Homeowners Associations: Many Consider Them Fighting Words

LA Times ^ | 4.3.06

[Blogger]

No sarcasm where I'm concerned. Our HOA manager leaves something to be desired. But, they've generally done a good job for us.

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

this is 1 reason why I moved into a neighborhood WITHOUT an association

[Politicalmom]

I just got a notice scolding me for "storing my lawn mower in a visible place". It was sitting in front of the house for one afternoon because I was waiting for my husband to start it because I couldn't get it started.

I HATE HOAs, but I am tolerating this one only for the school. When my kids are out of school, we are off to get some real LAND. : )

[Wolfie]

Of course there was no such authority granted. and the board backed down.

That's the beauty of the contractual agreement.

[mlc9852]

Where you live they don't have any regular houses in regular neighborhoods?

[Potowmack]

My new neighborhood has a homeowners asociation. I got the list of rules for my house (fences type, outbuilding, mailbox type, etc.) I threw it in the trash.

But if you violate those rules, the HOA will be able to take legal steps to enforce them, including putting a lien on your house.

[peacebaby]

An HOE dictating the color of flowers is out of line. That is extreme. How can that be lawful?

[Fawn]

I am on the board...and sometimes when they call me....my mouth is literally hanging open at the boldness, ignorance, threats and just plain stupidity at some of the homeowners phone calls. One moron called me at 10am sunday night b*tching about something....and I couldnt' get a word in edgewise....so I just hung up. If she would of came to my house, I'd of dialed 911. Don't these stupid people realize that I am a VOLUNTEER trying to save us money, get the good bid, make the place look nice...and trying to keep our HOA FEE down? They look at me as an enemy. I'd gladly quit if other people would help out. BUt volunteers are scarce..... All they want to do is criticize and b*tch. Now you got me started. When I move, I'm selling my house to a bunch of illegals.

[KarlInOhio]

I said when I bought mine I didn't want an HOA and he told me all new housing in Virginia is required to belong to one. You can't even all get together and vote to disband - if you do, the state takes it over.

Can you get together to change the bylaws to "The HOA will charge each homeowner one dollar a year. This money will be spent on beer for the board who will drink it and not otherwise bother you."

[Potowmack]

But what do you do if your neighborhood switches over to one by majority vote? Do you pack-up and leave? Heck of a thing to be run off of your own land.

I could be wrong, but unless there is something in your deed forcing you to be bound in such a case, your neighbors couldn't force you to abide by the rules of their new HOA if you did not join.

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

HOA - your property isn't yours anymore.

You are free to buy a rundown shack out in the boondocks and and let your weeds grow so high that it hides your rusted out pickup truck sitting in your front yard on concrete blocks.

HO Associastions are designed to protect the value of properties and to set standards. If you want to "do your own thing", then do it in your shack in the boonies.

[CharacterCounts]

That's the beauty of the contractual agreement.

Great, hire a lawyer so you can plant flowers. Plus the homeowner has to pay his own lawyer and his dues pay for the boards lawyer. doesn't sound so beautiful to me.

[nina0113]

That's practically what happened, though actually putting it in the bylaws is a BRILLIANT idea - they do collect the money ($50 a year) but all the busybodies got voted off the board & replaced by people who don't give a $#!+. I think the only thing they're still enforcing is no permanent above-ground swimming pools.

[peacebaby]

I bought my home not realizing there was a stipulation in the HOA guidelines that company vans with company logos couldn't be parked in the driveway...My husband's company van is his office! A mere 2 weeks affter moving in, I am confronted with this problem!

We ended up buying blank white magnetic signs which hubby put over the offending logos every evening when he came home.

[mysterio]

The ones that you are forced to sign when you buy the house should be banned. All HOAs should be voluntary and not a condition of sale.

And below this post will follow the protestations of dozens of pro-HOA busybodies that it IS voluntary, don't buy the house!

It's not voluntary if you are foced to sign it as a condition of sale. If you want to control your neighbor's property, but it. If you can't afford to buy it, tough. No one should have to sign their property rights away to a non-owner as a condition of sale.

[peacebaby]

Condo Nazis


or the Stepford Wives

[Realism]

But what do you do if your neighborhood switches over to one by majority vote? Do you pack-up and leave? Heck of a thing to be run off of your own land.

These people are not the local government Zoning or Planning Board, though they may like you to think so. They have no power without your written consent, especially if you were there first.

[Skooz]

Well stated.

[L98Fiero]

"I bought my home not realizing there was a stipulation in the HOA guidelines that company vans with company logos couldn't be parked in the driveway."

Gotta keep out those nasty blue collar workers who work with their {GASP} HANDS!

[peacebaby]

yes, those nasty blue collar workers who can keep the exec's house from falling apart while the hot shot pushes papers in his starched white Brooks Brothers shirts.