Association disabled my Nextdoor account

Started by TerriS6 • 60 replies • 771 views

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TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Civil Code 4515 disallows any rule in gov docs stopping social media criticism of the board. We don't have written rules but president's wife disabled my Nextdoor account after I posted liens charging an extra 10%.

AidylP1 (California)
Posts: 173

Posted:

Section §4515, (C) This paragraph does not require an association to allow members to post content on the association’s internet website.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By AidylP1 on 09/19/2023 7:57 PM
Section §4515, (C) This paragraph does not require an association to allow members to post content on the association’s internet website.

Nextdoor is not the association's website nor does its website have such a feature, the Nextdoor moderators are either directors or their spouses. The geographic area covered happens to be 95% in our association's territory.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Well it is their job then if your posting something against their rules.

Former HOA President

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 09/20/2023 4:41 AM
Well it is their job then if your posting something against their rules.

I posted nothing against the rules. The fox is guarding the henhouse.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

So? That is what you assign it to be. There are 2 sides to every story. Your telling people what it is. Which to me lends some truth you recognize your being passive aggressive to what you are doing. I see it here all the time. Not got the wool over my eyes... I am sure others see it too.

Former HOA President

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 09/20/2023 4:51 AM
So? That is what you assign it to be. There are 2 sides to every story. Your telling people what it is. Which to me lends some truth you recognize your being passive aggressive to what you are doing. I see it here all the time. Not got the wool over my eyes... I am sure others see it too.

Nothing prevents others from telling another side of the story.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

What I mean is, when I posted a photo of an example of an invalid lien proving the board had overcharged interest on the entire balance due by 10%, anyone could have commented about the way liens are calculated or recorded. Instead, the directors/spouses/moderators disabled my account, preventing anyone from commenting.

This is why civil code 4515 was enacted because it is common for errant boards to retaliate or attempt to silence their critics.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Oh and that is not a violation or being passive aggressive. Did you use a sample lien? Redact personal information? Yes you can charge interest on a lien or foreclosure. Was the person not paying dues? If so they deserve a lien.

Former HOA President

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 4,420

Posted:

It seems to me that California Civil Code 4515(b)(6)(B) and 4515(b)(6)(C) both have plenty of legal wiggle room to allow the HOA to deny an owner use of a HOA-run web site.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I just think it is tacky to be like this with your neighbors. You have to live with them. Why keep poking the bear and wonder why you have no bear rug on the floor...

Former HOA President

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 4,420

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TerriS6 on 09/20/2023 3:24 AM
Nextdoor is not the association's website nor does its website have such a feature, the Nextdoor moderators are either directors or their spouses. The geographic area covered happens to be 95% in our association's territory.

Oh, pardon me. I misunderstood.

What exactly did you post? Was an owner's name on the lien you posted?

Could your posting of the lien possibly invite litigation against Nextdoor? I think setting aside one's biases and trying to see this through Nextdoor's corporate eyes is important.

If the HOA's current practices with liens violates the covenants or state law, then it seems to me the correct approach is IDR, possibly followed by filing suit.

If you do not think you violated NextDoor's Terms of Service, then why not complain up through the Nextdoor hierarchy?

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ElleN on 09/20/2023 6:55 AM

Owner's name was not posted. Owner moved in 2018 and was forced to pay $4,000. that wasn't owed. She was an elderly widow. I posted it as an example of how the board has been inflating liens for years by adding an extra 10% on the entire balance. They are allowed a one-time 10% late fee, plus 9% on the balance per our declaration. For years they have been adding another 10% on the entire balance then recording the lien without voting to record it. This was to help counter the mailing to all members the board just did. The question was why is the board spending thousands of dollars on legal fees to fight the release of these void, inflated liens?

Nextdoor management is hands-off, they leave everything to the locals. The Nextdoor "Reviewer" is the same one who signed most of the inflated liens when she was a director.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 09/20/2023 6:54 AM
I just think it is tacky to be like this with your neighbors. You have to live with them. Why keep poking the bear and wonder why you have no bear rug on the floor...

Tacky? What do you call overcharging your neighbor $4,000.?

