HOA maintaining other subdivisions property?

I found out recently that my hoa board has been maintaining the lawn and landscaping of an adjacent subdivision. This has been going on for as long as I lived here (been about 5 years). What recourse do I have in this matter? This adjacent subdivision's property in area would be about 30% the size of our true common areas. So basically we are paying at least 30% more for our landscaping per year.

Our hoa docs are pretty standard. We are setup as a non-profit corporation. The bylaws clearly state that the hoa's purpose is to maintain our common areas. This is a community of single family homes with some common areas around 3 ponds.

I am pretty angry about this, but the board brushed it off by saying that if we don't do it, the other subdivision wouldn't cut it. I'm assuming the county would cut this area if they didn't and really either way it's not my problem.

thoughts? Mike

Most can appreciate your anger and outrage over this, and it's too bad the board brushed it off. Once your anger settles down, you should canvas your neighborhood to find out how the rest of the HOA feels about it and go from there. It's possible that everyone agreed at some point to keep it up for the reasons that Glenn stated. It's also possible that the board decided to do it, and whether they can or can't do that is in your Bylaws.

Keep in mind that if you want more answers you want the board to be your friend, so ask your questions in a manner that builds relationships with the board and the neighbors.

And prepare yourself for not liking the answers you find, such as the majority of the HOA is fine with it, and won't help you fight it if you feel it's necessary. There was a similar question asked here regarding a pool I think and even though everyone else was fine with it, the OP was ready to do battle. Talk about an emotional toll that would take.

You can also ask yourself how you will feel about it this issue in 12 hours, then 12 day's then 12 months or even 12 years. If your truthful with yourself it's a good way to keep your emotions out of the decision.

Good luck!

I should add that the adjacent subdivision is comprised of $1M+ homes. From looking at the meeting minutes it seems like they wanted to put up an additional entrance sign on the other subdivisions property. Ironic that they had already spent over fifty thousand for one on our common area. This was before the housing bubble crashed btw. I'm okay with them doing this additional cost if it was a voluntary fee. It is dishonest to not disclose these things. I am guessing I should ask them for a refund and see what they say.