However, frequently, the cheapskate members keep dues so low that the HOA has no recourse if a homeowner doesn't comply. They can make threats and levy fines, but they can't enforce them because they have no money for legal fees.
Good points; I looked for a good while to find a house in an area without an HOA.
The city where I live has basic common sense upkeep rules; for example, grass height limit is 12”, not 3”, and RV’s can’t be so long as to hang over the sidewalk when parked in the driveway.
Not too many people have RV’s anyway.
If anyone does have a small box trailer, they tuck it away behind the fence alongside the house.
Lots of people have those open mesh trailers that can be towed by a truck; they put those in a shed in the backyard, so its out of the way.
Like I said, common sense stuff that nobody would have a big problem with.
Oh, another anecdote about the grass; a lady down the street had lost her job and her lawn mower broke, and she had barely enough to get by on, and pay the bare necessities...
yes the grass did get too long a couple times and the city did paste a notice on her door, but then a couple neighbors mowed the lawn and took care of that till she got a job and bought a mower.