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 4,420

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TerriS6 on 09/20/2023 7:12 AM

Owner's name was not posted. Owner moved in 2018 and was forced to pay $4,000. that wasn't owed. She was an elderly widow. I posted it as an example of how the board has been inflating liens for years by adding an extra 10% on the entire balance. They are allowed a one-time 10% late fee, plus 9% on the balance per our declaration. For years they have been adding another 10% on the entire balance then recording the lien without voting to record it. This was to help counter the mailing to all members the board just did. The question was why is the board spending thousands of dollars on legal fees to fight the release of these void, inflated liens?

Nextdoor management is hands-off, they leave everything to the locals. The Nextdoor "Reviewer" is the same one who signed most of the inflated liens when she was a director.

I do not have what you posted in front of me. But if there were any identifying information about anyone on the copy of the lien that you posted, and if I had a say in this, at a minimum I would vote to remove the post. This is because of possible unlawful invasion of privacy concerns and other concerns that might lead to liability of the moderators and/or nextdoor.com.

I do not think 4515 applies. This is because in my opinion, who ever is moderating is acting as an agent of Nextdoor, not the HOA.

The BBB does have a site for complaints about nextdoor.com:

https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/internet-service/nextdoorcom-inc-1116-447229/complaints

There's also this:

https://help.nextdoor.com/s/contactus?language=en_US

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Owners of any website that allows users to post freely can and do remove posts and suspend accounts of persons who violate the Terms of Service. They have to do this to protect themselves from liability. It's why this website has such Terms, and it's why spammers and particularly disruptive posters get themselves yeeted. Don't like it? Their site, their rules - obey the Terms or post elsewhere.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Thank you. The parcel number was on the post, no name. This was a portion of the recorded lien so public record. Chairman's wife, as Nextdoor reviewer, removes 95% of my posts. I could say the sky is blue and she would remove it. She dresses up at Halloween as beauty pageant winner with sash reading "Ms. Name of our HOA." She is running the board. Chairmen is a milquetoast.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyA3 on 09/20/2023 7:49 AM
Owners of any website that allows users to post freely can and do remove posts and suspend accounts of persons who violate the Terms of Service. They have to do this to protect themselves from liability. It's why this website has such Terms, and it's why spammers and particularly disruptive posters get themselves yeeted. Don't like it? Their site, their rules - obey the Terms or post elsewhere.

No rules were violated.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

No rules have to be to some moderators. People are not breaking the law when I see a million "pro Trump" posts. They are annoying and filled with false statements. I just block the posts or remove the poster off my list. Now I am breaking the law because I choose not to see that crap my webpage?

Grow up. You are being passive aggressive and you know it victim or aggressor

Former HOA President

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Nextdoor is a whole different animal. the peebs on nextdoor get butthurt very easily. I can't stand next-door anymore. too much B$
and I am constantly getting bleebs about neighborhoods thousands of miles away that I don't give two poop emojis about.
The other problem with next-door is when residents constantly complain on ND instead of taking their issue to the property manager
compound that with, they post their dribble to all of ND instead of the community only.

I would say it may not be a board member that is throttling you on ND it may be ND own algorithms that are throttling you.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TerriS6 on 09/20/2023 5:08 AM
What I mean is, when I posted a photo of an example of an invalid lien proving the board had overcharged interest on the entire balance due by 10%, anyone could have commented about the way liens are calculated or recorded. Instead, the directors/spouses/moderators disabled my account, preventing anyone from commenting.

This is why civil code 4515 was enacted because it is common for errant boards to retaliate or attempt to silence their critics.

You're posting sensitive data which is likely against ND's "community rules"

LizD3 (California)
Posts: 200

Posted:

Can you reach out directly to Nextdoor and let them know the Moderators are overstepping their authority? Failing that, an email blast (if you have the email address of your neighbors) or mailings (if you live in a small enough community, you can simply slip documents under doors). Neither is ideal, but nor should you be silenced.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Terri is in the wrong bit refuses to recognize it. Guess another 5 K in suing and wondering why no one likes them...

Former HOA President

LizD3 (California)
Posts: 200

Posted:

Had a glance at Nextdoor. It looks like you can report a group. And, radical idea, it looks like you can create a group of your own – just invite your neighbors! Alternatively, you can always create a new account under a different name (your spouse or a variation of your name, such as your nickname or perhaps your dog!).

