Homeowner's Associations (Harrisburg, Penn: homeowners association, lawyers, houses)

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Hi All,

Many homeowners associations in NEPA are run right and do the right thing to perserve property values, etc.

Sometimes, there are associations who do not act in the best interest of everyone involved. I posted a thread a while ago asking folks here if they knew who is the governing body to oversee them, in the case of a problem.

I found my answer and thought I would share it with you in case you ever feel the need to get help without paying an attorney in NEPA. You, as a consumer have a right to notify the Attorney General's Office in Harrisburg.

You can file the appropriate complaint online. In turn, they send you a letter and investigate the allegations. Most Board of Directors are answerable to their community.

If anyone has any questions feel free to pm me. I am glad I know now, because I think that 8 months after elections - not notifying property owners the results of the elections, where the monies are going are just plain wrong.

I hope to educate myself and other's here who have had similar problems.

"Knowledge is Power"

The Hat

[poconoproud]

It's so good of you to post that info! I hope you are able to get the answers you are looking for, through this route. I think when you move into a community with a HOA, you should be given the information that you had to ferret out.

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Pocono,
Thanks for responding. When you ask the Association Attorney (who is now a judge) and you email the BOD three different times over a period of 8 months and are ignored, I think that any member in good standing (up to date of assessments, dues, etc) has a right to know this information. I learned a long time ago, "You teach people how to treat you".

I also thought it was good to post this information for others out there who feel overpowered and bullied by some of these associations - who in my opinion "think that they are above the law".

Hat

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Here is the website for anyone that is interested:

Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Tom Corbett - Protecting Pennsylvanians

[Toonamatic]

Being new to the HOA environment, this is good info. Thanks!

Toon

[poconosmama]

So Hat, after going through all this, do you plan on moving somewhere where there is a HOA or are you going to try to live free?

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Honestly, there are Associations where the Board of Directors are not on power trips. I think it depends on the community. Haven't made up our minds yet, but I think it is criminal when property owners are ignored for answers they have a right to. In building our next house, I will have definitely done my research so I will know what I am getting into.

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Hey Toon,

It's my pleasure to help. Some folks have helped me on this forum in other areas. It is important to share information because informs and educates others about the different things that go on here in NEPA. Knowing your rights enables you to protect your property values and other issues that come up in the future like assessments, etc...

Also for the rest of you reading out there: to get a free copy of the Pennsylvania Planned Communities Act: Frequently Asked Questions call this number 717-783-2037. The Commonwealth Rep's office will mail you a free copy!
or email: cbalck@pahousegop.com -
Lawyers in NEPA charge too much when you can get the info you need.

The Hat

[I LOVE PA!]

After living in The Hideout for 14 years, I can honestly say that the place is run on the up and up. The Board of Drectors are stricktly by the book, as well as the other branches of the Association. There are WAY too many people who would make it public if they did anything wrong. They are under the watchful eye of many!

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

PA,
The Hideout is much bigger than my and Toon's community. We average 45 houses. How many houses in the Hideout? That is great that things are run right, the way it should be. Unfortunately, things here are not be run correctly. Now, our BOD are going to find out that they are under the watchful eye of of an outside agency. The last thing they need is an audit or bringing attention to themselves. Strictly by the book....that is what they need to learn!!!!