I hate my HOA!!! - Long Vent

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

OP - I would bet that the comment about "no teeth" applies....

it really depends on the HOA...yours sounds ridiculous.....have you tried to talk to them and explain you took on this mess and are doing your best to make it better...

our HOA is pretty reasonable..mostly just trying to keep things nice...the rules sound like a pain on paper sometimes, but are really only enforced when someone does something over the top or obnoxious..we do have grey hairs with nothing better to do than blow people in , but again it is rarely enforced unless it really needs to be....I would never live in an area without one, but it would have to be a reasonable one.....

edited to add: that wouldn't happen here - our HOA takes care of that kind of yard waste for us !!! This time of year they come around on a daily basis - later in the summer it will go to once a week. They only ask we TRY to plan it so it doesn't sit out too long, but nothing beyond that!- so they would never complain about it!

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I would not want to live in a place that had a HOA. If I paid for the house, then I want to be able to do whatever I want to it.

Those that like HOA's, would you like people telling you not to color your hair pink?? To me, it's the same thing.

 

[Chicago526]

I had and HOA when I lived in my condo (which since they are shared buildings, is really nessesary). They were actually pretty decent, but I swore I'd never live in an HOA again if I could help it. Just too restrictive for me!

The vast majority of homes in my area don't have HOA's, and the vast majority of those houses are pretty well maintained. The villages do a good job of code enforcement, if someone's yard gets out of hand, or you have 5 junkers outside your house, the village or city will fine the homeowner. It doesn't control people who want to paint their house neon green, but it keeps the worst of it at bay.

 

[ducklite]

I would not want to live in a place that had a HOA. If I paid for the house, then I want to be able to do whatever I want to it.

Those that like HOA's, would you like people telling you not to color your hair pink?? To me, it's the same thing.

You obviously don't know how HOA's work. Maybe you should educate yourself before looking foolish trying to make personal attacks.

Before you buy a home in a neighborhood with a HOA, you are given a list of the rules and regulations. If you don't like those rules, you don't buy the house. And it would be a violation of fair housing law to discriminate (or create rules) based on a persons looks.

Anne

 

[binny]

Bottom line, if you don't want to live in a community with a HOA, then don't. but don't malign everyone commuity with a HOA as if people were living in a police state, because that's just not the case.

Anne

well obviously that has been the case with several of us.
Some of us definately felt like we lived in a police state. You know that psycho from Over the Hedge? We had one of those in our last neighbourhood. Whatever the case she was right and everyone was wrong. Even when we called her on the rules she insisted that we were mistaken.
If you live in a place with a great HOA good for you. I would hazard a guess that hasnt been the case for many of us.


I think the point is you CAN live in a perfectly nice neighbourhood with nice homes ( where doctors and lawyers live even) and sidewalks and *gasp* even a park without being over governed by some self important psycho on a power trip.

 

[ducklite]

I think the point is you CAN live in a perfectly nice neighbourhood with nice homes ( where doctors and lawyers live even) and sidewalks and *gasp* even a park without being over governed by some self important psycho on a power trip.

Did I ever say you couldn't? I grew up in a wonderful subruban neighborhood with plenty of doctors, lawyers, CEO's, cops, teachers, you name it that had no official HOA. The "Ladies Club" was a voluntary social club that raised money to keep the sign on the entrance to the development maintained, and plant a few flowers there each spring.

Anne

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

You obviously don't know how HOA's work. Maybe you should educate yourself before looking foolish trying to make personal attacks.

Before you buy a home in a neighborhood with a HOA, you are given a list of the rules and regulations. If you don't like those rules, you don't buy the house. And it would be a violation of fair housing law to discriminate (or create rules) based on a persons looks.

Anne

Um, first of all I DO know how HOA's work, so don't tell me I am foolish. THAT is a personal attack.

Second, I was not making a personal attack. I was merely asking a question.


The HOA sets a guideline of what you can and can't do. Thus, you may not paint your house certain colors.
I never said anything about discrimination; maybe you should read and try to comprehend what I wrote, before yelling at me. I just made a parallel statement and stated TO ME, that there was no difference.

