HOA Paying for Damage

Our HOA dues cover all external home (stand alone patio homes) maintenance. If you read further on, it says as a result of normal wear and tear.

Seems we are having a rush on claims. One person backed into their garage door. Claimed the HOA should pay. Another person hit their mailbox post and destroyed it. That also claimed the HOA should pay. Third person was moving something into the house. It fell over and damaged the decorative covering around a porch support column. The claimed the HOA should pay. Fourth person tried to drill/punch a hole in their brick front to hang a planter on. They destroyed two bricks. They want the HOA to pay to replace the bricks and while doing so, install a hanger.....LOL

We politely explained and quoted the appropriate section of the Covenants. The garage door banger threatened to hire a lawyer and fight us. We have heard nothing back from that fellow but there is a new garage door installed.

These are all people that have bought from the developer. The developer has a policy that a buyer has to put a "lot" deposit of $250.00 down. They have 30 days to decided on model, options, final pricing, etc. before a sales contract is signed. Also at this time your are given and sign for a copy of the Covenants, Bylaws, and Rues and Regulations. The buyer can cancel the agreement for any reason during this time and they will receive a full refund. Meaning the defense of well I was not told, I never saw so and so, etc. does not hold water yet people still try.

OK! Got that off my chest...........LOL

Here is how I like to phrase it when someone wants the "HOA" to pay for something. I simply point out that the money the HOA has is EVERYBODY's money. It is NOT a magical money growing tree in "They-Land". So if you want the HOA to pay, then you want ALL your neighbors to pay for it. Are you going to want your money to go toward replacing a garage door someone backed into with your portion of your dues? Most likely NOT.

So why demand the HOA to pay when it means raising dues or having special assessment? It's NOT free money people in a HOA. It is YOURS and YOUR NEIGHBORS money!!!

Threaten to sue? Then see ya in court. Suing your HOA is suing yourself and your neighbors. Same pot you want the HOA to pay from is the same one that pays it's lawyers to defend itself from your legal threat.

HOA pay for it? Sure... If you agree to pay more in dues or pay a special assessment to pay out the request. No lawyer needed. Just legwork and enough of your neighbors to agree to pitch in to cover the costs equally.