Christmas wish list for homeowners and residents of HOA housing

The best gifts in life are not things that we can see and touch, but things that make our lives better. For homeowners and residents of HOA housing, security and peace of mind are a top priority. This post provides a brief wish list of changes that would improve quality of life for millions of Americans.

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities deborahgoonan@gmail.com

Here’s my Christmas wish list for homeowners and residents of HOA housing:

That homeowners would begin to care more about creating positive relationships with their neighbors than protecting their property values. At the very least, I wish that neighbors would start getting along with one another.

That HOA co-owners would stop fighting with each other over:

• Petty, unpopular, and controversial HOA rules and restrictions.
• Spending money for necessary structural repairs.
• How the HOA is spending or not spending money.
• Owner requests for open access to HOA financial records.

That HOA board members would end the practice of fining neighbors for violation of aesthetic standard rules and regulations.

That HOAs would end the use of aggressive collection tactics, including piling on interest and outrageous attorney fees.

That no one would lose their home — and their financial equity — due to predatory HOA foreclosure practices.

That HOAs and renters of homes and condos would not be exploited by corporate investor-landlords, who care only about maximizing the flow of rental income.

That state Legislators would (finally) enact meaningful regulation of the HOA industry, from HOA community developers to management companies to HOA attorneys.

That Congress would consider federal legislation that affirms equal constitutional rights for all Americans, including those who reside in HOA housing.

That state and local governments would revise zoning laws and housing policies to promote new construction of non-HOA housing.

That state and local governments would enact a moratorium on new development of HOA-governed communities.

How to make wishes come true

Achieving the goal of improving HOA life requires a change of heart and sincere action from all owners and residents of communities, as well as meaningful legislative reform.

It will also require government to stop promoting new HOA construction to the exclusion of better housing alternatives.

Perhaps the new year can be the time for positive change?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.