Spreading Malicious Rumors

Started by AlexL1 • 4 replies • 2000 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305

Posted:

Can anything legally be done to one resident and one owner for spreading rumors that the condo complex has many many problems with home invasions, vehicle breakins, etc.There were some vehicle breakins but no home invasions. This is and has caused the residents to be scared all because these two individuals posted notes all over the complex stating such. They are attempting to organize a meeting of the residents to create havoc, spread more rumors and to get rid of the security company we now have even though they had NOTHING to do with any of the vehicle break-ins because they were not on duty.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I would simply combat this with what they wanted...A neighborhood watch. It can be in addition to the security company and work with it too. A neighborhood/complex watch isn't funded by the HOA. It's just volunteers in the hood/complex watching out for neighbor. All reports of crimes would NOT go to the HOA but to the police.

Everyone likes a good crime story...So rumors are going to spread. If your concerned about postings, then I would try to make a rule that prohibits such postings to 1 general area. Limit their locations for posting and make them be approved by a BOD member prior to being posted. If it's a board member doing it, then they have to be signed by another board member not themselves. This should help reduce some postings good or bad.

I'd also suggest calling in a police officer to have a meeting to discuss a neighborhood watch set up. The police are usually good about talking to the public if invited. So give these people a meeting and give it to them with police involvement....Nothing shuts a person up faster than getting what they want...

Former HOA President

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

yes, you can sue (ie, self prosecute for libel and slander).
You must prove your case, that libel and slander were involved.
you must prove it originated from the defendant, and was more than simply misinformed gossip.
You must be able to prove damages to a court.

AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305

Posted:

Keep in mind that it is not the idea of a Neighborhood watch that is being argued here.... I tried it myself some time ago but did not work as no one was interested and I was disappointed because I felt and still do that a neighborhood watch is essential.. but for a non-Board member to organize it based on malicious lies is hard to take...

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Alex,

The Board can ask them to provide proof of what they are saying. It is possible that there were break-ins that the Board was unaware of.

Send them a letter stating that the Board is concerned about the break-ins they are referring to and ask for specific dates and addresses. The Board should then compare this information with the local police dept.

The Board should also offer to have a local police officer attend the members meeting so concerns can be addressed promptly and that you will be happy to make those arrangements.

See how they respond. If they are on the level, they should have zero issues with anything you ask or with the police attending the meeting. If they have a different agenda, I would expect that their reply will be all over the place and/or there will be no reply at all.

If there is no reply, write another letter saying you were concerned that they didn't get your first letter and hand deliver it.

Tim

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here