I keep hearing versions of the same story: homeowners feel like they own the house, but not the rules that govern it. HOAs can fine, place liens, and drag people into court over “community standards.” None of that requires city council or a judge to approve first — it starts with a board meeting most residents don’t attend. If your board and management company decide to get aggressive, what’s your real escape hatch? Selling the house isn’t an “appeal,” it’s surrender. We call it community self-governance. It often functions like a mini government you can’t vote out. #House #HOA