Category Archives: Enforcement of Rules, Covenants & Deed Restrictions

Delaware Villages of Five Points HOA bullies local library

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Little Free Library compressed

  By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   You’ve probably noticed that HOAs across the U.S. tend to hate Little Libraries. HOA restrictions rarely allow a homeowner to keep one. But today’s post shares an HOA vs. Little Library story with a twist. The Cape Gazette just published two articles about the Villages of Five Points HOA in Lewes, Delaware. The HOA reportedly has a history of opposing new development near its community, including a proposed Continue ReadingDelaware Villages of Five Points HOA bullies local library→

5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life

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  By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Before you buy into an association-governed common interest community, be aware that you will give up a lot of control  over your own home and personal lifestyle choices. Here are 5 ways that life in HOA-ville limits your rights and control over your home. 1. You’ll have to follow lots of rules Life in HOA-ville is full of rules and restrictions. The industry sells many buyers on Continue Reading5 ways HOA, condo, & co-ops take control of your property and your life→

Should cities adopt HOA-like restrictions?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   In today’s post, IAC considers the question: in the relentless quest for protecting property values, haven’t some cities gone too far?   Beware: Some cities turning into HOAs on steroids Several city and county governments in Georgia are up in arms about proposed restrictions on their power to dictate design elements of single-family and duplex homes. Five House representatives are sponsoring a bill that would prohibit local governments from Continue ReadingShould cities adopt HOA-like 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→