Maryland Lacking on HOA Regulations
More than 57 million Americans live in communities governed by homeowners' associations.
But as Jessica Forres reports, Maryland lags behind other states when it comes to regulating these associations.
In the Worman's Mill neighborhood of Frederick, Maryland, flashing snowflakes and lights decorate the outside of three adjacent townhomes.
Debra Sachs has the most colorful display...
HOW CAN YOU SELL A PIG WITH GIFTS ON HIS BACK AND IT'S NOT TACKY, EVEN STANDING ALONE IT'S TACKY I DON'T DOUBT IT BUT IT'S ALSO INCREDIBLY TEMPORARY…
But she and her two neighbors received letters from their homeowner's association asking them to remove the decorations or face a fine of $25 dollars a day. Donald Suhaka, a neighbor, says it's the first he's ever lived in a community with an HOA.
I HAVE TO SELL MY HOUSE AT SOME POINT SO I SHOOT MYSELF IN THE FOOT WHEN I SAY THIS BUT I WOULD CHECK WITH AT LEAST TEN OR FIFTEEN PEOPLE CUZ EVERYONE OF THESE PEOPLE IS UPSET WITH THIS THIS PLACE.
The dispute was resolved last night when their association decided to give up the fight.
Jeanne Ketley is with Maryland's Homeowner's Association… a non-profit group advocating for more homeowner rights in the state.
MARYLAND VIRTUALLY HAS NO LAWS PROTECTING PEOPLE THAT ARE ENFORCEABLE. THERE'S LOTS OF LAWS ON THE BOOKS BUT BECAUSE THERE'S NO ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THERE'S NO REALLY ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY FOR HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION ISSUES.
In Maryland, she says, associations can foreclose on your property if you don't pay your dues.
WHEN YOU BUY INTO A CORPORATION, YOU SAY YOU'RE GOING TO LIVE BY THE RULES OF THE CORPORATION AND YOU SOMETIMES YOU'VE LEFT THE UNITED STATES AND YOU NOW LIVE IN CORPORATE LAND.
The Community Associations Institute says more than 70% of people are happy with their HOA.
Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News
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