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LizD3 on 09/20/2023 8:41 AM
Can you reach out directly to Nextdoor and let them know the Moderators are overstepping their authority? Failing that, an email blast (if you have the email address of your neighbors) or mailings (if you live in a small enough community, you can simply slip documents under doors). Neither is ideal, but nor should you be silenced.

Thank you, Liz. I've tried that in the past and only one of the many times I reported "her" did the agent at Nextdoor restore my comment. And I have reported the beauty queen multiple times for biased reviewing. I requested a member list so I could write a letter in response to the recent mass mailing about me but the board has not responded. Still waiting for the court ruling from Sept 6 trial.

On the bright side, I backed into my son's car yesterday and damaged them both.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LizD3 on 09/20/2023 8:47 AM
Had a glance at Nextdoor. It looks like you can report a group. And, radical idea, it looks like you can create a group of your own – just invite your neighbors! Alternatively, you can always create a new account under a different name (your spouse or a variation of your name, such as your nickname or perhaps your dog!).

Thank you. My dogs are ever loyal.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Meh. Another day, another chapter of this endless war. I suppose this will be the subject of your next lawsuit?

If I were in your community, I'd tell you, the president and the president's wife to grow the hell up - this is beyond tiring and I'm surpised no one has already said this. Or they just ignoring all three of you (and maybe that's your real beef - you're "fighting the good fight" and no one gives a damn.)

As for the "overcharged liens," are the affected homeowners incapable of fighting their own battles? If so, get out of the way and let them do their thing - and let the better side win. I'm not sure how one can "overcharge" on a lien, but as a former board treasurer, I always received and reviewed a breakdown of the numbers that resulted in the total we'd list, because I want it to be accurate and not get tossed by a judge on a technicality. But that's just me.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Someone has to be the "hero" when "they' will not fight for themselves. That is why Terri is there.

I learned a long time ago to never fight someone else's battles. So what if liens are wrong? Your not paying them are you? If they are wrong then it is the person whom is wronged to correct it. Making others spend money to defend dead beats is just a reason no one wants to listen. They do not have to as you are NOT the victim.

Former HOA President

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SheliaH on 09/20/2023 9:46 AM
Meh. Another day, another chapter of this endless war. I suppose this will be the subject of your next lawsuit?

If I were in your community, I'd tell you, the president and the president's wife to grow the hell up - this is beyond tiring and I'm surpised no one has already said this. Or they just ignoring all three of you (and maybe that's your real beef - you're "fighting the good fight" and no one gives a damn.)

As for the "overcharged liens," are the affected homeowners incapable of fighting their own battles? If so, get out of the way and let them do their thing - and let the better side win. I'm not sure how one can "overcharge" on a lien, but as a former board treasurer, I always received and reviewed a breakdown of the numbers that resulted in the total we'd list, because I want it to be accurate and not get tossed by a judge on a technicality. But that's just me.

No it wouldn’t be a lawsuit. Go ahead, belittle them just like an arrogant board of directors. If not for them we’d have uncollectible assessments, uncollectible liens, no election rules, no elections, no detailed agendas, no proper notice, no open officer elections, more closed meetings, unnoticed unlimited executive sessions, etc. go ahead now I know you’re no different than our self righteous directors.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Belittle them? It doesn't dawn upon you to read the lien and go to an attorney with questions and to discuss options when someone has filed a lien that can affect your credit and your ability to sell your home? If these are the type of folk living in your community, that may explain why this endless war between you and the president continued to go on and on.

Nothing wrong with holding board members accountable, but people also have to learn to fight their own battles - if you wind up with a lien on your home, it usually means things have really escalated and now you have to pay attention. You go on and on about the board member's behavior, and you may be right, but did you even ask these homeowners how things got to this point? Has anyone else taken up your cause to help you with this? If not, there may be a reason and you might not want to face what that is.

Whatever. But once again, what is your end game? If you want the president to be voted out and you be elected to the board, just say that, run your campaign, and good luck to you.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

When you move into an HOA that completely ignores consumer protection law, attacks members for things not mentioned in governing documents and retaliation is exacted for every bit of progress made, there is a lot of work to do. Many neighbors are grateful.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I see you do that all the time... When I move into a neighborhood I always want a neighbor to complain or make me responsible for these things too. Actually I just want to feed my cat and watch YouTube. Not be responsible for global warming in the neighborhood and sued for it.

