[quote=XBoxBoy]I’m a little confused by what you’ve posted. If the HOA documents you were provided when you bought didn’t say anything about a detached playhouse and the structure isn’t visible from the common areas or street, then you should argue that you are not in violation. More than likely the HOA committee knows this, but they probably also know that your complaining neighbor is a PITA, so rather than stand up to him they just send the complaint on to you. If you think any of this is the case, I’d be polite but firm with your argument to the HOA that you are not in violation.
One last thing I will say is that each HOA is different, but one place I lived in had a resident who routinely violated the rules in major ways. He basically just told the HOA to go away (in not so polite words either) and the HOA was never able to really do anything. It even went to court, but the court was fairly sympathetic to arguments that as a homeowner he had rights too.
While I’m not advocating that you fight this legally, know that you do not necessarily need to give in to what the HOA says either.[/quote]
+1 what he said.
Actually if you don’t mind me asking, who is the HOA? I can probably tell you how anal they are or not..You can PM me if you want.
I would do the following
1. I would argue politely on the grounds that it’s not visible from common area and streets, and provide pictures proving this…
2. If that doesn’t work, if you happen to know of a friend that is an attorney that is willing to do you a favor, have him write a letter on his stationary to the HOA as well explaining such. I have a feeling, the HOA is acting in the least path of resistance. You currently are that path because your neighbor appears to be a PITA…. But I’m pretty confident that the possibility of legal remedies might change your HOA’s feelaings
3. If all else fails, report your neighbor for every single violation you can think of… In my HOA, there are silly rules that trash cans must be picked up by X time, no parking on driveways and using garage as storage. All cars must be parked inside the garage before being parked outside, etc,etc. No one really bothers with it UNLESS someone has a problem with it…. Obviously, you’re neighbor is adversarial, so you might as well give him/her a dosage of his/her own medicine….
