Annual Meeting: Things are getting Bad. Your advice?

Tomorrow night is our annual meeting. Over the years hardly anyone shows up, but we have gotten word there may be more folks coming this year.

First: We have a couple of houses where illegals are using them as flophouses. They tie back the front screen door as a signal they have room. People are piling in to this house and cooking on hotplates in the bedrooms, and sleeping under a trampoline in the next yard. The lady next door has called the police about them sleeping in her yard and do nothing. Our community is on a slippery slope downward as more illegals are buying up townhouses. They are not involved in the community, don't come to meetings, don't abide by the covenants or simple common respect like throwing trash in trashcans and not throwing bulk items out by the trashbins.

People are getting sick and tried of it, and we are seeing more old time residents putting their homes up for sale to get away from it.

Advice anyone?

Pau, if the illegals are in violation of CC&R the HOA can enforce them. If the illegals are in violation of city, township, or county ordinances contact the proper authorities. If the police do nothing when people are trespassing contact their superiors; and if they do nothing contact the news media.

The immigration status of the individuals is immaterial. If people are violating the CC&R's and/or the Rules and Regs then fine the homeowner. Unpaid fines can then be handled in small claims court. Overcrowding can be handled by your city or county health dept and/or code enforcement office.

Contact not only the Zoning Officer but your Code Enforcement Officer as well. Your Town should have ordinances's on how many individuals can occupy a home.

If only a handful of people attended the meeting, perhaps the community doesn't share your level of concern.

Educate yourselves regarding codes. For example: in California the health code states that two adults 18 years of age or older are allowed per bedroom, plus one extra adult. The number of children is unlimited. If you can present the local enforcement authority with what specific codes are being violated then you have some leverage.

I would respectfully suggest that you stop referring to the people you are charging with violations as "Illegals." That makes it appear that you are more concerned with their immigration status than their reported violations. As an aside: How do you know that they're illegal. They may have "green cards" or, in fact, be citizens (Puerto Ricans, for example, are Spanish speaking US citizens.

It would appear that small claims court action would be best, but be prepared to cite specific sections of your CC&R's and Rules & Regs that are being violated. Buena suerte.