Former HOA President

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

I agree.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnC46 on 09/20/2023 1:53 PM

I agree.

No term of service was violated. Virtually all my posts are deleted.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

I forgot to add this association that is over 40 years old did not have a reserve account and had never done a reserve study until two years ago after going to court a couple of times and learning there are laws they're supposed to follow.

MarkS42 (North Carolina)
Posts: 70

Posted:

Terri,

You posted a lien with a parcel number on it in ND. In my county there is a parcel search to find real estate. Public shaming is a reason for reporting content on ND

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MarkS42 on 09/20/2023 2:28 PM
Terri,

You posted a lien with a parcel number on it in ND. In my county there is a parcel search to find real estate. Public shaming is a reason for reporting content on ND

How is that public shaming?

MarkS42 (North Carolina)
Posts: 70

Posted:

You trash your HOA all the time. What sash would "Miss HOA 2023" give to you?

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MarkS42 on 09/20/2023 2:38 PM
You trash your HOA all the time. What sash would "Miss HOA 2023" give to you?

Protected by law. Defending myself following the illegal mass mailing the board just sent to all members. California bans boards from blocking social media criticism of the board.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

That is their right. What gives you the right to keep trashing ad being high and mighty to not get it back? You get exactwhat you put out. The response is just not Acceptable legal or not. I do not need to see on social media day in and out how my HOA board sucks. It is just childish.

Former HOA President

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MarkS42 on 09/20/2023 2:38 PM
You trash your HOA all the time. What sash would "Miss HOA 2023" give to you?

She would give me "Mrs. Won't Be Intimidated".

LizD3 (California)
Posts: 200

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MarkS42 on 09/20/2023 2:38 PM
You trash your HOA all the time.

Is it trashing, though? Or is it trying to ensure a properly-run community? Because we all have a responsibility as members of our HOA. Because it is the right thing to do to help protect our neighbors. Because it is also in our own best interest because our home is one of our greatest, if not greatest, asset. And because looking out for each other is the right thing to do and how much better off would we all be if we did that?

LoriM15 (Florida)
Posts: 1,009

Posted:

I'm a community monitor on NextDoor. No one moderator can take down a post, and they certainly can't get someone's account shut down. When a post is reported for any violation of the rules (and there are many - anything from posting a for sale item in the main feed to discriminatory/racist posts - and I've seen them all) then a notice goes out to the moderators. They review the posts and vote to remove, keep or maybe remove (neutral). I believe it takes three or more different votes to remove a post. The AI on ND also sends things to the moderators. If it thinks you have said something that is derogatory, even if it's a joke, the post gets reviewed.

Any author who gets a post reviewed can appeal the decision and it goes back to the moderators again. There are sometimes that up to 10 moderators have to weigh in.

I personally hate most of the stuff that gets posted on ND. I'm not sure why I got picked to be a moderator. I, and the other moderators I "know" from ND (never met any of them, don't communicate with them, don't care to) take it VERY seriously.

I suspect the OP is posting something (we never get the full story from the OP) that violates the guidelines or not every moderator would have voted to remove it. You can post opinions, just not opinions that are personal attacks - even if you feel the personal attack is warranted or is "the facts".

I have been posting things that are not flattering to the board of the condo I own (not the neighborhood where I am on the board) over some really dumb and borderline illegal things they have been doing. We have had some great discussion with facts and opinions, but it has all been civil and there are no personal attacks.

ND is private. It's not sponsored by the community. When you sign up you agree to abide by the rules. Trying to pull out the California code to justify your posts on ND is a losing proposition.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LoriM15 on 09/20/2023 3:30 PM
I'm a community monitor on NextDoor. No one moderator can take down a post, and they certainly can't get someone's account shut down. When a post is reported for any violation of the rules (and there are many - anything from posting a for sale item in the main feed to discriminatory/racist posts - and I've seen them all) then a notice goes out to the moderators. They review the posts and vote to remove, keep or maybe remove (neutral). I believe it takes three or more different votes to remove a post. The AI on ND also sends things to the moderators. If it thinks you have said something that is derogatory, even if it's a joke, the post gets reviewed.

