Homeowner dismayed by HOA’s actions in wake of devastating hurricane: ‘It doesn’t feel legal’
One Florida homeowner The problems of those already suffering from a hurricane were compounded by a seemingly dishonest, or at least irresponsible, homeowners’ association.
After six months of disagreement with their HOA, they shared: r/HOA for advice.
“I live near the coast in Florida. Last hurricane season, every unit was flooded by storm surge and roof damage from wind,” the original poster explained.
According to the OP, they pay $1,400 a month to their HOA and the association is responsible for any repairs needed to get their home back into a livable state.
“It’s been 6 months since the hurricanes and we’ve had almost no repairs,” OP said. “We still have unfinished walls, no doors, no appliances, no kitchen, no sink, no floor.”
OP also said their roof is still damaged, there is increased water damage to their ceilings, and the wiring on the first floor is corroded. They say the few repairs that were made were done incorrectly. And they suspect the funds were funneled into the pockets of HOA board members.
“We were billed approximately $20,000 for a special assessment for repairs and learned that half of it went to ‘HOA management,’ because we do not have a management company that oversees our board, only other members of the neighborhood,” they said. “Many of us have asked where this money is going and have gotten no answers. … We’re all tired of it. It doesn’t feel legal.”
Unfortunately, this homeowner is not alone in having their home severely damaged due to a natural disaster. In fact, this is becoming more common as the world warms and extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe.
If you’re having trouble getting your HOA to make necessary repairs or home upgrades, there are strategies you can use to make the change. You can use the association’s internal processes to get your way and even change the rules. Finding strength in numbers with your neighbors isn’t a bad idea either.
This is what one commenter suggested to address the original poster’s situation.
“Go to Every Meeting. There’s Always an Election Approaching” in question. “Read. Your papers. Find out when the next election is and prepare to run. Just like a real election pitch with Holders (voters!) you know and marshal their support. Remind them to show up/return their ballots/return the proxies with your name on them, etc.”
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