HOME: Association a hindrance, not help

I would like to address some of the negative things that are happening in some homeowners associations these days.

One of them is the practice of slapping fines on people for being a day late in paying association fees. Because of our association getting our $50 annual fee after January 31st, we were slapped with a fine of $5. (Mind you they got our fees in February). I know, $5 doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but this is about the principle. When did our homeowners associations become our masters?      We are living on a fixed income, and while $5 may not be a lot of money, it is still coming off my table. I can understand a lien if someone refuses to pay at all, but the latest notice, signed by our vice president, is threatening to lien us for the $5. For the $5!!! I am sure some of you are saying just pay the $5. 

You know what? I am tired of $5 here and $5 there. I am tired of feeling held up by these entities that are supposed to exist for my benefit. I am tired of hard-nosed, controlling association boards.   That is not the kind of association I want to be apart of. Oh, but wait; I don't have a choice, do I? When will it end? When they take my house?

TERRY LOAR

Coeur d’Alene