Homeowners accuse HOA of overstepping after ABC Action News report

In early 2024, Shantashia Stevenson said she came close to buying her "dream home" within the Townhomes of Wexford community but claimed its HOA got in the way. By the time our story aired, Stevenson had pulled out of the deal and eventually bought a home somewhere else. But that report proved to be just the beginning. Since the story aired, more than a dozen people who own or previously owned property in that community contacted ABC Action News.

[@robinsmith8252]

I'd rather live in the woods with zombies and bears than live in an HOA.

[@vickismith393]

🤣🤣🤣

[@drunkensquirrel7545]

Same. Heck, add werewolves & Bigfoot too. Way better than an HOA! 💯 .

[@AvisBrown-uw8qs]

Exactly!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@genebodjtb]

Yeah, zombies aren't real... but if you really think about it... the zombies (brainless walkers are indeed the HOA)

[@drunkensquirrel7545]

@@genebodjtb 💯

[@greenearthblueskies8556]

Lady that rejection was Gods protection ....run from HOA bs

[@JesusAlways1st]

I know that is right! Don’t walk, but run. You see how they are treating you and you hadn’t even moved in

[@catherineromero1862]

Since when does an HOA get to inspect the interior of a home? That sounds illegal as the HOA only takes care of the exterior, shared amenities, and infrastructure

[@irwinsaltzman979]

I think it is because the home owner was renting out some of the house. It could be against the rules to have a 2 family house rental. Proving the garage is for autos only would end that issue. ( a guess)

[@catherineromero1862]

@@irwinsaltzman979 except the way I’m understanding this is that the HOA refused to return to inspect and affirm that new condition

[@Shaney50]

My HOA covenants say that you can’t convert garages to rooms and that the homes require three car garages. With the new rules i am waiting to see what the new wording looks like.

[@ladyddelpheine5993]

IM WONDERING, IF THE NEW BUYER WAS WHITE... LOOKS LIKE MOST OF THE ISSUES THE HOA HAS ARE WITH AA IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. SO SOMETHING SMELLS OF DISCRIMINATION AND IT'S COMING FROM THE HOA!!!

[@xxzstatixx562]

this is what I don't understand either!

[@smorris281]

There are absolutely ZERO need for HOA’s, none at all.

[@lopilkderlll]

Agreed. I live in a non-HOA neighborhood and it’s great! Dude up the street from just built a 20 ft tall garage for his motorhomes with no issue. I’ve forgot to take my bins in immediately after they are emptied with no harnessing letter in the mail. I can park my vehicles on my own property wherever I want. We got our house painted and didn’t have approval for it. Fuck HOAs.

[@tamarahines6975]

@@lopilkderlll Amen!

[@Epitin]

@@lopilkderlllLOVE my SAFE no HOA home and neighborhood.

[@jackwilson3121]

So, who will pay for snow removal & street repairs?

[@lopilkderlll]

@@jackwilson3121 The city pays for street repairs and I live in Florida so it doesn’t snow. Even when I lived in Colorado in a HOA neighborhood, they hardly ever plowed my street. That’s why you need a 4WD/AWD vehicle if you live in a place that gets a lot of snow.

[@connieheitz8982]

My dream home would never be in a HOA community. If I buy a house, pay the mortgage, the taxes, and upkeep, no one's going to tell me what I can and cannot do with said home and land.

[@TruckinRoundTv]

Just the idea of buying a home to live like it’s an apartment weird…homeowner with a landlord

[@EclecticEndeavorsbyDemi]

Right. It sounds real crazy. What a nightmare for anyone going through this.

[@laurenbraden7317]

Be careful of imminent domain.

[@Mark_Agamotto1313_Smith]

@@laurenbraden7317 Small correction, Eminent Domain. But that would apply with or without an HOA.

[@darcymackenzie7654]

In Australia we have local councils that are like HOA's that make life a living hell for people trying to build, chop down trees, land use and many more...... lucky for them they got everyone to hand in their guns many years ago, or shit might get real..... HOA's in USA seem to be the same power crazy thang

[@KB-90]

This is exactly why the FIRST thing my Black ass told my realtor when I was searching for a house was "Absolutely no HOA!" The fck I look like letting a bunch of Karens and Chads dictate how I live.

[@dawnvarty657]

Has anyone else noticed that the people targeted by the HOA are more highly melanated? How pale is the HOA president? Who gives them their power?

[@DixiecratDemocrat]

Your racism is showing

[@Milesco]

​@@DixiecratDemocrat No, THEIR racism is showing.

