Since last year when I got my new house, the Board Of Directors (of the community) where complaining about the things that I did with my front and back yard. Well, some of them make sense, so I did what they ask me because I remember reading it in the little book that they gave me when I moved there. But this one I don't remember and I want to fight back. What gives them the right to decide what I can and cannot put on my front porch? I am not really good on Engilsh, therefore I need your help to correct and help me develop a good argument on how to fight back this letter. Maybe I am too young to understand the rules of owning a house. About the thing on what I can do to my front yard and not. I am only 21 and this is my first house. If you guys (and girls) believe that they are right please say so, like I said maybe I am too young. I will post a picture of my front porch tomorrow so you can have a better picture of it.
thanks




So far I wrote



[I]
To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing regard about the letter (see attachment) that was send to me on January 8, 2003. I would like a good explanation why do I have to remove the table that is outside my front porch, which the Board of Directors classified it as a fast food table. According to the letter I need to remove the table and replace it with outdoor patio furniture. How do you classify outdoors furniture? Does it suppose to have a label somewhere? Or just because of the look of it? I don

 

Hmmm

To the Board,

I acknoledge recipt of your notice regarding my patio furniture that sits on my front porch.
(not knowing the rules, I'll make this up ) It would seem that we have different views regarding what patio furniture is. I do not see anything in the rules and regualtions pretaining to the style of my furniture.

However, I am disheartened in your attempt to belittle me, my tastes, and sense of community by refering to my patio furniture as a fast food table, implying that I am cheap, and of a class that you deem beneath yourselves.

Being a first time home owner, under your rules and regualtions, I have had to adapt to your listed standards. Previous infractions have been dealt with promptly, However, I feel that you have unjustly characterized my motives and my choices of furniture.

Perhaps you can furnish me with a catalog of items that meet your standards?

As I have said, I have kept up with all your regualtions to this point, but feel that this notice is outside the scope of intent in regards to the betterment of our community.

If the consensus of our community concludes that they dissaprove of my tastes in furniture, then I will consider removing the offending peices..

Otherwise, I request a retraction of this notice.

Sincerly,

_____________



This was a quick off the cuff, but I would write something like that.

Don't cut and past any of this, or you will look like a kid that can't spell

Best of luck

 

I think they just mean that plastic patio furniture may not be up to their standards. I am assuming that the table in question is a round plastic table meant for outdoor use, because of the "fast food furnuiture." They may not actually be trying to insult you, but consider that the group that is charged with enforcing the rules, and may be attempting to prevent complaints. Do ask them for a catalog or other reference, and hold them to it. You are paying a lot of money for your property, and the homeowners association is supposed to help protect your property value, not hassle you.

One of the problems with owning a house in an area governed by a homeowners association is when the association sends you a letter about your property. There is no need to be on the defensive, just inquire as to the nature of the issue, and ask about a workable solution. These people are there to protect your investment, they are not some form of neighborhood police. They work for you, since you pay dues. Approach the relationship as such, rather than from the standpoint of you vs. them.

 

Also, a good idea is if you have a lawyer friend to write it and send it for you. That way it looks "official" and that you're willing to get legal counsul to fight it.

 

Wow, just wanted to let you know that this is where PREPAID legal could've helped you out. You would have had a letter written on your behalf by your own AV rated lawyer.

By the way, i clicked on your links about making money>...does it really work? Is there a max that can be collected?

 

I think I can see both sides of this argument.

Being old enough to have witnessed several areas of prime residential property deteriorate to the point where they're no longer desireable and considerably devalued, I can see where the committee may be coming from. I'm not suggesting your table is going to bring house prices tumbling down, but these things start from small beginnings.

If they're being really petty about this then I can see your point of view too. I'd be annoyed as well.

You're obviously fortunate though to live in a nice area, and the committee are protecting your interests as well as their own. I'd try to remember that before I started a feud over what seems a small matter.

We really need a pic of this table though. I'm really curious now!!

 

thanks for all your replies

here are some pictures of the problem, so you can have a better idea of what the Board of Directors are asking me to do.
Personally, I don't see that the table is that agry or offensive that will bring my house value down. What do you guys (girls) thinks?

 

Erm? I gotta say, I don't see a big problem!

I gotta say though that for silly money you could get some nice wrought iron stuff which would look better and be more in keeping with the style of the house.

Tell 'em you're goin' to keep a few chickens around the back!

 

hahahha. that looks ghetto. so sorry :-(
listen to them, just get something that looks not like a restaurant.
lol.

this has nothing to do with age. I mean even if i was 16, i wouldn't want that in front of my house.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TonyJ
[B]Wow, just wanted to let you know that this is where PREPAID legal could've helped you out.