Did you misunderstand that headline? Don't ... it's true, a member caught her board embezzling and the whistleblower was sent to jail! (See the YouTube Video Below) This is how much unchecked power a board has. If they will do it to this woman, they will do it to anyone. Any HOA whether they will admit it or not is a tyrannical micro-government. I expect some to write and tell how wonderful their HOA is. Terrific. Except at year end a new board is voted in and no one knows what damage that new board will or will not do.
How many HOA cases have been litigated in AZ since 2007? 16,744! (Verify with AZ Superior Court). Does that number pop out and say "hey we've got a bunch of happy campers in HOAs!" Most people don't sue and it's why board bullying continues. When you can visualize how many don't sue and add a SWAG (look it up) to the lawsuits, HOAs are not as benevolent as boards and trade groups imply. From the Members I've talked with virtually every lawsuit starts over something relatively minor ... ie: the 12" American flag in the 5" pot. That Veteran's home was foreclosed bc he thought he could defend his 1st Amendment rights. Thank you for serving, Sir and don't slam the door on your way out.
If you have any questions, you can write me at EarsUp@iCloud.com. Further if you need help with a bully board or have other questions about governing documents etc, contact HOATruth.com . All services are free and if we can't help we'll do our best to find you help. Dennis Legere is the Principle Advocate. We are not attorneys and do not offer legal advice.
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Before you view the video below, keep this quote on property rights in mind:
"Property in a thing consists not merely in its ownership and possession, but in the unrestricted right of use, enjoyment and disposal. Anything which destroys any of the elements of property, to that extent, destroys the property itself. The substantial value of property lies in its use. If the right of use be denied, the value of the property is annihilated and ownership is rendered a barren right." State Supreme Court Justice Richard B Sanders (land use attorney and property rights advocate)