Most homeowners don’t know what their rights may be in their section, or that they can get a hearing to contest a violation because there are still no published rules/enforcement and appeals processes for homeowners. A request to info@ for those documents goes unanswered because those policies don’t exist in writing.

Most homeowners aren't studying HOA law, so they don’t know what their rights are under MD law. Homeowners depend on management and the board to keep them informed AND to insure their rights are upheld without keeping an attorney on retainer. The enforcement policies for DR violations and appeals process need to be published, by section. Soon.

For 6+ years I have tried to get assistance from management and board to enforce the declaration of restrictions that I agreed to when I purchased and to provide me with the required public appeal process so I can dispute their opinion to protect myself and my property. Still waiting.

The dispute resolution section of MD HOA law 11/1/2022, requires that homeowners and HOA follow a lengthy public appeals and mediation before either the HOA or the homeowner can consider going to court. If homeowners knew that the HOA can’t threaten a fine or lawsuit without following the lengthy process required by law, they might not be so intimidated by threats and push back. 

This year‘s candidate meet and greet will offer the community an opportunity to ask three incumbent officers how homeowners can comply with rules they don't know about and why the association won’t publish the enforcement and appeal process for DR violations?

Mary