Category Archives: Social Values and Conflict

Boucher gets 30 days in jail for attacking Rand Paul in his HOA neighborhood

Posted on by

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   UPDATE: The New York Times and Fox News report that Rene Boucher was sentenced to 30 days in prison and one year of probation for the violent assault of his neighbor, Senator Rand Paul. Boucher was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and complete 100 hours of community service. Paul’s attorneys had asked for a 21-month prison sentence. Spokespersons for Paul say that there was no long-standing Continue ReadingBoucher gets 30 days in jail for attacking Rand Paul in his HOA neighborhood→

Advertisements

It’s time to deregulate homeowners and restore private property rights

Posted on by

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Legislative sessions are in full swing across the U.S. And some states are, once again, considering bills that are intended to rein in abuse and corruption of a virtually unregulated industry: association-governed, common interest communities, more commonly known as homeowners’ associations or HOAs. As explained in a previous post Recipe for HOA abuse: too much power, no accountability, across the nation, housing consumers are fed up with HOA bully Continue ReadingIt’s time to deregulate homeowners and restore private property rights→

Fair Housing legal victory for Hawaii condo owners, $1.7 M award

Posted on by

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Gregory and Michele White’s condo horror story began in 2014, when they replaced the light colored carpet in their 2nd floor condo townhouse unit with dark wood floors. Kenolio Condo Association has a rule that requires 2nd floor unit owners to install carpeting, in order to prevent noise disturbances to residents on the first floor. Greg White is visually impaired. He explained that hardwood floors help him to move Continue ReadingFair Housing legal victory for Hawaii condo owners, $1.7 M award→

HOA rule enforcement often leads to financial pressure, threats to health

Posted on by

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities By now, it’s common knowledge that homeowners,’ condo, and cooperative associations can be very strict about enforcing their covenants. And some of the rules enacted by HOA boards are downright unreasonable and crazy. But enforcing onerous rules is more than a mere annoyance for many homeowners and residents. Allow me to illustrate by example. Veteran forced to sell home at a loss, because he dared to challenge the HOA’s Continue ReadingHOA rule enforcement often leads to financial pressure, threats to health→