 

[mickeysgal]

I can see both sides. We lived in a neighborhood with no HOA and while most kept up their property, there were those that just didn't. That hurts the whole neighborhood and the property values.

We had a neighbor across the street that really didn't need a postage stamp lot - she needed a farm or something with more open spaces. Her yard was a mess. Her yards were cluttered with tall, tall grass and rocks. She was a naturalist. Her front and back yard basically resembled highway scrub. Thats where a HOA comes in handy. It was an eyesore.

Now we do live in a community that has a HOA and they're reasonable. Thats the key - reasonable. Our HOA dues pays for our community center building, the pool, tennis courts, and countless social activies for adults and families. Yes they require architechural approval before you alter your landscaping, paint, etc. but their guidelines are broad, not restrictive. As a result, our subdivision is highly sought and our resale values have stayed strong even though other areas are experiencing a decline in values due to the overall market.

You can't paint a board sweeping generality either for or against HOA. Never say never....

 

[binny]

and for the record looks are not a protected class in the fair housing law. I have worked for the fair housing council for 12 years. I have even been involved in cases that went to the supreme court. Looks is NOT a protected class.


The Analysis identifies impediments which restrict or have the effect of restricting housing choice among those groups who are afforded protection by Federal and State anti-discrimination laws. Those laws prohibit housing discrimination, regardless of intent, based on nine factors:

1. Race 6. Disability

2. Color 7. Familial Status (families with children)

3. National Origin 8. Age

4. Religion 9. Marital Status

5. Sex

Those categories of citizens are referred to as "protected classes". The laws apply to any party involved, directly or indirectly, in a housing transaction, e.g. the sale, rental or financing of housing. This includes landlords, property managers, real estate brokers, appraisers and mortgage lenders. Local government and public agency policies and procedures are also governed. Poverty is not a protected class, and it is legal to refuse housing to those who can not afford to pay.

 

[ducklite]

Um, first of all I DO know how HOA's work, so don't tell me I am foolish. THAT is a personal attack.

Second, I was not making a personal attack. I was merely asking a question.

Um hm.

Anne

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Personally I wish my HOA would do a little more. Some houses and yards are looking pretty sad (mold on roofs and fences, weeds taking over lawns, etc.).

 

[ducklite]

I can see both sides. We lived in a neighborhood with no HOA and while most kept up their property, there were those that just didn't. That hurts the whole neighborhood and the property values.

We had a neighbor across the street that really didn't need a postage stamp lot - she needed a farm or something with more open spaces. Her yard was a mess. Her yards were cluttered with tall, tall grass and rocks. She was a naturalist. Her front and back yard basically resembled highway scrub. Thats where a HOA comes in handy. It was an eyesore.

Now we do live in a community that has a HOA and they're reasonable. Thats the key - reasonable. Our HOA dues pays for our community center building, the pool, tennis courts, and countless social activies for adults and families. Yes they require architechural approval before you alter your landscaping, paint, etc. but their guidelines are broad, not restrictive. As a result, our subdivision is highly sought and our resale values have stayed strong even though other areas are experiencing a deep in values due to the overall market.

You can't paint a board sweeping generality either for or against HOA. Never say never....

Well put. I'm out of this thread because it looks like the minions have come out in force to attack me personally instead of having a rational discussion, and I'm not going to feed their frenzy. Too bad, as it could have been a good discussion.

Anne

 

[Chicago526]

I can see both sides. We lived in a neighborhood with no HOA and while most kept up their property, there were those that just didn't. That hurts the whole neighborhood and the property values.

We had a neighbor across the street that really didn't need a postage stamp lot - she needed a farm or something with more open spaces. Her yard was a mess. Her yards were cluttered with tall, tall grass and rocks. She was a naturalist. Her front and back yard basically resembled highway scrub. Thats where a HOA comes in handy. It was an eyesore.

Could you not call your town to report a code violation? Not keeping your yard up will get you fined by the village or city around here. I'm not talking about letting your grass grow a bit long because you didn't get around to mowing it over the weekend, I'm talking about stuff like what you described.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Well put. I'm out of this thread because it looks like the minions have come out in force to attack me personally instead of having a rational discussion, and I'm not going to feed their frenzy. Too bad, as it could have been a good discussion.

