FROM THE HOA TRENCHES
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Headlines scream the latest abuses in America’s condo and homeowner associations. Local TV news outlets feature a 2-minute report on the horror stories, complete with footage of unanswered ringing phones and bolted management office doors. They often include brief shots of the victims with a sound bite or two. A third person usually tells These stories, who often misses the important details and simply state a few of the facts, some of which may be accurate. The HOA/condo stories tend to be just one of many stories reported in the news hour to fill in the time between commercials.
They simply don’t do the issues justice.
From the HOA Trenches is a new webpage feature that allows you to tell your stories in your words. It allows you to fill in the details and explain the situation. It allows you to help us understand what it is like being caught in the trenches of an association on a power trip. Help us understand what you feel, how it affects your family, your work, your relationships and your health. In other words, as much as possible, put us in your shoes. Give us the facts, tell us the silly stuff and tell us the plain ridiculous things.
You will post your stories on a blog called From the HOA Trenches. You may post them anonymously if you wish, but I will accept no story without a name and an email address, in case I need to clarify something. I will not include this information on the web page without your express permission. Feel free to include photos. Remember, a picture is worth 1000 words.
STORIES FROM THE HOA TRENCHES
Name: Arriane Sitter
MY STORY: I used to sit on the HOA board in my community, so I know it’s not an easy job. The current president of our HOA will not hold public meetings. We have no way of voicing our concerns or questions.
During his term, over 8 people have quit/stepped down because he is so difficult. He when a seat is empty, he appoints himself to the open seat to create a longer term for himself.
While the board has discretion to spend the community money, the current president spends an extraordinary amount of attorneys trying to fight homeowners and make sure his position is protected. Meanwhile most homeowners back down because they do not have access to unlimited funds.
For our annual board meeting, he paid the attorney’s office to count ballots….why would an attorney need to do that when the management company is already responsible to handle that.
He excludes certain board members from meetings. Currently he holds multiple positions and one other board member hold 2 positions. All other board members are members at large. This becomes a conflict of interest.
One of the board members has also been hired to perform work for the community. The board member has his own cleaning company that he owns. The board employed him to clean clubhouse. This is a clear conflict of interest since he sits on the board. But the board refuses to acknowledge the conflict.
As homeowners we have the right to request documents to review. The board refuses to allow homeowners that right. The management company is little to no help. They seem to follow whatever they are told and we are ignored when those requests are made.
There has to be a way to report concerns and hold HOAs accountable!
Thank you.
STORIES FROM THE HOA TRENCHES
Name: Arriane Sitter
MY STORY: I used to sit on the HOA board in my community, so I know it’s not an easy job. The current president of our HOA will not hold public meetings. We have no way of voicing our concerns or questions.
During his term, over 8 people have quit/stepped down because he is so difficult. He when a seat is empty, he appoints himself to the open seat to create a longer term for himself.
While the board has discretion to spend the community money, the current president spends an extraordinary amount of attorneys trying to fight homeowners and make sure his position is protected. Meanwhile most homeowners back down because they do not have access to unlimited funds.
For our annual board meeting, he paid the attorney’s office to count ballots….why would an attorney need to do that when the management company is already responsible to handle that.
He excludes certain board members from meetings. Currently he holds multiple positions and one other board member hold 2 positions. All other board members are members at large. This becomes a conflict of interest.
One of the board members has also been hired to perform work for the community. The board member has his own cleaning company that he owns. The board employed him to clean clubhouse. This is a clear conflict of interest since he sits on the board. But the board refuses to acknowledge the conflict.
As homeowners we have the right to request documents to review. The board refuses to allow homeowners that right. The management company is little to no help. They seem to follow whatever they are told and we are ignored when those requests are made.
There has to be a way to report concerns and hold HOAs accountable!
Thank you.
STORIES FROM THE HOA TRENCHES
Name
Terri RaFalik
MY STORY:
My HOA hasn't had an audit in over 5 years. The board/Treasurer advised that the cost (est $10K) is prohibitive. We are a 120 house community. The estimate is unrealistic/unlikely and the resistance creates suspicion. All HOAs should be required to conduct an audit/review minimally every 5 years.
The board president has sent an email to all in the community regarding a disagreement with one of the homeowners, making the issue very public and unnecessary and bullish and intimidating. While this action by the president is offensive, it does not cross any legal line--though I would be mighty pissed if she were talking about me! She has sent the police after me for emailing her for reasons that are a mystery. Just sharing
STORIES FROM THE HOA TRENCHES
Name
Terri RaFalik
MY STORY:
My HOA hasn't had an audit in over 5 years. The board/Treasurer advised that the cost (est $10K) is prohibitive. We are a 120 house community. The estimate is unrealistic/unlikely and the resistance creates suspicion. All HOAs should be required to conduct an audit/review minimally every 5 years.
The board president has sent an email to all in the community regarding a disagreement with one of the homeowners, making the issue very public and unnecessary and bullish and intimidating. While this action by the president is offensive, it does not cross any legal line--though I would be mighty pissed if she were talking about me! She has sent the police after me for emailing her for reasons that are a mystery. Just sharing
“The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.”
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