Category Archives: Enforcement of Rules, Covenants & Deed Restrictions

Don’t count on your HOA to enforce nuisance rules

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Do you believe that HOA covenants, restrictions and rules help keep a neighborhood looking neat and tidy, discourage your neighbors from behaving badly, and foster some sense of community? If so, read on. All too often, we hear reports of overly restrictive HOA enforcement of rules. HOAs have been known to fine and sue homeowners over trivial “violations of standards” that range from painting the front door an unapproved Continue ReadingDon’t count on your HOA to enforce nuisance rules→

Andrea’s HOA battle is over. What now?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Some of my readers know that, on January 31, advocates for rights of HOA residents lost another voice. Andrea Barnes died at the age of 46, leaving behind her husband, her parents, three children, other family members and friends. Andrea’s HOA dispute began in connection with her diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease, a disorder of the inner ear that causes problems with balance, constant ringing in the ears, and unpredictable Continue ReadingAndrea’s HOA battle is over. What now?→

HOA sues homeowner over 6-ft fence around his pool

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities HOA lawsuits often arise from petty rules. And sometimes HOA rules defy common sense and threaten public safety. That’s the case for Murray Randall from Wentzville, Missouri. Randall lives in Peine Lakes Estates, where he owns a spacious home with a backyard swimming pool, surrounded by a six-foot tall vinyl fence. Peine Lakes HOA requires approval for all exterior improvements, including installation of fences. The problem is, Randall decided Continue ReadingHOA sues homeowner over 6-ft fence around his pool→

How breaking HOA rules might land you in jail

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This weekend, followers on social media circulated a news report about Melchior Julien, a homeowner at Holly Tree Plantation in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Julien claims his HOA is discriminating against him, and now he might go to jail, because he is one of only two black residents in the community. But, reading the details of the story in The Greenville News, plus the official response posted by Holly Tree Continue ReadingHow breaking HOA rules might land you in jail→