Perils of Home Ownership

* Re “Le Parc Condos Legal Tangle Resolved,” Jan. 27.

This article recounts the litigious nightmare that Simi Valley Le Parc homeowners have had to endure while trying to protect their life investment--their homes. I have watched this story closely as well as the many other homeowners association nightmares unfolding across the nation.

Reading and educating oneself on the governing documents prior to purchasing a home in an HOA does not guarantee you protection against your own nightmare. Errant boards of directors, random enforcement, lack of enforcement and tyrannical enforcement of the governing documents tramples upon the rights of homeowners. In addition conflicting interests of HOA attorneys, contractors, management companies, big ticket insurance companies and certifying agencies, all seek to make their meal ticket off of the association [at the homeowners’ expense]. Homeowners’ dues fatten the coffers of these conflicting servitudes and in effect, are also used to sue the homeowner.

Would a municipality sue a homeowner and lien his home for thousands upon thousands of dollars in legal fees for “flying the American flag”? Likely not. Unfortunately, this threat is taking place in associations today.

The original intent of covenants, conditions and restrictions was to protect homeowners’ rights in associations, not to take them away. The rights of many Americans are at risk in out-of-control HOAs.

Welcome to the American Dream of home ownership.

REG and ALISA ROSS

Irvine