[@winngriff]

​@@DixiecratDemocrat You are a criminal

[@Doomedmandy77]

The HOA prez signing those documents last name is Houssain so I think you’re projecting. What about the white blonde that lost 20k? She’s not “highly melanated”? 🙄

[@Milesco]

@@Doomedmandy77 The "white blonde" was trying to SELL her home to a person who was "highly melanated"!!! The HOA obviously didn't want the "highly melanated" person to live in their community.

[@briannastultz1468]

Why the hell does the HOA have any legal right to inspect the inside of the home?

[@mareerogers364]

They don't. You ain't coming in my house!

[@HeatherWho11.10]

When you move there, you sign an agreement agreeing to the rules. If you don't like/agree with them, don't live there.

[@yolandapearl7047]

This screams racism

[@kellyannr4171]

Loud and crystal clear!

[@DixiecratDemocrat]

The seller was hispanic. It seems like the entire community is affected by the HOA not just certain people.

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

not necessarily, common behavior or HOAs

[@PipeDoctor]

yup, obey rules or dont live there

[@PeacefulSushi-jo4fo]

@@PipeDoctorthey aren’t rules. Weirdo.

[@LMan-by6mb]

Sue to dismantle the HOA.

[@dodobono452]

Sounds racial

[@CarolWilkins-to2eo]

I agree

[@mariyamwaniki]

My thought too

[@valerieneal2747]

I agree.

[@karinfarris9939]

Exactly what I thought!!

[@evmcelroy]

It certainly does.

[@amandaflynn5835]

YOU WILL NOT FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN A HOA NOTHING BUT NIGHTMARE'S

[@valerieneal2747]

HOA'S ARE NOTHING BUT EXTORTIONISTC BULLIES. I WOULD NEVER BUY A HOME WITH A FKN HOA ATTACHED. I HATE TH3M.

[@HeatherWho11.10]

I've lived in my home for 11 years with an HOA and never had any issues.

[@amandaflynn5835]

@@HeatherWho11.10 YOUR LUCKY

[@HeatherWho11.10]

@@amandaflynn5835 not really. I just follow the rules I agreed to follow upon moving here.

[@teamofone1219]

@@HeatherWho11.10The problem with most hoas nowadays is they don’t make the rules clear enough. Sometimes they would change them without notice.

[@kimwhitson7035]

I’m not always the sharpest tool in the shed but this seems like TRUE RACISM

[@AppalachianPatriot]

They do it to other races too. It’s not a black thing.

[@ana_iris]

The woman selling the home had a Hispanic name tho. So it might just be discrimination to POC.

[@user-wj3rn9mu4l]

These people are high on being in charge.

[@Tony_417]

Always a victim, right? 🤡

[@RosiePosey5150]

It's a combo in my eyes. It's a racist high on power.

[@mariom6616]

Anyone else notice an obvious pattern with who the HOA has an issue with!? Looks like housing discrimination and someone needs to look into legal action. These HOAs seem more problematic than they are helpful.

And if they all got together and hired a lawyer the cost for each one would be lower

[@madeline6155]

Interesting that the HOA became docile once a cash buyer entered the picture. Makes you wonder if the two were in business together.

[@jamesborck5908]

Cash buyer was white that’s the difference

[@madeline6155]

It's scary how this type of stuff is once again becoming a part of mainstream and no longer even done in secret. Everything is changing very swiftly. We need to take notice, because it's happening very fast. I'm genuinely afraid.

[@Rooster8741]

Cash would've made absolutely no difference to the HOA president as they get no kickbacks on home sales. You know what is going on here.

[@YabbaDabbaDooooo]

@@Rooster8741Actually, they can. HOA’s can stop the sale of the home or even the realtor you’re allowed to use. Some HOAs use fines and violations to drive homeowners into foreclosure. Once that happens, the HOA can gain ownership, rent, and resell the house at a profit (to the HOA - of course 😉). Wouldn’t surprise me if the President wasn’t trying to drive homeowners into foreclosure through technicalities and “advertising” potential properties for a kickback under the table.

[@darthgorthaur258]

Hoas need to be completely dissolved. They shouldn't have the power to do this. And they certainly shouldnt have the power to take away and forclose on someones home they own and have completely paid off.

[@annb2045]

There is no way I would move into that home now.

[@QAsession]

Do a petition!!!!!! Remove the board!!!!! It can be done.

