HOAs - Could They Get Any Worse?

[nioka]

I am posting this here because it is from 2012.

I had a similar experience when I complained to my HOA about their baseless fee increases over several years and that my section, (the older original section), had not gotten any improvements or maintenance for several years. A month or two later I asked the HOA for a permit to take down a diseased and rotting tree that was leaning on my electrical wires and threatening to fall at any time. A week after I was granted a permit and had the tree removed the HOA fined me $1200 for removing the tree.
When I complained to the president of the board I was directed to the general manager. The general manager told me this when I questioned the fine, "we (the HOA) are above the law, we make our own rules and regulations and enforce them as we see fit."
That's pretty bad, right? Then I came across this article. You must read down to the the Bajonet Point FL article. If you don't think HOAs could get any worse read the article.

http://gawker.com/5830257/the-horror-of-homeowners-associations

[TXskyblue]

When I was house shopping years ago, the only absolute requirement was no HOA.

My parents had issues with their HOA when I was was growing up and I heard about issues other people had. There's no way I'd buy a house with a HOA no matter the price.

[tobee43]

our hoa helps the people cut down the trees and sign the approvals for the request i get a team together and we help....including cutting lawns and painting homes. so it's just your hoa, you should have checked it out more carefully.