A homeowner’s association (HOA) governs and manages a housing community, setting rules and bylaws (with the assistance of a hired attorney) for its residents. Residents pay fees to cover the cost of amenities and services provided, such as swimming pools, landscaping of common areas, clubhouses, gyms, etc.
My
first experience living in a community with an HOA during the late 1980s – early
1990s was relatively uneventful. Everything was organized, and communication of
changes and updates was timely, even though it was done by postal mail, or
letters and flyers placed on your screen doors.
Two
years ago, we purchased a home in a beautiful golf course community. I love
living in our community, as most residents are friendly, and I have built close
friendships with some of them. Our HOA offers numerous committees for residents
to get involved in, as well as activities for children, adults, and families
residing here.
After
attending several meetings and reading some of the comments in their aftermath,
I was prompted to write a fictional mystery short story or novel about the
shenanigans and cutthroat drama that occur in a fictitious HOA community.
I
began researching HOAs and community posts on various websites. I found there
is dissatisfaction with HOAs across the United States. Not just with the HOA,
but discord amongst the people living in these types of communities.
I
read about instances where arguments between HOA Board members and residents
escalated into full-blown fights during meetings, acts of revenge, and sabotage
among committee members and neighbors.
Although
I won't be sharing many details of my story in progress, rest assured that it
will include drama, revenge, and a deceased body or two.
2 comments:
Sheryl, I think you have tapped a motherlode of mystery/crime story potential here! I've toyed with becoming a condo owner recently. People tell me their awful stories. An HOA member who hoarded drove several HOA presidents to quit in frustration and anger could have escalated into murder. Hatfield and McCoy arguments stemming from someone putting in a library box on the sidewalk. The building I rent in is an HOA but most of the owners inherited their units and don't live here, don't want to spend anything so it's going downhill and therefore not rentable. Family stuff there! Thanks for the post!
My current residence doesn't have an HOA, but I've lived in two different homes with one and currently rent out my condo with an HOA. In all those years I've only had one run-in, so to speak, with the association; but I'd have to admit that my now ex-husband was as much to blame for the issue as the neighbors. Nonetheless, it could be an interesting story. Thanks for the idea, Sheryl.
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