[@ketolakay]

Please tell me me how. I want mine gone so bad. They are threatening to put a lien on our home if we don’t redo the roof even though there’s nothing wrong with the roof. And I have to use the people they approved of. 😤

[@CorporateKane]

Sounds like they have a money exchange with the company. I'd hire a lawyer​@@ketolakay

[@QAsession]

@ketolakay First-read your by-laws and know what your rights are. Also, do research online. Educate yourself so you can speak with authority. Second-talk to your neighbors and see who is willing to walk around the neighborhood and collect signatures. You need to know what percentage of signatures are needed in your state to oust the board ( recall the board). Third-Mail the petition and a letter through certified mail to all board members, and the property management if they have one. Cost is involved. But if your board is not working, the first step is to get rid of them. It's doable. I have seen it done in multiple communities in our city. You need to work together with the rest of the owners. It can't be just one person. Boards need to be elected yearly. Some states have limits on how many years someone can serve on a board. Florida, for example, has some strict rules. Its up to the owners to make sure the board is doing their fiduciary duty. Otherwise, they need to deal with the consequences. Dont give up. Fight for your home.

[@ketolakay]

@@QAsession I will try. Thank you for all the information.

[@vlong5710]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭

[@pompem2140]

The book "The Color of Law" explains this situation perfectly.

[@jok280]

I’m seeing a pattern in the skin color of the tenants the HOA is giving

[@Reaver571]

As I was watching, started to see a definite trend.

[@coryart]

Would never buy where there's HOA.

[@writerconsidered]

They need to elect a board to dissolve the HOA. That lady trying to buy the home just dodged a bullet and learned first hand why never to buy an HOA house.

[@oracleofthemosthigh613]

This is sick and sadistic. No one shud have this much authority for a home to live in.

[@Darci3333]

My main stipulations upon looking for and buying my home was NO HOAs PERIOD. That was deal breaker for me. I would never buy a home within an HOA. They are criminals.

[@NakissiD]

Seriously

[@warren2255777]

I see a disturbing pattern here 😒😒

[@jamesalderman5387]

So everyone at the pool sharing food were all residents who had a right to be there. 😮

[@doom4067]

The board will not stand for the community acting like a community.

[@Tarenreal]

Stop buying properties with HOA

[@irandude1655]

That is a great reason to get out of the contract. Get out before you get swallowed by HOA fees due to lawsuits.

[@rufusmedrano2962]

Sounds like racism

[@javaskull88]

Any time your HOA cites you on some supposed violation, send a registered letter asking them to cite the specific covenant or bylaw they are referring to. They will shut up after that. But if we’ve signed an HOA agreement, we have to read and follow their bylaws. Read BEFORE you buy, and attend their meetings in order to keep up with changes.

[@S.B.-rh9mf]

Been watching videos about HOA neighborhoods and I have come to this conclusion “NEVER,EVER will I live in an HOA run neighborhood, NEVER! “ seems to me they are run by narcissistic bullies.

[@klmbunny1]

I bought land and built my home on it. No HOA'S for me thank you. I feel for these people. The hoa's go too far

[@Shaney50]

@@klmbunny1 how much was it to get electrical and water ran to your land? They say that’s soooo expensive….

[@johnnelson8956]

When are homeowners going to wake up? HOA's in this country are out control. No organization should ever wield this amount of power and control over people's lives. I will never buy a home in an HOA community.

[@GlamGadz]

At this point, they should be bankrupted by lawsuits! I’m no lawyer, but this appears to infringe on civil rights among other violations. They need to be ousted and the HOAs authority guidelines need to be rewritten. The new law they passed is very vague and doesn’t include matters like this. Ive lived in five states and have never heard of the HOA doing inspections or involved to this degree.

[@radolfkalis4041]

The only way the HOA will be bankrupted by lawsuits is if every homeowner is bankrupt. Special assessments to make them pay all legal fees.

[@Suckubos]

RACIALLY MOTIVATED

[@doom4067]

If the HOA is making it too difficult for you to buy a house, that's your sign to run. It won't get better after you move in. If they're asking a judge to bar him from hosting parties with food and drink at the pool, it must not be against HOA rules.

[@marcellacrier7283]

The only thing I like about HOAs is they keep the community looking nice, but that’s it. Some homeowners do keep their yards a mess. But I’m getting ready to buy and a HOA isn’t it.

[@sherryduva5263]

This HOA is on a power trip. There is no need for HOA’s anymore. It’s a power trip.

[@CN45475]

Then don’t buy a house in an HOA. You cannot tell a developer what he can and cannot do with this property. We do not live in a dictatorship.

[@thefingerofgod69]

I can't wrap my mind around all of this...

[@patvosburgh9387]

We’ve seen this with Certified Service Animals also. Such discrimination. We personally had this happen to sellers of ours. It’s awful :(

[@taylorjorgenson7230]

If someone came and knocked on my door and said they have several signatures to form an HOA. I would literally start at that moment, with the person, and demand they come with me, and start knocking on every door, to verify that those signatures are real or forged. I don't know why I have this on my mind.

