What can I do about harrassment from neighborhood Association?

Question

I am constantly getting letters from the neighborhood association with ridiculous claims, second notices, stating my mailbox post doesn't meet regulations, or I am not to work on my car in my driveway, or my hose needs to be out of sight. All these claims are bogus and the writer on these letters is never in to receive my calls and never returns them. What can I do? Who does a neighborhood assocation answer to if I want to go over their heads? How does it work? Do they have to respond if someone writes them lies about these things?

Thank you for all your answers. There is nothing more to my story than stated. My mailbox is the same that I've had for ten years, when I bought the house brand new - it's the same as everyone else's. I've never worked on my car in the driveway or left my hose out. The truth is, it's probably the best kept house in the neighborhood - I'm aware of all the rules and follow them - I'm a grown adult with respect for my neighborhood. I pride myself in how well I keep my home. Sorry if you think I'm lying - but what a waste of time to lie to you and expect answers!

Answer 1

I work for an agency that mediates disputes like yours. I first recommend that you read all the rules, so that you know just what is covered, because it may be that the rules don't cover the situation and you're not in violation. If you think you're not in violation you should write to the Board of Directors and ask for a hearing on the alleged violations. Take photos of the alleged violations if you have to so you can use them as evidence to show what the situation really is. Very few places have any agency that deals specifically with HOA disputes, unfortunately so you may be on your own, unless you get a lawyer and sue the HOA.

Answer 2

I am President of my home owners association. I can honestly see no reason why the board would choose to single you out if you are following all the rules. In my experience people like you feel that it is okay to break the rules (which you probably never read) because you think you are somehow above the rules.

However if all these claims are completely false and you are in compliance you need to go to the next association meeting and confront the board. Maybe consider running for a position on the board next election (usually once per year).

Answer 3

Im not sure where you are, there are different rules for different places/countries but in Australia......

This information comes directly from Neghbourhood watch - Australia, they usually work in conjuction with the police and so if you have any further issues with this particular person that is sending these letters, keep all corospondance (get copies) and go to the police with them, the best you may be able to do is get a restraining order against them or have the police talk to them about it.

These are some of the things that NWofA ask in reagrds to personal saftey are:-

Secure your home when outside gardening and put away tools and gardening implements.

Lock your garage, shed and letterbox.

I have seen nothing that implies you need to follow these rules of this association, contact the police. Followed by a lawyer.

Answer 4

OK I'm not an expert but if you live within the association's housing then you must have signed a contract when you first moved in. This contract is a legally binding agreement and you cannot breach it without risk of lawsuit and/or eviction. These rules and regulations are in place to maintain certain standards in the neighbourhood and, frankly, it drives me buggy when my neighbour is tinkering with his obnoxiously loud dirtbike on his front lawn (which is my partly front lawn too). Now I'm not saying you're being irresponsible, I'm just trying to give you someone else's POV.

You obviously feel that these letters are meant to harrass and that you are not in violation of any regulations. Take some pictures or videos of the "problems" around your house. Keep a detailed log of all incidents with photographs. There should be an appeals committee or some kind of tribunal in which to present your case to. Otherwise, you might consider contacting a real estate lawyer. GL!

Answer 5

You should contact the board of the association. There should be several members (probably a Pres, VP, etc) whom you can contact. Many HOA's have websites these days with that information; I'm sure some of your neighbors will have it as well.

What can you do? If you are that great of a neighbor, there are several homes for sale in my neighborhood, I'd love one like you! I'd recommend responding to each letter IN WRITING via certified or registered mail. Sure, it is a pain, but this way you have proof that you responded and explained that whatever the complaint was, you weren't doing it.

I would also recommend asking your board for a COMPLETE copy of the HOA regs for your own information. That way you can compare the exact wording of the rules to what you're doing. (For example, here you can't park a company vehicle in the street, but you can in your driveway... so lame, but that is the key!)

Good Luck!

Answer 6

this can be a not common difficulty. To me it does no longer sound like a "tremendous community". i'd in no way, in no way bypass into an section with a house proprietors affiliation. I despise them. there is a few thing un-American about them to me. If i am going to't plant a bush or paint my homestead with out having a persons'' approval that critically restricts my freedom and invitations some jerk with a Napoleon complicated to act like king of the community. It exceedingly a lot in no way fails that a small clique sorts that make existence depressing for those outside the clique. If I had to stay there, i'd positioned up a flag pole with the yankee flag on it and in the journey that they suggested some thing, i'd take them to court. in the intervening time, i'd be searching for yet another position to stay. existence is too short to stay someplace that your associates make you depressing.

Answer 7

I believe that there is more to your story than you are disclosing.

Let's say everything you state is fact. Most associations have contracts with management companies that are paid to monitor your property and care for it. I would contact them to find out what is going on.

Also, someone mentioned going to one of your association meetings which I think is a great idea.

Be it as it may, I do not believe that you are telling us the entire story.

Answer 8

You might have a good harrassment suit. Save all of the documentation and take this person to small claims court.

Answer 9

Do you go to your association meetings? Have you tried confronting your accusor to their face?
How about sending them a box of homemade brownies...the "Good" kind?

Answer 10

that why i chose not to build in one of those community.i can do what ever i want on my five AC. of land.sell