What are the laws posting names and unit number publicly

The law of common sense. This is about the stupidest thing ever heard. Why in the world does one need to publish this information publicly? The PUBLIC information a HOA would publish would be in regards to Liens/Foreclosures in a local public news source. (Usually the local newspaper in the legals section). That is because it's part of the process of notification.

Otherwise if there is a need to take the "Public shaming" route some HOA's practice in for non-payment of dues, then it's still within the HOA community.

Plus a Tenant is NOT a HOA member. So there is no need to shame them for not participating in any of the HOA's dues paying or violations. Violations and non-payments are on the Owner/HOA member.

What is the purpose of this as we don't even allow it here?

Not sure the question makes sense ... perhaps I’m reading it wrong.

You can find out which units are not owner occupied by looking at tax records to see where tax notices/mailings go.

Hi George I will explain. We have a list of our tenants names posted on a board with the unit they live in so anyone visiting can see where our tenants live. I would like to know if anyone knows where I can find "legal" information for posting such information.

This has nothing to do with the question but the reason is I don't want us to post this information due to the fact one of our tenants have been stalked. Please don't respond to the stalking that is a whole different issue. I only want to know if someone knows where to find laws pertaining to the posting of unit and name information. I am not sure if it is a violation of the privacy law or not.

Again, forgive Melissa as her football team lost over the weekend.

Betty,

I usually draw a distinction between owner and tenant ... that probably is where my confusion began.

Are you using tenant to mean anyone living in the neighborhood/condo?

I would think that an option would be offered as to whether you wanted your name on any board or sign, or not.

I have seen building numbers with apt. numbers on an outdoor sign, but never names. However, I have seen names listed on a buzz/ in board in a lobby. Again, posting the name should be an option.

Look to the Rules and Regulations of your HOA for any guideline, but, No, I’ve never seen a law that governs names on address signs.

If you want to know what the law says or doesn't say, you need to check the statutes (which I don't think exist for this.). But if you want to look for yourself, you could start with you city ordinances and/or county laws. Most are listed on a government website, so off to Google you should go and the use the search bottom for all its worth. If necessary, do the same for your state statutes. Or ask a private attorney.

I still don't think you will find anything specific, so let's look at what prompted your question. You say a tenant is being stalked, so if he or she hasn't already done so, a talk with local police is in order. In my state, I believe there is a program where victims of domestic violence can get post office boxes at a reduced rate or for free. This way, the mail wouldn't go to the house for someone to go through the mailbox to see if the person lives there. Organizations that assist domestic violence victims may also have some ideas.

As for the house numbers, sorry, but I would think those have to be posted. That's so that first responders and police know where your house is located so they can get to you quickly. Delivery people and service providers, like electricians, need to know the house numbers so they will go to the right place.

When I lived in my apartment, I didn't have my name on the door, but the number was there, so people who needed to know could find me. In some places, you can simple out the last name on the mailbox - strangers don't know if Jones is betty Jones (who lives alone), Mike and Mitch jones (who live together), or the Jones family (consisting of 5 people.)

Look I have been stalked (More than once...) So I don't want my name posted publicly. Don't think it needs to be PUBLIC. An outside address is all that is needed for emergency and delivery purposes. It is up the owner to decide to put up a name. It's NOT the HOA's responsibility.

My question again is Why is this something that needs to be done?

Thank you Cathy. It does not make sense to make PUBLIC someone's name. You don't even need it on a mailbox or on your home. There is a difference between PUBLIC and WITHIN the HOA itself. Public means someone walking by can view it. Keeping it within the HOA means only sources may be membership/board/MC.

When you have been stalked you never get rid of that fear. No matter if the person is in jail/prison. You always have to deal with it. It's up to you to do the best to keep your information private as much as possible. I don't even use my real name posting here or on other social media sites.

Don't trust the police either with their resources for "protection". They are very limited. I even got blamed for having someone stalk me! A person I never met and had talked to on the phone as a "wrong #". Ended up leaving death threats on my phone. Seems this person did this to other women. He found my address and I lived alone in an apartment at the time. If my name had been on my mailbox, they could have found me. A complete stranger. (The another stalker was an ex who I had to move and leave EVERYTHING to get away from).

So I do not feel this information needs to be made PUBLIC. That is completely irresponsible on how to treat someone's privacy.

I think what Beety is enquiring about is a building directory such as:

1A George Smith
2A Mr & Mrs Robert Jones
3A Mrs Grace White

I assume the directory would be beside the building entryway.

While I would be all for it, there are many people who would not be for it.

Left up to me, I would publish a list of all owners along with their name, address, and phone number but that is me.

Thank you AugustinD, I too looked in those places and did not see anything. I don't want it posted but would love to know if it's a privacy issue. I guess I will have to go to our attorney. I was in hopes someone might know the legalities of it without having to do so and I could confirm by a website.

I believe the OP was looking to determine legal reference of this circumstance, not preference, best guess or right vs wrong...

Are you tap dancing around the "publish publicly" statement by implying you want to publish names on some sort of directory on the property?

Thank you AugustinD, I also have checked everywhere. I really only wanted to know the law regarding this and can't find anything. I am on the Board and I am going to address this to our Board. I appreciate you searching for the answer as well. I have searched everywhere as well.

As you can see, not everything is addressed in a legal statute and frankly, it’s not always necessary, as some things are a matter of common sense – and I really think you’re overthinking this.

Instead of wondering about the law, why not start with asking the HOMEOWNERS what they prefer, stating you’re concerned about safety? Some may not mind the directory being there, but would be fine with it listing last names only. The people who need to know will know if Smith is Bob Smith, Bob and Mary Smith, or Mike Smith and family.

As for the parking spaces, those are usually identified with a number so the only way you’d know if space #123 is assigned to Mr. Big is if he told you or if you happened to see his car parked there regularly – and then you’d have to know what he drives.If this is still bothering you, you might ask the police or local postmaster what would be most practical.

By the way, most of us aren't attorneys, so if you really want to know answers to legal questions, your best best bet is to ask an attorney if you don't want to dig through the statutes.

My football team didn't lose. I am not an Alabama fan. There is still Auburn....