Our HOA is 50 years old and I am sure has changed over the years. But a HOA IS a governing body, which the members have the greatest control over. That government which governs closest to those governed, governs best.
I am involved in our HOA for the purpose of maintaining and bettering our community. Do I seek a fiefdom? No. I do not care about power. I care about my home's value and being able to enjoy the amenities which are common the everyone.
Yes, there are rules. If you don't like them, don't move here. Do not move here and assume that the rules don't apply to you. If you don't like a rule, get involved and change it (if you can garner the support of the community, but don't be surprised if people like the rule.).
Since the governed body is small, you do have a lot of power to get things done and changed. Unlike going up against the city, state or feds.
Bottom line: Quit whining, get involved or get out.
“Yes, there are rules. If you don’t like them, don’t move here. Do not move here and assume that the rules don’t apply to you. If you don’t like a rule, get involved and change it (if you can garner the support of the community, but don’t be surprised if people like the rule.).”
The problem with HOAs is that the rules keep changing or that the rules are allowed to change.
Heard the: “if you don’t like the rules you can leave” line from a HOA official. Geeze not like we were living in a tent that can be packed up and moved?
I’d rather live in my truck.
You’re just proof of the nasty tyrants that occupy an HOA. We had a nasty like you and we made the little girl get out.