. Curbside collection is also provided for Bulk Items. The Highlands trash and recycling pickup days are Wednesdays. Cans should be brought to the street by 7am and returned by 9pm on Wednesday. Cans must not remain by the road after trash has been collected and should be stored out of view from the street.

Contact Richland County at 803-576-2440 for more information or visit their website: Richland County > Government > Departments > Public Works > Solid Waste & Recycling (richlandcountysc.gov) 

When/Where is the Annual Meeting held?

Annual meetings are held the third Tuesday in January at 7pm. Usually the location is Ridge View High School. A notice is sent 30 days prior to every property owner with more details.

Which schools are zoned for this neighborhood?

The Highlands neighborhood is in the Richland Two School District. Rice Creek Elementary School, Blythewood Middle School, and Ridge View High School are our zoned schools.

More information about the Richland Two School District can be found at their website: Richland School District Two - Home (richland2.org) 

I haven't received a fob yet, or my fob isn't working!

Each house in our neighborhood is issued one physical fob to use our amenities. Physical fobs should be transferred along with any household keys and garage door openers at time of sale. Our new security system also uses the Verkada app for easy access right from your phone. 

If your dues are paid up to date and you don't have Amenities access, reach out to us at info@theHighlandsColumbia.com and we will sort this out for you. Property owners must request fobs for renters, and an Owner Renter Amenities Agreement must be on file with the HPOA.

If you have a fob related request, click FOB ISSUE.

Will the HPOA give me a violation for not following the CC&Rs? Are there fines?

Since 2024, our team has been conducting routine inspections of the neighborhood to help maintain the beauty of the Highlands. If a property concern is identified, we will send a courtesy notice to the resident through HOA Life. Our intention is always to be understanding and allow enough time for residents to address any concerns. If the issue hasn’t been resolved by the next inspection, an official violation notice will be issued. After multiple notices and a grace period, fines of $25 per day may be applied.

Please know that our primary goal is not to generate revenue, but rather to foster compliance with our CC&Rs and ensure that the neighborhood remains beautiful, clean, and orderly. If you have any questions or concerns about a specific violation notice you’ve received, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the HOA Life portal: https://portal.hoalife.com.

I want to add or change something to my property. Do I need to ask permission?

We love that you want to add something new and improved to your home! We strive to keep our neighborhood charm by ensuring the houses in The Highlands are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with each other. This means some items and modifications you'd like to do need approval. Please visit the Architectural Review page to view these items. You will need to submit the Architectural Review Application on HOA Life website before getting started. Our Architectural Review committee will review your request and get back to you within 30 days. 

When does the pool open?

Our pool is open from the beginning of May through beginning of October. Pool hours are 9am-9pm seven days a week. Guests must be accompanied by a resident who is 18+ years old. Please see the Amenities tab for more information.

I'm having a problem with a neighbor that I can't resolve on my own.

Please contact us by phone or email with more information about this situation so we can help you reach a resolution. For more information about The Highlands Covenants, please check out the Documents tab at the top right of this page.