HOA demanded 83-year-old widow tear down the shed her husband built 40 years ago — her daughter hit back
The shed does not block the neighborhood space, which makes the HOA's intervention even more unnecessary
It’s an ordinary backyard shed that’s been standing in Barbara Wagner’s backyard for over four decades — a pale white-colored cube jutting from a ground splattered with sand, foliage, leafy trees, and thorny bushes. 40 years ago, Barbara's husband, Robert, used the shed to store his lawn equipment. Today, however, the 83-year-old widow living in Sarasota has landed in a dispute with the Homeowners Association (HOA), in which the officials are demanding that the shed be removed within 10 days. Their daughter, Sue Inman, is fighting against this demand, as FOX 13 News Tampa Bay shared on April 29.
Threatening a harmless memory
The dispute erupted on March 6 when Wagner received a letter from the Gulf Gate Community Association. On April 22, another letter came, with the warning that if she failed to remove the shed, she might face legal action. Inman, who’s spearheading this fight, told Realtor.com that ever since they received these two letters, her mom’s emotional and mental health has been deteriorating. FOX 13 obtained an original receipt of the shed, which revealed that it was purchased in 1986 for $637.38 from Culver Aluminum Products.
The reason, the HOA stated, behind these orders is that the shed violates community deed restrictions, and Wagner, who is handicapped, could face legal action. "She's been getting very upset," Inman shared, adding that the shed holds a sentimental value for her mother. "I told her I would take care of it, and I'm not playing games." The shed, she said, is tied to the memories of her father, who passed away in 2013.
"I didn't bother anybody. I can't see why this shed is a bother to anybody," Wagner rebelled. "This was from 1986. So why are you picking on me now?" she exhaled. Inman reported that they never joined the association or paid any dues, which makes this sudden demand a bit noxious and all the more intimidating. After their story gained traction, the Gulf Gate Community Association shared that they have been working with Ms. Wagner and her daughter to arrive at a mutual solution.
Are Americans tired of HOAs?
Nearly 75 million Americans reside in communities that are governed by an HOA. According to a study by Rocket Mortgage, more than 57% of people who live under HOAs said they don’t like it. One in ten even said they tried selling their properties to get away from the HOAs. This reflects homeowners' deep frustration with HOAs’ bizarre rules, strict restrictions, and control over the aesthetics, unexpected fees, and management issues. Similarly, Wagner has also been stressed because of the HOA fiasco. Reflecting on her mother's vulnerable state, Inman said, "I think they are targeting and harassing an 83-year-old disabled widow."
What are people saying?
Meanwhile, reacting to the story, Robert Green said, "If it's been there longer than the HOA, it should be grandfathered in as long as the original shed is still standing in the original location." Emily Wolanski joked, "The HOA sounds pretty cranky; someone send them a Snickers."
Florida-based lawyer Chad D. Cummings of Cummings & Cummings Law, who is not involved in the matter, shared his perspective on the situation: "Forty years of non-enforcement is Mrs. Wagner's strongest defense." Though he added that Wagner will need an attorney to take the HOA to court, with the argument that the board "knew or should have known about a visible backyard structure for four decades and took no action until March 2026."
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