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[kornkob]

The biggest problem with HOA's is that there's no practical recourse if they start making unreasonable changes to their rules. 

And when buying in the US there is not always a clear indication that there is an HOA.   Often times that information is buried pretty deep.   

The stinky part is the HOA can be dormant and unused for a decade or more and then a few busy body neighbors can get together, hold 'elections' (with no oversight) and then start making new rules.   

Me-- I'm not a big proponent of HOA's because they've got the ability to levy fines but oversight on their activities is absent--- you essentially have no impartial parties making sure people aren't just projecting their bias onto others.   Recourse is very limited and made even harder because their activities aren't subject to open meetings laws, record retainment rules or other regulations that townships and cities have to adhere to.   

[Limey]

I guess that this must be one of those areas where we're under less restrctions over here. Residents or home owner associations have jack **** legal powers over here and can only try to lobby the local council to get what they want. This means if something is proposed the residents don't want (eg a srtip club near a residential area) then said residents have a voice to those in charge, whilst stopping one busy body neighbour imposing their views on everyone else

One question. If you move into an area where there is a HOA do you have to join, or could you tell them where to go?

[Atilla]

i didn't mean trashed as in gang-violence. i mean it's a nanny/police state.

though to your credit you guys haven't reached japan's level of sheer ass-backwardness with panty vending machines.

see what happens when you take away most of a nation's guns?!

[Limey]

My appologies, I actually missinterpreted it as "your country is a hole, we're best at everything. USA USA USA". Rereading it I see I was wrong (and tbh I'm not sure how I got to that conclusion)

Anyways, your right we're a bit of a nanny state, but us Brits love rules. Just try to understand the game of Cricket. Although more seriously many of these nanny state laws are either health and safety related to combat the blame and sue culture which is on the rise. Also lots of it doesn't actually do much apart from make it appear those in power are doing something to deal with whatever is in the headlines at that time

[kornkob]

I guess that this must be one of those areas where we're under less restrctions over here. Residents or home owner associations have jack **** legal powers over here and can only try to lobby the local council to get what they want. This means if something is proposed the residents don't want (eg a srtip club near a residential area) then said residents have a voice to those in charge, whilst stopping one busy body neighbour imposing their views on everyone else

Yeah--- what you are describing is a Neighborhood Association.   Which is basically a lobbying unit for getting your Alderperson to get the city/town to do stuff.   Neighborhood Associations can't make you do ****. IT's voluntary, though there have been some instances of a Neighborhood Association getting the city to fine people for not taking care of their property or keeping a public nuisance.... but basically all they did was nag the Alder into getting the city to send someone with enforcement powers out to enforce laws that are on the books.  

One question. If you move into an area where there is a HOA do you have to join, or could you tell them where to go?

   

You get membership in the HOA by buying the property in their area.  Typically you don't get to opt out.   When you buy the property there's a clause in your title that indicates that it is in an HOA area but the stack of crap you sign to buy a house is literally 2 inches think.      The HOA notice is all of 2 or 3 lines.... because they keep the record of their rules, not the city.  

The HOA can insist on payment of monthly or yearly fees, fine people for failure to comply with the rules and even put a lien on your property if they are 'forced' to take action to make your property compliant .... say by paying some jerk $150 to paint your mailbox the right color (real life example from a former neighbor).  

And all this without any government review or oversight.  If the homeowner doesn't go to the meetings or review the minutes (if the HOA bothers to publish them---- they don't HAVE to since the only rules that regulate their behavior are their own.  

[Limey]

I know what you mean about the amount of paperwork involved in buying a house. I had the joys of buying my first place last year. If there was something like that here I'd want to know about it

[kornkob]

Most annoying thing about all that facking house buying paperwork is that they use that gawddamned *****hole lawyer length paper instead of 8x11 so it doesn't farking fit in any normal person's file cabinet or fire safe.   

That and having to pay a title company to do what is essentially a google search of public records.   Bastards. 

[Atilla]

i wish i bought a brand new BMW instead of my house. i hate my house.

[kornkob]

My house is okay... but I wish I could buy a new house and take my neighbors with me.  I really like the neighbors.   

[Limey]

That and having to pay a title company to do what is essentially a google search of public records.   Bastards. 

I ended up paying £1000 ($1600) for a survey that could have been done in 10 minutes and went into as much detail as "crack in wall"

[n0tl0c]

What rights have you had taken away as of late.

You can no longer claim the second amendment as an excuse for "overthrowing" the government.

acording to you the 2nd amedment

[MG42Madness]

acording to you the 2nd amedment

Glad to see you drug up this old thread, simply to misunderstand what I meant.



I obviously meant that militia nitwits can not claim the "2nd amendment" as a defense for their existence due to the technological superiority of the US armed forces.  They don't have muskets and cannons anymore, Leroy.