It's rare to see someone speak positively about homeowners' associations on social media — which is why a Reddit post about a homeowners' association's absolutely ridiculous demand wasn't nearly as shocking as you'd expect.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the post was that it was shared on r/mildlyinfuriating, a subreddit for discussing minor frustrations, even though the story was actually very infuriating.
“My parents' HOA passed a rule this year requiring all houses in the neighborhood to be 35 feet from the street,” the post's title began, innocently enough.
Unfortunately it continued.
“These neighbors may have to demolish their home (which has been there for more than 12 years) if they are not granted a variance permit,” it concludes.
For those fortunate enough to have never had to contend with such an animal in their adult lives, there are HOAs, neighborhood groups organized to set and enforce rules about what can and cannot be done to homes or yards.
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Homeowners can pay up to $1,000 a month for the privilege of serious interference. Home Warranty Company 2-10 surveyed homeowners, 85% of whom belonged to an HOA, and found that 70% would choose not to join their HOA if they could.
One reason HOAs are so despised is that many homeowners can't opt out – 30% of American homes are part of one and 66% of new homes built in 2022 had HOAs.
HOAs can be particularly problematic when it comes to eco-friendly upgrades, be it installing solar panels, growing vegetables, switching to a natural lawn, or remodeling your yard.
Intrusive neighbors are one thing, but homeowners associations have the power to levy fines for infractions like going solar, and a Florida woman was actually sent to prison for the crime of slightly drying out grass.
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In short, homeowners' associations have been known to bully residents—and like bullies on a playground, it's possible for homeowners to fight against their homeowners' associations and win. In the Reddit thread, commenters expressed shock at the conflict and asked how such demands could be enforced.
Homeowners' associations “can actually kick you out of your home and sell it away from you if you don't pay their fines,” one user explained.
“What the fuck??? Like HOW IS THIS EVEN LEGAL??? Does your government just allow this???” Another commenter responded.
Ultimately, the original poster said they recommended the homeowner fight back with support.
“I suggested that we get like-minded neighbors together and demonstrate the HOA president’s yard for a day,” they shared.
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