HOA bombards new homeowner with 'set of rules.' But one problem — his home wasn't even in the HOA

Dealing with entitled management and HOA heads seems intolerable, but one holds back out of compliance. However, what happens when arbitrary rules are imposed on homeowners whose properties don't even fall within the HOA's jurisdiction? A homeowner from Washington (u/dykezowas) was confused when the head sent them a long set of neighborhood rules that didn’t apply to their house. Despite mentioning that they were not part of the HOA, the emails kept coming in. The homeowner knew something was up, but was unsure of what more to do, so Redditors joined in with creative suggestions to stage a comeback.  

The homeowner mentioned that their place didn't fall under the HOA's plot, but even then, the head keeps emailing them the rules and other specifics as "friendly reminders.”  “I think it's a crock of b*llshit, but they are townhouses, so I don't know if there's a stupid b*llshit law I'm missing,” he wrote. He shared the detailed and lengthy email he received. It was also mentioned that because the previous owner complied, this man was also expected to follow the unnecessary rules. "You are correct. Your home is not part of the HOA. Still, some rules apply to your home, as found in the Townhome Rules document,” the HOA head's email read.

The head claimed that the rules were sent to all homeowners and not just the resident in question. Along with big words, unwanted citing of rules and laws, the HOA was trying to make it very clear that they knew their job. Apart from having a bossy tone, the email also sounded manipulative, trying to get the man to believe that everyone was following the rules diligently. “Adhering to the guidelines ensures the preservation of values, standards, and the continued well-being of the entire community,” the email continued. Attached to the mail were long letters, rules, and more technical material, which felt like the HOA was striving to prove a point.

“Is this a crock of sh*t? I'm considering going to everyone not in the HOA and signing a new series of ‘rules’ which essentially boils down to ‘mind your own business and do not mail your neighbors unless there is a legitimate reason,’” he concluded. And the comments didn’t disappoint.

 u/Ridesthe7 shared a possible reply, “‘I ran a title report when I purchased this house and it showed nothing recorded against the property, binding future owners to abide by your HOA rules.’” u/smalltownfirefighter remarked, “Start billing them for your time that it takes you to read and reply to their correspondence.” u/jellybean-62 added, “Man, I hope you paint your house bright pink and put lots of plastic flamingos and things to drive the HOA nuts. Such fun could be had.” 

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