The nightmare that is HOA (Home Owner's Association)

 This is why I'd rather live in a trailer or my car than buy in a location where I had to have other people telling me how to live in my own property.  Why can't people just live and let live.  Honestly, you would think that the sky would fall if the lawn isn't perfect.  To be honest, I'd keep my dogs off of any lawns in those places - they probably maintain them with some nice cancer causing chemicals.

spiritdogs

 This is why I'd rather live in a trailer or my car than buy in a location where I had to have other people telling me how to live in my own property.  Why can't people just live and let live. 

You and I have had conversations about this very thing and Florida before .... and the worst thing is, that you can actually already HAVE property, and HAVE a home built ... and then some developer decides to develop AROUND you and suddenly the HOA is over the top of you running you ragged.

A friend of mine who does rescue has been living in the same place for almost 30 years -- when she and her husband first moved there she was the ONLY house at the end of a road and the property around her was all sold to a developer.  Within about 5 years suddenly she was in the middle of an upper-class suburban nightmare -- and they all hated her and her dogs and it got UNBELIEVABLY nasty. 

 Hi,

I am new to this site and stumbled across this discussion diring a google search on HOA/dogs.  Have there been any updates.  We have had similar issues at my complex and it is starting to get ugly.  I was curious if HOA by laws are superceded by town laws, because when i spoke to a police officer he said we can walk our dog wherever we want so long as we pick it up (and stay off private property of course).  It is nerve wracking every time you go outside to have to look over your shoulder, then worry about getting a fine in the mail.  Not to mention it wouldn't surprise me if certain peaople put something on the ground that could harm dogs.  Just curious how others are making out in their fight

 It probably depends on who owns the roadway.  If the streets and any parks belong to the HOA, I  would think they can make the rules.  The HOA should have a list of its rules available, and it should have something to say about any fines.  The HOA is not  a governmental unit  with police powers, but they may be able to charge for infractions of rules.  There should be some kind of appeal process short of legal action.  Check your HOA contract.  There are rules and bylaws and procedures spelled out.  They can not do what they want all the time-they are bound to follow their own rules and procedures.  The only way to fight the HOA is to know the rules as set out in their own contracts.  Frequently, the HOA boards get delusions of power and think they can do what ever they want, then they have to get slapped down.