Hoa Application: Fill & Download for Free

Well, here’s a “three for one”…My friend received a “citation” from his HOA. Note that any notice from the HOA included a threat of fine and potential expulsion!Even in their “Happy Holidays” card! (“Please note, failure to remove holiday decorations by January 5th will result in a fine, and potentially expulsion from the community.”)The citation stated that, in the quarterly “walk-around” inspection, it was noted that his rear deck was a community eyesore, as it was faded and needed to be re-stained.My friend went to the next Association meeting to protest this citation.He conceded that the deck was faded, but pointed out that it was completely enclosed and concealed behind his TEN FOOT HIGH privacy fence, so it COULDN’T be a “community eyesore”, unless the community was standing on a ladder to invade his privacy!!He asked management just how they saw the deck, and they admitted to using a ladder!My friend stated that, if they wanted to press the issue with a fine, or start an eviction, he would be forced to respond by notifying the police, the real estate board, and the local news. The issue was dropped.During that meeting, another issue was raised - to protect the appearance of the community, there were rules regarding the exterior colors home owners were allowed to paint the siding, doors, windows, etc.If owners wanted to repaint their homes, they were required to submit an application to the HOA (with an application fee), stipulating the color, location of application, etc. and wait for a “certificate of change” to be issued.The issue under consideration was a homeowner who had had a small fire that scarred his steel front door. He had repainted the door in THE ORIGINAL COLOR, but he hadn’t said “Mother, may I” and paid the fee, so they wanted to fine him!The homeowner argued that1) he hadn’t changed the color, so he didn’t need them to approve the color they obviously had approved when the door was first painted, and2) they would have fined him IF HE HADN’T made the repair!This stupidity actually made it to a vote, but the homeowners showed some common sense (and self-concern, in case they became the next victim of this overreach) and voted it down.

I, personally have never been reported for my personal home. (I am not a fan of HOA run neighborhoods… Nor would I ever move to one. )However, I recently did work on a deck in a community with a strict HOA. I was told by one of the homeowners that he and the HOA were at odds due to all kinds of matters.But, I digress…My partner and I power washed, deep cleaned, sanded, stripped and truly transformed a deck into something pretty dang beautiful. The homeowners said they hated it… They didn't like the natural variations in the wood with the semi-transparent stain. So, we get a solid stain, that covered everything. They both chose and approved the colour.After days of staining, we finished up. One homeowner seemed happy, the other; their usual, difficult, mean and severely bitchy self.They say after we replace their furniture on the deck we moved to stain, we could collect our payment.I received a text from the homeowner… Apparently a neighbor called and complained about the deck. They concluded the deck colour was not compliant to the list of applicable colours… And I was told that our work became sloppy and we somehow didn't do a good job. (We were told both times we stained that we were doing a great job by 1 homeowner. )So, yeah… I got screwed by the HOA… because they have to pay to have the deck re-stained…AGAIN(3rd time.) To an acceptable colour palette. So, I was more than shorted on pay, lost money, time and stained a freaking deck 2x with no additional costs to the homeowner.What did I learn today???That the color name New Cedar is NOT the same through the various stain companies. (Sarcasm… I realized I needed to clarify this statement, haha)

Like other answers on here, don’t be subtle.Tell them, “I understand that you had an agreement with the previous owner…but I am not legally bound to honor that agreement.I don’t feel comfortable with the liability that could come if you are injured or killed using my pool.People can only use my pool with my permission, knowledge, and in some applications, presence.”Make sure you post signs saying “no trespassing”, install fences and locks, and if possible, install security cameras.If you say no, the answer is no…it doesn’t matter what agreement they had with the previous owner. Be polite, but firm.And if they ignore you? Whether you like it or not, you may have to get the police involved regardless.