Any author who gets a post reviewed can appeal the decision and it goes back to the moderators again. There are sometimes that up to 10 moderators have to weigh in.

I personally hate most of the stuff that gets posted on ND. I'm not sure why I got picked to be a moderator. I, and the other moderators I "know" from ND (never met any of them, don't communicate with them, don't care to) take it VERY seriously.

I suspect the OP is posting something (we never get the full story from the OP) that violates the guidelines or not every moderator would have voted to remove it. You can post opinions, just not opinions that are personal attacks - even if you feel the personal attack is warranted or is "the facts".

I have been posting things that are not flattering to the board of the condo I own (not the neighborhood where I am on the board) over some really dumb and borderline illegal things they have been doing. We have had some great discussion with facts and opinions, but it has all been civil and there are no personal attacks.

ND is private. It's not sponsored by the community. When you sign up you agree to abide by the rules. Trying to pull out the California code to justify your posts on ND is a losing proposition.

Thank you. The problem is the total of 3 are all board flunkies. Virtually ALL of my posts are deleted. This is in fact a board run Nextdoor neighborhood who controls what's posted. The fact that when I finally found a Nextdoor agent who would listen objectively, he restored my posts. I don't expect it to change.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TerriS6 on 09/20/2023 3:44 PM

Thank you. The problem is the total of 3 are all board flunkies. Virtually ALL of my posts are deleted. This is in fact a board run Nextdoor neighborhood who controls what's posted. The fact that when I finally found a Nextdoor agent who would listen objectively, he restored my posts. I don't expect it to change.

Sounds like it's time for another one of your legal actions.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 09/20/2023 4:04 PM

Sounds like it's time for another one of your legal actions.

How do you propose a homeowner protects himself when the board is conducting personal attacks at meetings and sending out illegal (sending personal info) mailings to all the members?

MarkS42 (North Carolina)
Posts: 70

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TerriS6 on 09/20/2023 5:18 PM

Posted By TimB4 on 09/20/2023 4:04 PM

Sounds like it's time for another one of your legal actions.

How do you propose a homeowner protects himself when the board is conducting personal attacks at meetings and sending out illegal (sending personal info) mailings to all the members?

1) Don't expect perfection when nobody wants to volunteer for the board including yourself.
2) If living in a glass house don't throw stones
3) Time heals all wounds as long as you don't pick at it

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I recommend they sit their @ss down and shut up. It may take some LISTENING skills to see the big picture. Cause you keep making it about you. Which makes you a target for everything. So gueess what? Ain't like they can't say "So Joe Blow brought a lawsuit, let's not say their name or let anyone know...". I mean this is OPEN information available.

You are dealing with a CORPORATION of which EVERYONE is a shareholder. The shareholders have a right to know who is suing them. They have a right to view HOA records of which your name and address will be in there. It's not like no one else's not going to be. What makes you so special versus everyone else in your HOA except you insist on painting a target on your back to be the whipping post.

Poke the bear and the bear pokes back. You are poking the bear and wonder why the bear won't leave you alone...

Former HOA President

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MarkS42 on 09/20/2023 5:48 PM

Posted By TerriS6 on 09/20/2023 5:18 PM

Posted By TimB4 on 09/20/2023 4:04 PM

Sounds like it's time for another one of your legal actions.

How do you propose a homeowner protects himself when the board is conducting personal attacks at meetings and sending out illegal (sending personal info) mailings to all the members?

1) Don't expect perfection when nobody wants to volunteer for the board including yourself.
2) If living in a glass house don't throw stones
3) Time heals all wounds as long as you don't pick at it

From the beginning it has been, how do we defend ourselves from these people. 3 months after we moved here they started.

MarkS42 (North Carolina)
Posts: 70

Posted:

I do feel for you. It does sound like you have a terrible board. The solution from the start is communicating with other homeowners and having a convincing argument. You will never convince anyone here that posting a lien with identifiable information on ND is a good idea. Looking for technicalities in the law and punishing everyone is not going to lead to open ears.

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