Homeowners associations are supposed to ensure that people take good care of their properties. However, many of them can stand in the way when homeowners wish to make money-saving, environmentally friendly upgrades to their homes. In the worst cases, they can lead individuals to make more costly, energy-draining adjustments to their properties.
This is what happened to one Reddit user whose HOA president apparently stole their electricity. The poster shared that they were essentially expected to use their personal electricity to power the entire community's sprinkler system. The president had assured the homeowner that the system was on a separate meter. However, the poster realized the water wouldn't run when they turned off the breaker in their home.
"I have an HOA president that is not calling meetings when required, has not provided a copy of the bylaws, and has lied about the source of electricity," the OP wrote.
HOAs often enforce rules that promote a certain aesthetic standard, such as trim monoculture lawns or no solar panels. In addition to making every home cookie-cutter, these bylaws block homeowners from major upgrades such as solar panels, heat pumps, and natural lawns. These installations not only improve the quality of living, but also save people money.
Solar is the ultimate home energy hack, with monthly electricity rates reaching as low as $0. It's only fair that all homeowners have this option, and the TCD Solar Explorer can help. TCD's Solar Explorer connects people with vetted installers and saves them up to $10,000 on solar installations by curating competitive bids.
The tool also has $0-down subscription options that can slash your utility rates by up to 20%, including Palmetto's LightReach solar panel leasing program, which locks in low energy rates. EnergySage, another Solar Explorer partner, provides great tools to help you get bids and connect with installers.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
These upgrades are better for your wallet — and the environment. Switching to renewables such as solar and geothermal reduces our reliance on gas, coal, and oil. People can fight back against their HOAs by resisting these changes. It all starts with an email or a letter to your HOA board.
Fellow Reddit users shared advice to the OP, insisting that they prevent their HOA president from taking more of their electricity.
"Leave that breaker off if it's within your home," one person wrote.
"You can get a registered electrician to just disconnect that wire," another said.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
|
Should homeowners associations be able to determine what you grow in your garden?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Yes 💯 The Reddit user took action and resisted the energy-sucking suggestion from their HOA president. After sending a few emails and letters to the president, they received a resolution of sorts. They said the president resigned from the post and had been violating the bylaws himself, leaving room for the OP to run for the position and potentially create some positive changes.
Meanwhile, other homeowners are finding that pairing solar with an upgraded HVAC can also help seriously cut down on heating and cooling costs. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find the right affordable system and cut your energy costs by up to half.
Plus, the free Palmetto Home app can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on all these home upgrades by taking simple actions in your everyday life.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
