To read some of the vitriol directed at HOA’s, you’d think most people were ignorant hillbillies that cannot read contracts, and enjoy making inelegant property decisions without concern or care for their own neighbors.
Not to say that there aren’t HOA Nazi’s going nuts out there, but seriously - there is a reason that HOA’s came into existence, much like ‘stereotypes’.
I’m sure there are plenty of ‘interesting neighbor’ stories that came from relatively uncontrolled residential areas that would more than balance out these occasional HOA nightmares.
Guessing some garages got hoarded up with stuff and don’t have the space to park in anymore - just a thought.
The rule in question is black and white.
It isn’t a matter of an abusive HOA board or nosy neighbors.
It’s amazing how many people don’t exercise due diligence before buying a home.
Well, if you want to live in many areas of the country, you are FORCED to have a HOA. This is not a choice and many don’t like it. Contract or not, FORCE is not your friend!
The HOA I was in, before it was disbanded, tried to use the Architectural Committee to limit the number of cars you could park on your property, tried to force me to sell my horses. would decide they didn’t like someone doing X and try to retroactively ban X. The HOA lawyer kept telling them they could not legally do those things.
When I was on the BOD, we told the Architectural Committee to turn over their files so we could review them. They refused. The HOA lawyer told them to hand them over or be fined. The records showed they would meet to discuss ways of screwing someone who offended them! The BOD fired every member of the committee, and then we started the process of eliminating the HOA.
When 90% of the homeowners vote to eliminate the HOA, you know the HOA was NOT looking out for the homeowners!