HOA rules are formally known as Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs). They’re designed to keep the neighborhood property value high. [1] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source Some CC&Rs might word their requirements or restrictions in a vague, negotiable way, which is exactly what you want.
Let’s say that you live in Avalon, California and your HOA asks you to stop smoking in the neighborhood. This would go against Avalon’s municipal code, which only bans smoking in certain public spaces. [2] X Research source
Keep your relationship with your neighbors in mind, too. Playing loud music is a fun way to irritate your HOA, but it’s also a great way to irritate the people next door.
This will definitely tick off your HOA, but being constantly surrounded by people might tick you off, too. Be extra annoying by inviting another large group of people to stay immediately after the first group.
Let’s say you wanted to stick a Christian cross in your yard or display a Buddha statue in your garden. Your HOA can’t force you to take these down just because they don’t practice or support your faith. Try to get as extreme as you can with your holiday decorations—for instance, you could deck out your yard in a wild jungle theme while setting out your Christmas decor.
States like California might also give you some wiggle room to plant native plants without any repercussions. [5] X Research source
You can hang-dry your clothes outside in the following states: Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Vermont, Oregon, Arizona, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Utah (with some exceptions).
In most states (minus Alaska), your satellite dish can be no larger than 1 m (3. 3 ft) wide. To some HOAs, antennas and satellite dishes can be eyesores to the neighborhood overall. So, getting one installed is a great way to annoy the board.
Offers complete legal protection: Arizona, California, Colorado, DC, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin Offers partial legal protection: Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Tennessee Doesn’t offer legal protection: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming
For example, Colorado citizens are allowed by law to put up political signs around their homes. However, the HOA can limit the number of signs they can put up as well as the size of them. [9] X Research source
If only neutral-toned colors are allowed by your HOA, you might paint each wall of your home in black, white, gray, and brown.
Hang out by the pool from opening until closing Save all of your workouts at the neighborhood gym until the very end of the day Hold a party every weekend in the community barbecue area
Bonus points if you catch a member of your HOA board breaking the rules, too! This strategy is a great way to point out pointless and silly rules that are part of your HOA’s CC&Rs.
How often do you update the HOA’s financial records? Are you doing it often? Is there a list of home repairs that are financed by our HOA dues? Where I can find important HOA paperwork like financial statements and meeting minutes?
Constantly asking your HOA for meeting minutes is a great way to annoy them. You can request copies of other HOA docs, too, like financial statements.
Campaign to your neighbors and let them know that you’re running for the position. Explain why you’d be a great member of the board and why you deserve their vote.
Regardless of the outcome, taking legal action will definitely burn a bridge between you and your HOA. Only go this route if you have no other options to pursue. If you don’t want to take things to court, chat with and rally up your neighbors instead. You might be able to make your voices heard without needing to get any lawyers involved.
