Name:   MartiniMan - Subject:   Not always Date:   5/10/2023 10:55:00 AM

You are missing the point here.....it's not the HOA per se that is an issue.  Of course we read the HOA rules and agreed that they helped preserve the value of the homes in the neighborhood.  It's the execution of the HOA rules and the type of personality that seems drawn to membership in the Board that creates a lot of the unnecessary conflict.  

My only gripe with our HOA after 20 plus years was the special assessment to do what I consider should have been included in the reserves.  Other than my having to move my Mary statue to the back yard (which was in accordance with the rules) I have never had an issue with them on improvements to our house, color of paint, etc.  I've gotten a few nastygrams over the years when we waited too long to put down pine straw, but again that was reasonable.

But no, it is not "nuts" to complain about the HOA when it does something that deserves criticism.  I would agree that it is unreasonable to complain about the existence of the HOA and the rules and regs if it was in place before you bought your house.  Caveat emptor.  But people do that all the time.  They buy a house on a golf course and complain about errant golf balls.  They buy a house near an airport and complain about the noise.  As for me, I don't do that but plenty of people do and they are unreasonable to do so.....as are some HOA board members at times.