[@radolfkalis4041]

It doesnt matter if they are real or forged, no one can MAKE you sign on to form an HOA.

[@valerieneal2747]

​@radolfkalis4041 you're correct

[@user-yj9gl3ur6c]

@@radolfkalis4041 It would still be interesting to see if all of the signatures are real…,

[@HeatherWho11.10]

That doesn't matter. EVERYONE has to be in agreement to form an HOA, not just a couple people.

[@flowalsh5248]

I don’t understand, why people want to live in any community that has an HOA, and they are horrible, and I don’t care how well they run.

[@DixiecratDemocrat]

Security, Cleanliness. HOA is supposed to maintain the landscape and aesthetics of the community there should not be "fees" or "violations" maybe a 3 strikes warning before a fine is actually issued.

[@lizcollinson2692]

I think commonly out of ignorance, but also the assumption that a well run HOA won't be overtaken by Karens and the mob.

[@HeatherWho11.10]

I've lived in my home for 11 years with an HOA and no issues. All the homes and yards are kept nice and presentable looking. But my HOA also isn't racist as the one here seems to be

[@lovely31bluprint]

I do not recommend anyone for newly built homes with HOA to buy

[@catherinekoch3735]

I have to wonder if the new buyer had a lighter skin tone than the original person who was going to buy. Also, any connection between the new buyer and the HOA person who made the decision to reject the first sell deal. Possibly the same skin tone problem with the second person?

[@andrewhetjonk9975]

That's what I was wondering

[@doom4067]

Based on what we can gather from the story, the only lighter skin toned person that the community had has fled. How does your logic sound to you now?

[@deemaverick987]

Never buy an HOA property.

[@glendawilson4068]

Get rid off HOA

[@bradimcbride3992]

Every person in that community that's having a problem with them needs to all get a lawyer and Sue the entire board

[@debunkys]

I saw the name of the HOA president Dr. something. I believe he is from Iran so his tyrannical behavior may not be surprising. Watching these stories, I am in pain and disbelief that an HOA can terrorize home owners to this extent scotch free in USA. Unbelievable!! The arrogance, pettiness, the lack of basic humanity and courtesy!! Who are these animals? How do they get away with abusing the court system?

[@americanjbj]

lol If you think his country of origin has anything to do with his behavior, you are just showing typical American ignorance learning about the world from American television 😂 Educate yourself before you show such ignorance in public! PS: I am not from Iran or have any connection to it whatsoever.

[@SparkeyCox]

Best thing the Stevenson did was to tell the HOA to stuff it.

[@billyreastmanjr6176]

Why would you even think about buying a home with a HOA.

[@fenixcay8130]

This is seriously weird.

[@gwats19577]

Why give anyone this kind of power over where and how you live? My property is the one place no one can dictate how I live!!!

[@MonAmi-ru5oj]

That's insane. Thank you for shining a light on this

[@Gmac_Greg_M]

This is a blessing in disguise for you. Do you really want a HOA like this ruling over how you live and what you do in your house?

[@xekimaneru5994]

Why anyone would want to move into a HOA is beyond me

[@gary9080]

I’ve been thrown out of better places.

[@jns5319]

Have an HOA from within the community!!! Keep these outside agencies OUT!!!!!

[@NoOneisHereAnyway]

In Texas, if you can get at least 75% of the residents in your HOA to sign a petition... you can dissolve your HOA. So glad I don't live in an HOA!

[@user-vi2dk1qz5f]

These HOA's have too much power and know it. It's BS.

[@IvoryS2012]

Don't buy in an HOA!!!! Buy a home someplace else. I understand the situation, that HOA is evil. Also, don't move into an area like this where they hate people.

[@agmcroom2374]

This is a common occurrence dealing with these weak people with power outside of their jobs and lives. I will never move or live inside of an HOA

[@kamanama3671]

it also screams why live here if you are already dealing with it

[@zunefsu87]

Same issues in South Tampa

[@cwhitejrmd]

Great piece.

[@poppyd9758]

Why anyone would buy a HOA controlled home is beyond me.

[@smartchick649]

Thank you for helping them, but I would NEVER live in an HOA. I want to live in peace.

[@thefourhorsemen91]

HOAs being difficult? What????? I'm shocked!

[@evmcelroy]

I would never buy anyplace associated with an HOA.

[@momann1822]

We need assistance in Ontario, CA. Our HOA demanded $200,000.00 emergency special assessment without proof of their allegations.

[@HitsFromThePast]

Our assessment is almost $400,000 this year because of higher insurance cost. We own our condo for 10 years and this is the 4th special assessment. Plus, the monthly HOA fees goes up every year now. They closed all 50 laundry rooms in buildings.

