Best way to Communicate With Owners and Effect Change in HOA

[Happs]

The Board of Directors in my HOA decided to sue another party and to assess each unit $500 to pay for this lawsuit. A few weeks later, the Board President sends an email out indicating that he (not the Board) erred and the assessment can’t exceed 5% of the gross operating budgeted expenses for the year without approval of owners constituting a quorum. Hence, they lowered the assessment amount to exactly 5% of the gross operating budgeted expenses for the year, which is $198.81. However, one can reasonably assume that $198.81 will be insufficient to cover expenses relating to this lawsuit and there will in all likelihood need to be future $198.81 assessments to cover ongoing and future expenses. In my opinion, reducing the amount from $500 to $198.81 with the strong possibility of future special assessments for the same lawsuit violates the spirit of the 5% special assessment rule. No homeowner vote or even a survey was taken on the reduced assessment amount. “Getting around” the 5% rule requiring a quorum of the owners by reducing the assessment amount into smaller parts seems a little unethical.

Moreover, I disagree with the whole premise of the lawsuit and I emailed a long letter to the Board of Directors stating why it’s a waste of time and money. I would like to share that email with other owners but don’t know how best to do it. Periodically, the onsite property manager of the HOA I am a member of sends out emails (newsletters, notices of water shut-offs etc) to owners in my HOA. They have always comes solely addressed to me and I assume they are sent out BCC or someway to conceal all owners’ email addresses. One time though, an email was sent to all owners that included each owner’s email address. Instead of knocking on each unit owner’s door and asking for a few minutes of their time (which some might view as kind of rude), “politicking by email” would be a lot more convenient, however some might be perturbed by an unsolicited email. Casually walking the complex saying hello and asking for a few minutes of someone’s time is another alternative.

What do you all think is the best way to communicate with fellow owners in an HOA?

[XBoxBoy]

My suggestion is to walk the neighborhood. First you’ll be surprised how nice it is to actually meet neighbors. This will go a long way in the future. Second best option is to mail people letters.

[svelte]

Agree with xbox, walking the neighborhood will give your message much more weight. Emails come across as minimal effort and dedication to your cause. I know from experience on both sides.

Side note: it sounds as if your board acted without consulting HOA lawyers, as legal should have noted the limitation straight away (it is a common limitation). If they did consult legal before they set the $500, then your HOA should probably look for new legal representation. If the board didn’t consult first, that is a sign of a board that shoots from the hip.

[Happs]

I’ve canvassed the common areas several times but most people seem disinterested or aloof. Only about 5% of the membership shows up at Board meetings. I even proposed the distribution of a homeowner directory, but the few people in the audience didn’t like that suggestion, fearing privacy concerns. If people don’t want to have anything to do with each other and take a non chalant attitude toward HOA issues, then how is a Board supposed to govern effectively?

[barnaby33]

I’ve actually had a neighbor (female) tell me that if someone knocked on their door, they wouldn’t answer. Lots of people buy in a Condo/Townhouse project for exactly that level of privacy. We get about 5% participation at mine and I’m certainly not helping things.

The fact that the board is willing to sue isn’t surprising as normally the most activist of one’s neighbors run for the board. You might try just talking to your immediate neighbors, people who at least know of your existence, to get them to come with you to a board meeting. That would give your objection more weight.
Josh

[treehugger]

I have been living in an HOA community for the past 2 years. I am not involved, I don’t attend HOA meetings (I keep intending to), but I would resent my money being spent irresponsibly and assume most of us care about a lawsuit that may cost money. I would want to know. Do you have a central mailbox area? We have several in our community and I see info flyers attached to those. Even if they were taken down, likely many people would see them before they were removed.
In my opinion, if you knock on doors, introduce yourself as a concerned neighbor, have a simple and objective flyer stating the facts and contact info, I would think that at least a percentage of your neighbors would be interested, I certainly would.

[poorgradstudent]

[quote=treehugger]I have been living in an HOA community for the past 2 years. I am not involved, I don’t attend HOA meetings (I keep intending to), but I would resent my money being spent irresponsibly and assume most of us care about a lawsuit that may cost money. I would want to know. Do you have a central mailbox area? We have several in our community and I see info flyers attached to those. Even if they were taken down, likely many people would see them before they were removed.
In my opinion, if you knock on doors, introduce yourself as a concerned neighbor, have a simple and objective flyer stating the facts and contact info, I would think that at least a percentage of your neighbors would be interested, I certainly would.[/quote]

Flyers are a good idea for those who don’t answer the door. Part of the goal is just to make other owners aware of what is happening and let them make up their own minds.

[Author]

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