Tag Archives: Florida

Like city government, HOAs impose abusive fines and fees

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We the people Constitution

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Housing consumer advocates have spent the past several years exposing abusive fines and fees imposed by homeowners, condominium, and cooperative associations. Unfortunately, most advocacy groups ignore HOA abuse, even though it closely mirrors the behavior of some oppressive local government leaders. Local governments have long had the authority to impose fines for violations of health and safety codes. But recent trends reveal that city and county leaders are enacting Continue ReadingLike city government, HOAs impose abusive fines and fees→

Florida HOA, condo insurance scams, fraud in the news

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Scam fraud alert signs

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Two recent reports highlight insurance scams and fraud in Florida. Condo owner waits more than eight months for repairs after bathroom flood WFTS recently assisted Bill Honan, a frustrated condo owner in Tampa. A bathroom plumbing failure flooded his condo last fall. Restoration contractor, Synergy Contracting Group ripped out wet flooring and drywall, and began the process of drying out his home. Synergy’s representative also insisted that Honan fill Continue ReadingFlorida HOA, condo insurance scams, fraud in the news→

HOA living comes with many unexpected costs

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Homeowners may think their HOA fees cover all costs to maintain the common property. But, as these three recent reports illustrate, that’s not always the case. A Florida HOA won’t pay for wildlife control, a Colorado condo association takes more than a week to repair common water lines, and an Arizona HOA hits up owners to pay to rebuild the wall surrounding the private community.   Vultures descend on Continue ReadingHOA living comes with many unexpected costs→

HOA, condo & co-op golf course community updates (May 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Former developers once filed restrictive covenants limiting future use of their land to a golf course.  At the time, municipal and county leaders made the error of allowing this to happen. No one stopped to consider what would happen in the future, when the business model no longer works. Decades later, thousands of golf courses across the U.S. have faced bankruptcy. Owners closed up shop and stopped maintaining the Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op golf course community updates (May 2019)→