Anne

Who is attacking you? I have seen the pictures of your hair, so I did bring that up (since you are for freedom of expression with hair, but not a house)?

I wanted to know why people felt one was ok, but not the other.

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

Could you not call your town to report a code violation? Not keeping your yard up will get you fined by the village or city around here. I'm not talking about letting your grass grow a bit long because you didn't get around to mowing it over the weekend, I'm talking about stuff like what you described.

If we have issues with neighbors not keeping their yards maintained, we can call the town. A deadline is given for cleaning up the mess. If they don't comply, a fine is given.

There is no need for a HOA here. I haven't run into people here that are painting their houses wacky colors. People mow their grass and plant whatever they want. We have some beautiful homes around here.

 

[mickeysgal]

Could you not call your town to report a code violation? Not keeping your yard up will get you fined by the village or city around here. I'm not talking about letting your grass grow a bit long because you didn't get around to mowing it over the weekend, I'm talking about stuff like what you described.

There was nothing that anyone could do. We lived across the street. Those that lived next door to her on either side and the ones in back - did try with the village to no avail. It was just her style. She was a naturalist. Not that there is anything wrong with that other than the fact it was a bit too much if you know what I mean. I guess it got really bad when she added a pond so as to attrack mosquitoes so that the mosquitoes would attract a certain type of bird. Neighbors around her couldn't sit outside in their own yards due to the all the insects. Luckily, like I said, we lived across the street and just had to look at the front yard. The back was far worse.

I guess our town also had a broad definition of what was acceptable in regards to yard maintainance (certain height grass). As long as she kept it under that height, you can't do anything about it. They can't tell you to get the weeds out of your lawn and they can't tell you to style your yard a certain way.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

My personal opinion is that HOA's are for people who want to control what their neighbors are able to do. Some are reasonable, and others are just ridiculous. Most towns have various ordinances in place regarding the upkeep of your property.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Originally Posted by ducklite View Post
Well put. I'm out of this thread because it looks like the minions have come out in force to attack me personally instead of having a rational discussion, and I'm not going to feed their frenzy. Too bad, as it could have been a good discussion.

Anne

personally I've always found that whenever you are going to take the position that anybody who disagrees with you or has an alternate viewpoint must be irrational, uninformed, out to get you, not know what they are talking about, or just plain stupid.....

well then "good discussions" are going to be hard to find.

Back to the OP - you have my sympathy. We have a 30 year old house ourselves and sometimes the yardwork, rehab and maintenance can just overwhelm. Sometimes, things just have to get a little messy before they will look better. I'm glad I don't have to deal with a HOA.

 

[EthansMom]

Here is the deal. DH and I bought an older home that needed some yard work. We have been really working hard to clear it out. There's probably about 15 years of overgrowth going on. Our grabage company will clean up any debris as long as its near the curb. You would think these people would be happy that
1. The house is not sitting vacant as most houses for sale here are.
2. We obviously take care of the place. (ie. New paint, landscaping)

but NO! I get some nasty call that I am violation of some HOA rule. The HOA is VOLUNTARY!! If the debris is not removed within 24 hours, they will give me a fine. It has been like this for any thing we do. I'm starting to think it's because we're not retired and this was a retirement area for quite some time.

I have people stop and yell out their windows things like "hey are you going to clean this yard up." I wonder if they said these same things to elderly woman we purchased the house from.

I would mail the HOA a pleasant letter letting them know that you are in the process of bringing the maintenance of the yard and home up to the standards of the HOA. Since you are working at undoing a decade or more of neglect, it will take you some time to bring the house up to expected conditions and you appreciate the HOA's patience while you work on the yard and house.

As for anyone yelling out the window... yell back, "Yeah, we are! It needs a lot of work... you want to help?"

 

[Brier Rose]

Funny how different people are!

We actually looked for a subdivision that DID have a HOA!

We have a system in place that if you violate the covenents you are fined.

If you don't pay your fines, then they put a lein on your property.

Anybody that buys here KNOWS that going in. You have to sign a paper stating such at closing.

It's not anything too drastic, and MOST people comply, but there are a few.

They are the ones that want to block the streets with their boats and vehicles...PITB!