Latest news with #HOAs
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Contractor seeks legal guidance after HOA repeatedly denies neighborhood solar installations: 'Some HOAs think they are above the law'
One frustrated solar contractor in Ohio was stumped by a homeowners association president who refused to back down in the face of a new solar rights law. They posted about their baffling experience in the r/Solar community. "I am working with 6 customers in the same HOA in Ohio," they said. "They all stated that they want Solar, but the HOA is blocking them from going Solar." That story is sadly common. Solar panel installation (especially using EnergySage's money-saving tools to compare quotes) is one of the best methods available to reduce your energy bills. Solar panels turn sunlight into usable electricity, often enough of it to power your whole home for at least part of the year. It's great for your budget and also good for the planet, since this is clean energy. But HOAs often get in the way of this budget- and climate-friendly step, usually out of a concern for the appearance of the home. Much of the time, a homeowner's only recourse is to try to change the HOA's bylaws. But not so in Ohio, according to the original poster. "I looked up the laws and I see that SB 61 passed last year restricting the ability of the HOA to block Solar from being installed," they said. Even so, the HOA president would not budge. "I tried speaking with the property manager, and he said they can't block it due to SB61, but the HOA president said he wouldn't allow it when I spoke with him," said the original poster. "Has anyone in Ohio gone through the approval process for solar installs with a difficult HOA and found a solution?" Given that the law is on their side, some commenters thought the original poster should just forge ahead. "Some HOAs think they are above the law," said one user. "All you need is one homeowner to move forward with solar, and the rest will follow suit." "State law trumps any HOA bylaws or local ordinance," affirmed another commenter. "Sue, you will win if state law says that they can't interfere." The original poster could also help their clients by recommending EnergySage, which will help them with free services to make the solar installation process easier and cheaper. The average client receives almost $10,000 in incentives with this organization's help. What's the biggest factor stopping you from investing in solar panels? The cost The technology I'm a renter I'm already invested Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Disabled veteran sued by HOA over flagpole for which he has permit
The Brief An HOA is suing a disabled veteran over a flagpole he put up in his front yard to display the American flag. Florida statute says homeowners can have flagpoles even if their HOAs have rules about them. The homeowner does have a permit approved by the City of Port Orange for his flagpole. PORT ORANGE, Fla, - A Florida HOA is using a resident, a disabled veteran, over a flagpole he put up in his front yard to fly the American flag. What we know The Countryside Villas PUD-3 HOA in Port Orange is suing one of its residents, a disabled veteran, over a flagpole he erected to display the American flag. The HOA sent the homeowner a letter saying, "Permanent flag poles require approval prior to construction." They sent him warning letters, notices of fines and of increased fines, a hearing notice, and eventually served him with a lawsuit because he didn't pay the $1,000 fines they levied against him. One of the letters threatens they can place a lien on his home if he doesn't pay the fine. City records show inspectors came out twice and gave the flagpole the okay three weeks before the lawsuit was ever filed. An HOA attorney explained to FOX 35's Marie Edinger, Florida Statute now says as long as it's under 20 feet high, you can have a flagpole on your property, even if your HOA has rules against it. What we don't know FOX 35's Marie Edinger asked the HOA twice whether there was any remedy they could see that would result in the lawsuit being dropped; the first time, she did receive a response but that question was ignored, so she followed up to ask again. The HOA Board wrote back, "We would need to check with our attorney. However the resident is currently hospitalized." What they're saying Neighbors are up in arms over this issue. "Leave the veteran alone. He hasn't done anything wrong," said Frank Johnson, a veteran himself. Johnson assisted with the permit application for the flagpole. "He's called me crying that they're harassing him and bullying him," he added. "He's served this country. He's paid his dues. They want to get him on a flagpole and some weeds in the lawn. It's pathetic. It's really pathetic." Robert Sabatino say's he's pushing for a recall election because of all this. He's a history teacher. "I spend my year telling students all year that governments exist because the people allow it. And when the government becomes too abusive, it's up to the people to take it back and change it." Margaret Murphy sent the State Senator for the area, Tom Wright, a letter asking for guidance. "My father is a survivor of Pearl Harbor. He would be rolling over in his grave if I didn't say something." The HOA did not respond by FOX 35's deadline, but did respond afterward. The Board said in a statement that this is not about a flag or a flagpole. "The resident was told via multiple correspondences that he absolutely can have them. The situation boils down to that he failed to submit an ARC application which is required for flagpoles by the HOA. That rule has been in place since 1990," the HOA Board said. "Florida Statute makes it clear that an HOA resident also needs to follow the governing documents which he has failed to do. This situation is no different than any other Architectural guideline in our docs. As a result, a fine was imposed and he failed to pay the fine." An HOA attorney and the Managing Partner of Orlando Law group, Jennifer Englert, says this particular statue is much clearer than average: you have to allow flagpoles. "Why are you fighting about something that you know you have to allow, that is very clear?" she said. What's next There is a pre-trial hearing for this case in September. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source FOX 35's Marie Edinger read the lawsuit against the veteran in its entirety. She talked with two different HOA attorneys about the laws regarding flagpoles erected on private properties in communities with homeowners' associations in the state of Florida. She spoke with five people living within The Villas who discussed concerns over the HOA's handling of this lawsuit, as well as a woman who's been caring for the disabled veteran. She reached out to the HOA and to the HOA's attorney. She reviewed permit applications for the veteran's flagpole. She read a letter one community member sent the State Senator representing the area.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Las Vegas child care providers rally in support of bill in Nevada legislature