[@momann1822]

@HitsFromThePast Wow!! That's a lot. We understand the cost of living goes up. It sounds like your HOA has documented proof for the special assessment. Mines do not.

[@Shaney50]

@@momann1822 CANADA TOO????

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

It looks to me like they just didn't want that Stevenson lady.

[@jjman533]

Imagine all the embezzling of HOA funds that are occurring at HOAs across the country by its board members . Lets also not forget all the contracts of gardening, trash, cleaning, paint, etc to friends and family of HOA board members. Also, keep in mind that when the HOA sues you, all their attorney fees are being paid by the HOA dues lol. There needs to be a nationwide consumer law on HOAs. Best protection of all is to NOT move into one.

[@MikodoHizo]

The sooner people start brick facing the hoa boards the sooner the bs will stop

[@GypsyHeart2012]

HOA's are not necessary. I would never buy into a home with an HOA attached. You never know when they will bite.

[@JeanPierreWhite]

Dude. Why buy a home with an HOA in place. The troubles he is having is just the start. RUN!!

[@Tomcatt817]

Is it just me or is there a common theme among all of the people here who are having problems with the HOA?

[@MYRitchie48]

HOA are a nightmare in my opinion. Would never buy an HOA home ever again.

[@patriciagurwitz509]

Board members/HOAs often create these issues and profit personally as a result. Watch out🥴

[@gregwilliamsono9360]

My question is....why on earth would you even want to live there!!???

[@geraldine1437]

I have said from the beginning that HOA is there to keep and monitor certain ethnic groups- anytime you have a key to my house that I paid money - is ludicrous. Every HOA that I have researched has crazy rules.

[@ORO323]

If you’re looking for a house and even if you’re desperate, please *DO NOT* get it if an HOA is involved. There’s plenty of stories out there where they abuse their authority.

[@rosecitytheaftershow]

This is insanity!! What's going on what this HOA board?

[@coryart]

My dad said in an HOA meeting, "Isn't this a democracy we live in? I have the approval of the majority of the property owners in this area on the roof I chose." A board members on a power trip, YELLED at my father, "NO. AS FAR AS YOU'RE CONCERNED THIS IS A GESTAPO UNIT!!!". The board ended up suing over the issue (a roof type that had been approved in Pebble Beach), and because my parents lawyer didn't file paperwork in on time my parents lost their dream home.

[@user-ou6vo1pd7f]

Screw hoa never buy a house in one

[@shaverlocal]

Never, ever buy a home in an HOA!

[@p.s.xoxo...lifeandstyle6101]

His is why I will never live in a HOA community. So sorry for what is happening to these innocent owners.

[@deefogg4335]

Why would anyone want to live in a hoa community ?

[@NaturalBeauty707]

Build your Own...please don't buy in a HOA Community ...After watching this it Explains it All...Smh ....Discrimination still exists 🤷‍♀️

[@geenonar]

Do not buy a home where there is an HOA period.

[@pearl729]

Many HOA really let the little power they have get to their head.

[@jeremys6631]

Oh I ran into this type of situation before. When I used to do signage for businesses. Every time I ran into a violation where the previous business built out something that's not correct. And they already had a buyer for it. They would do anything in their power to stop that buy to happen. Because they don't want that thing to happen again. So they want new buyer that's unaware of what was the violation.

[@EB-vc6ub]

Run!

[@thisbushnell2012]

The HOA did you a great favor. JUST NO HOA! Even so, SUE THEM INTO RECEIVERSHIP!

[@babybabibaby]

I see a pattern 👀

[@timothygarrett2785]

Why would anyone choose to live under such a dictatorial system? If you own property, you own it outright, don’t be a slave to a bunch of arrogant and petty people.

[@smartchick649]

Why do people continue to move to HOA’s they are going to keep harassing you.

[@steve-on3234]

Seems like people need to read their bylaws carefully and then live in strict compliance but tell HOA to FO

[@moviediva]

Sounds like owning property while Black-

[@mikeymarriott]

Note to self. Never buy in an HOA community

[@dquan731]

These are outliers. I’ve lived in two HOA communities before and no problems. Sounds like the ones with problems have board members on a power trip.

[@doom4067]

Any HOA is only ever one board meeting away from destroying everything.

[@dquan731]

@@doom4067 so dark. I don’t know what your HOA bylaws say, but the ones I’ve been in allows the majority owners to immediately replace or disband all boards. Also, every change must be done via voting at regular board meetings to which all owners are welcome to attend. So, I really don’t understand where all of these horror stories are coming from.