How much control should neighbors have over someone else's home? After a three-year dispute over its color, a woman in Brisbane's west must repaint the roof of the home she owns.
Here's what to know
According to 9 News Australia, a Brisbane resident painted her roof red, which was much different from the more toned-down colors of the rest of the homes in the complex.
Other residents called the roof's color a "jarring surprise," per 9 News Australia.
The woman has been given three months to repaint her roof, and will have to do it at her own expense.
More background
Across the United States, homeowners associations can block money-saving updates, including rooftop solar panels and native plant lawns.
In the comments on the Brisbane report, one viewer criticized what they described as the development's prevailing color scheme.
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"So the standard colour there is dingy beige. Lovely, that is so attractive, NOT. How do people live with themselves wanting dingy beige for every single house? What a 'life,'" they said.
What can be done?
Users questioned whether the Brisbane homeowner should have to pay for the repainting.
"If Body Corporate is unhappy, then they have to pay … not that lady," one user argued.
Beyond the expense, users objected to communities policing homeowners' color choices.
"This is proof of our society losing its color!" one user said.
Where can I learn more?
Other homeowners have faced steep bills and unusual demands from their associations. These stories cover roof bills, an outdoor cooling measure, and hillside maintenance demands.
• Florida homeowners sued their HOA over a $13,000 roof bill after contractor payment preceded voting.
• California seniors risk losing their homes after their HOA imposed $26,000 emergency roof bills.
• An HOA ordered a homeowner's heat-reducing white towels removed after just two days.
• A South Carolina HOA demanded hillside mowing before its own survey deemed the task impossible.
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