Homeowner-advocate Shelly Marshall explains why many HOAs function like private governments—often stripping owners’ rights—and how to protect yourself (or avoid them entirely).Guest bioShelly Marshall is a homeowner advocate and author of HOA Warrior. After battling abusive HOA boards in her own community, she’s spent 15+ years researching HOA law, advising homeowners, and pushing for reforms nationwide. She can be reached at [email protected] and hoawarrior.com. She can be reached at [email protected] and hoawarrior.com.Topics discussedHow Shelly became an HOA advocate after a hostile board takeoverBoards changing rules without homeowner votes; covenant enforcement gapsLiens, fines, special assessments, and foreclosure riskWhy management companies and industry trade groups (e.g., CAI) shape incentivesLegal exposure: joint liability, collateralization, and lack of transparencyHorror stories: lawns, hoses, swing sets, condemned structures, and jail timeBuying vs. renting; LLCs for limited protection; why “one election away from disaster”What due diligence (doesn’t) solve; legislative reform efforts and limitsPractical survival tips if you’re already in an HOAMain points / takeawaysBuying into an HOA is entering a business partnership with neighbors; your property can be leveraged, and you share liabilities.Boards often wield broad power, sometimes changing or selectively enforcing rules with limited transparency.Fines, fees, and special assessments can exceed mortgages and trigger foreclosures—even for minor “violations.”Industry actors (management companies, banks, attorneys) have financial incentives that can work against homeowners.Litigation is costly and asymmetric; few attorneys take homeowner cases.If you must buy, an LLC (cash purchase) offers better protection; otherwise, renting avoids systemic risks.If you’re already in an HOA: pay first, appeal later; avoid being labeled a “troublemaker”; document everything.Legislative fixes help only marginally; structural incentives remain misaligned.Top quotes“You don’t buy a home in an HOA—you buy into a business with all your neighbors.”“They can change the rules after you’ve moved in, often without your vote.”“One election away from disaster—every single time.”“Your house can become collateral for loans you didn’t know existed.”“Pay the fine first, fight later—escalation is how homeowners lose homes.”“My advice? Don’t buy into an HOA. If you must live there, rent.”
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