Is it legal for my homeowners association to fine me for having sports equipment on my driveway? (bball hoop)?

Question

River Run Homeowners association in Naperville -- fined my mother $50.00 for having a basketball hoop on her drive that isn't up (it's winter). As far as I'm concerned, they're not fining everyone else with sports equipment on their drives -- and even if they were, this seems ridiculous and not even legal (it's our property, on our driveway, how can we be fined for this?).

Any advice would be great!

Answer 1

If it's in the bylaws she agreed to, then they can fine you for anything.

Answer 2

Associations are basically evil...and should be avoided at all costs...They are a "big brother" form of government that is infiltrating our society, passing arbitrary "laws" and fines without opportunity of due course or trial.

Your mother has a contract with these nazi's...it's called a convenant. Read it. It likely prohibits sports stuff on the driveway, old cars (which they decide and not you), nail holes in the masonry (even though you own the portion of the building and land underneath it, they act like they do) and many other things. They can fine you for not haveing a copy of the covenants to pass to a person who buys you house! In Illinois, the townhouse covenant is covered by the Condominium Covenants act, which allows such contracts to be administered.

It is likely they fined YO*U because of a complaint...someone is an a_hole.
YOU however, have the right to complain about EVERYONES sports equipment, and get them fined too...misery loves company.

You are likely out of luck if it is in the covenants. If not, bring it to the board of directors and request it to be waived. You may be able to take them to small claims court, but I doubt...the laws protect their actions pretty well.

Answer 3

You always have that one neighbor who needs to complian in order to feel good and sleep well so I say this look at your associations bi-laws and see whats up, have a sit down bring it out but dont be a baby about other neighbors this isnt gradeschool, you start bringing up the names of others and your going to make enemies, think Band of Brothers,be clear and concise it's 50 bucks what do you want hire an atty who will charge you a retainer, consultation and everything in between and for what? to spend 3000 buck when it couldve been 50, Let them know who is boss dont let them push you around damn, if they are not paying your taxes then they can shut the yapper, let them know just exercise tact and fact

Answer 4

Homeowner's associations typically have broad powers in this area. This is to help residents maintain their property's value. You may be able to appeal to the board if you haven't been given prior notice of the violation, and if it's not a per se violation of the charter.

Answer 5

Why would anyone in their right mind buy a home in a homeowners association? They fine you for not having the right Christmas decorations, having a flag, etc, etc. What ever happened to ownership rights.

Answer 6

Read your home owner's assoc regs. One fella was cited, and I think even sued, because he had an AMERICAN FLAG on a TALL pole in his yard. None of his neighbors complained, just some whiny, pencil necked yahoo on the HO board. He was a retired military. He kept the flag. Home Owner associations get some wild ideas sometimes. They say, BUT THAT WILL LOWER MY PROPERTY VALUE...then complain about the tax assessment on their property! HAHAHAHAHA

Answer 7

It depends on the rules laid out in their agreements. Usually they send a copy to each homeowner. However, if no one else is getting fined, I suggest she contest it on those grounds.

Answer 8

I think you would need to check the bylaws of the community to see what it says. Many communities prohibit such displays. Be on the safe side and check.