Inactive HOA

We are a small, 26-lot, subdivision in Queen Creek, AZ. The developer established the HOA as well as common areas (consisting of bridle trails around perimeter and through center of development). An automatic watering system was installed and the common areas were nicely landscaped with trees, shrubbery, etc. White rail fencing surrounds the subdivision. Before the HOA was turned over to the homeowners, the developer went bankrupt and left the scene.

This all occured in the 1999 - 2001 time frame. Only four of the original homeowners remain in the subdivision. Most of the homes have been sold with the understanding "there is no HOA."

One of the original homeowners recalls that the developer was acting as the management company, collecting HOA dues, etc. When the developer left, any HOA dues apparently disappeared. The water and electricity were turned off and there are large unpaid water bills. There were no minutes of HOA meetings, etc., left. All we have are the documents we are able to download from the County Recorders Office. These are the only documents the original homeowners received.

We just learned that our common ares are divided into six tax parcels and the tax liens are scheduled to be sold on 2/1/07. Trees and shrubbery have died and the common areas, including the entrance to the subdivision, are being overgrown with weeds.

Some of the homeowners are interested in getting together to attempt to resurrect the HOA in some minimal form with the intent of assessing sufficient dues to provide liability insurance for common areas, provide maintenance for common areas, etc.

Any suggestions on how, where to start?

Thanks!

AnneH

Thanks, Roger. We had our first meeting today with a small group of interested property owners and decided to meet with an attorney who specializes in HOA stuff. We'll see what happens.

AnneH