Man's rough month includes homeowners association fight

I haven't.

And there should be laws to protect homeowners.

And the water keeps coming to my home. The lights in the courtyard come on at night. I guess that counts as a good story. I would imagine most of them are somewhat similar. But why would anyone go running around shouting "I love my HOA". I imagine most of them pay bills for collective services and generally keep up maintenance. That's kinda what they should be for, and its not very exciting.

I wonder if this guy ever spoke to anyone on the hoa board or responded to them in any way. His personal story evokes compassion. But it doesn't sound like he did anything to deal with the situation. Its amazing how many people just stop paying HOA dues, but still expect full use of any benefits.

the insurance on my home is paid up, the landscaping is great, we have a new roof, they added lighting for safety reasons, and the Christmas party was fun.

But you are right - deadbeats think their neighbors should loan them money because that is what is happening when a delinquent owner does not pay their share of the dues.

They told him sorry. It's written in most HOA rules, you don't pay your dues, tickets or the fines for not cutting grass or trash out wrong time (some are daily fines). They will sue and take your assets away. Including the house if there is no bank to garnish.

Which I take care of myself. Does the HOA manage that for you?

People down thread are citing numbers like 15$ a year and 35$ a month. That doesn't really square with this man owing 4300 dollars. Color me skeptical.

But they don't make the news.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=6831253&mesg_id=6837299

Summary: dues are only $35 per month and they work very hard with indigent homeowners, giving them 6 months grace period before filing (interest applies), but some owners are just "assholes"!

Our dues are $15 a year and we don't get into other peoples' business. We just have to maintain some common space and the covenants which are not too onerous.

...but also have some horror stories, too.

It's not the association or the management, it's the attitude of the unit owners.

HOAs are a necessary evil but the power goes to some people's heads.

For example, we had our garage door replaced and painted it the original color as defined by the CCRs. The board told us to repaint it to match the faded paint on the garage doors of units around ours. It probably could have been contested, but that was the moment when we knew we had to move. Never have regretted it.

says his granddaughter's marriage was breaking up.

buy a condo or townhouse.You spend all that money and all you really own is the air in your rooms. No thanks.

because it's Christmas eve and all, and I'm aware that I'm supposed to feel real sorry for this guy...but I don't !

I have a GREAT HOA !
The grounds and pool are maintained weekly. The trash is hauled 3-4 times a week. We painted 2 years ago, and got a new roof 5 years ago. Trees trimmed once a year. Any problem is addressed with a simple phone call to the management office. Fully insured for all liability including earthquake damage. Reserves have 150% of what's required by law,

Cost : $400.00 a month.

Over the years there have been several "deadbeat" owners that enjoy entertaining at the pool and relaxing in the court yard. When prices all around us were dropping, we managed to not slide below the water, benefiting every owner here....including those owing 6 to 7 k in delinquent dues.

It's no fun putting a lien on your neighbors home or suing them in small claims,but some folks just are not responsible people and don't seem to mind mooching off others. And, I'm well aware that people run into trouble from time to time (I surely have) but we try to let our debtors know and work out plans for the future. Ignoring letters from the board or it's lawyers is not the attitude one needs to live in this kind of environment.

Sorry...

This is an interesting story, but it is not important news of national interest - and therefore inappropriate for LBN. Please consider posting in GD.