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — For National Day Without Child Care, some providers in the Las Vegas valley took the day off to rally at Paradise Park where they advocated for AB185, which would require HOAs to allow licensed, in-home child care facilities. The bill passed in the assembly and is making its way through the State Senate. 'I have moved to like seven different houses with the same issues. The homeowner says 'Yes' and they talked to their homeowner association. The home association says 'No, you can't do it,'' explained Vahentina Parker, director of Hands Of Luvv Childcare, a home-based facility. Parker said she hopes HOAs would gain a better understanding of what child care workers do. 'We follow the rules just like your regular tenants. Just come and see what we do, and then you'll understand,' said Parker, citing the struggle the Las Vegas area is having with child care options. 'It's a desert, not a shortage,' she said. 'Even in my community, to be honest, I am the only home child care provider.' Meanwhile, Octavia McLaurin, owner of the Kreative Minds Child Care facility in the southwest valley, said she hopes lawmakers will understand the true value of caretakers. 'A Day Without Child Care is to let them know- if we don't work, they don't work,' she said. McLaurin said there is a ripple effect when there is no one available to take care of children. 'This is my third state doing child care,' said McLaurin. 'Las Vegas is the lowest state paying for child care providers.' 'I keep my doors open because I want to make sure I provide and serve for the community that these kids need, that the families need, that they don't understand,' she continued. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston homeowners ‘fed up' with their HOA — 1 meeting even turned physical last year, yet nothing's changed
Homeowners' associations (HOAs) are fairly common across the country. In fact, about 77 million Americans — or about 23% of the population — lived in a community overseen by an HOA in 2024, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research. The research group also reports that HOAs collected an astounding $120.9 billion in dues from U.S. homeowners last year alone. But if you're going to pay your HOA dues, you want something in return. Typically, that 'something' is reliable property maintenance and regular upkeep of different amenities. A group of 'fed up' Houston homeowners, however, had to turn to news outlet KHOU for help when their HOA didn't live up to its end of the bargain. A group of residents at London Townhomes went to the media to share stories of "poor maintenance in their condo community and ineffective leadership." I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Residents at London Townhomes claim their HOA has not been doing its job — and it's been an ongoing issue. They say various maintenance issues continue to persist going on more than two years now and the HOA has been largely non-responsive. One resident called the situation "extremely frustrating and difficult." She added, 'according to our bylaws, the owners are supposed to be mostly in charge of the association… but that hasn't happened in the past two-and-a-half years." Not only have the HOA president and board been unresponsive to residents of London Townhomes, but KHOU reached out to the HOA president and got no response. A reporter from the news outlet even went to the president's door in an attempt to get answers, without success. A year before KHOU was contacted, a meeting was held between the HOA and residents, and things got physical. Video footage of the meeting had someone shouting, 'is that a threat?' However, that meeting didn't result in any progress either, and maintenance tasks remain neglected. The HOA finally held another meeting in late April after residents signed a petition and one filed a lawsuit in Harris County civil court. KHOU spoke with a rep from the HOA's management office who referred to the meeting as a productive one. However, that person also disputed residents' various claims and said that maintenance issues are typically addressed "as quickly as possible." However, the tense situation at London Townhomes is hardly an isolated incident. "The courthouse is full of lawsuits filled with HOA disputes," real estate attorney Richard Weaver told KHOU. Weaver has no connection to London Townhomes but recommends that anyone having HOA issues study their bylaws, which are typically supported by state law. Read more: Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Aside from the obvious — not getting your money's worth if the property is neglected or poorly-maintained — the lack of consistent care and attention may cause the value of your home to decline. That could present a problem in the event you decide to sell it one day. HOAs have a contractual obligation to do certain maintenance tasks. So, if your HOA isn't stepping up when it's supposed to, it's important to take action. First, read your HOA's bylaws to understand its obligations. Next, ask the residents of your community to show a sense of unity and reach out to the HOA informing them of issues and demanding that they be addressed. Keep a paper or email trail — even screenshots — of all communications and relevant dates, and be persistent. From there, you have several options. You could file a complaint with the HOA board. You could also seek to remove one or more members of the HOA board if they're not doing their job. If these measures fail, you could rally your fellow residents and file a lawsuit against the HOA on the basis of negligence or not performing its duties. Typically, you'd need to engage the help of a real estate attorney for situations like this, though, and there may be additional costs you and your fellow residents incur. However, you can also sue to have those costs recouped. Although lawsuits can be time-consuming, NOLO reports that many lawsuits are settled before going to court. So, if your HOA is unresponsive, your best bet may be to initiate a suit simply to get its attention and prompt a response. To be clear, it's not just a failure to make repairs that may lead to a lawsuit against a HOA. It can be guilty of other violations, from misusing funds to discriminating against certain members of your housing community. It's important to study your HOA's rules so you know what rights you have, and to take action when they're not being upheld. Though it can be a painstaking process, it may be a worthwhile one — especially as it may set a precedent for the future. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead There's a 60% chance of a recession hitting the American economy this year — protect your retirement savings with these essential money moves ASAP (most of which you can complete in just minutes) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston homeowners ‘fed up' with their HOA — 1 meeting even turned physical last year, yet nothing's changed
Homeowners' associations (HOAs) are fairly common across the country. In fact, about 77 million Americans — or about 23% of the population — lived in a community overseen by an HOA in 2024, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research. The research group also reports that HOAs collected an astounding $120.9 billion in dues from U.S. homeowners last year alone. But if you're going to pay your HOA dues, you want something in return. Typically, that 'something' is reliable property maintenance and regular upkeep of different amenities. A group of 'fed up' Houston homeowners, however, had to turn to news outlet KHOU for help when their HOA didn't live up to its end of the bargain. A group of residents at London Townhomes went to the media to share stories of "poor maintenance in their condo community and ineffective leadership." I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Residents at London Townhomes claim their HOA has not been doing its job — and it's been an ongoing issue. They say various maintenance issues continue to persist going on more than two years now and the HOA has been largely non-responsive. One resident called the situation "extremely frustrating and difficult." She added, 'according to our bylaws, the owners are supposed to be mostly in charge of the association… but that hasn't happened in the past two-and-a-half years." Not only have the HOA president and board been unresponsive to residents of London Townhomes, but KHOU reached out to the HOA president and got no response. A reporter from the news outlet even went to the president's door in an attempt to get answers, without success. A year before KHOU was contacted, a meeting was held between the HOA and residents, and things got physical. Video footage of the meeting had someone shouting, 'is that a threat?' However, that meeting didn't result in any progress either, and maintenance tasks remain neglected. The HOA finally held another meeting in late April after residents signed a petition and one filed a lawsuit in Harris County civil court. KHOU spoke with a rep from the HOA's management office who referred to the meeting as a productive one. However, that person also disputed residents' various claims and said that maintenance issues are typically addressed "as quickly as possible." However, the tense situation at London Townhomes is hardly an isolated incident. "The courthouse is full of lawsuits filled with HOA disputes," real estate attorney Richard Weaver told KHOU. Weaver has no connection to London Townhomes but recommends that anyone having HOA issues study their bylaws, which are typically supported by state law. Read more: Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Aside from the obvious — not getting your money's worth if the property is neglected or poorly-maintained — the lack of consistent care and attention may cause the value of your home to decline. That could present a problem in the event you decide to sell it one day. HOAs have a contractual obligation to do certain maintenance tasks. So, if your HOA isn't stepping up when it's supposed to, it's important to take action. First, read your HOA's bylaws to understand its obligations. Next, ask the residents of your community to show a sense of unity and reach out to the HOA informing them of issues and demanding that they be addressed. Keep a paper or email trail — even screenshots — of all communications and relevant dates, and be persistent. From there, you have several options. You could file a complaint with the HOA board. You could also seek to remove one or more members of the HOA board if they're not doing their job. If these measures fail, you could rally your fellow residents and file a lawsuit against the HOA on the basis of negligence or not performing its duties. Typically, you'd need to engage the help of a real estate attorney for situations like this, though, and there may be additional costs you and your fellow residents incur. However, you can also sue to have those costs recouped. Although lawsuits can be time-consuming, NOLO reports that many lawsuits are settled before going to court. So, if your HOA is unresponsive, your best bet may be to initiate a suit simply to get its attention and prompt a response. To be clear, it's not just a failure to make repairs that may lead to a lawsuit against a HOA. It can be guilty of other violations, from misusing funds to discriminating against certain members of your housing community. It's important to study your HOA's rules so you know what rights you have, and to take action when they're not being upheld. Though it can be a painstaking process, it may be a worthwhile one — especially as it may set a precedent for the future. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead There's a 60% chance of a recession hitting the American economy this year — protect your retirement savings with these essential money moves ASAP (most of which you can complete in just minutes) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
