A Georgia homeowner is considering legal action against their homeowners association after coming home to find their fence, bushes, and trees removed from their yard.
The homeowner took to Reddit to share the egregious behavior of their HOA president. In the post, they shared that they received an email from the president saying some slats in their fence needed to be fixed. A few days later, the homeowner reports discovering the removal of that fence, as well as several bushes and trees from their backyard.
The homeowner notes the HOA president has a reputation for "crazy" demands. They shared their intentions to call the police to report the theft and their desire to push the matter forward.
"Since the person represented herself as speaking for the HOA, I'm thinking of writing the HOA via certified mail, explaining the situation, and asking that my property be returned to its previous state," wrote the homeowner. "I will note that the mature trees cannot be replaced with similarly mature ones and quote my best guess of monetary substitution, which will get their attention at $250,000 (100 foot tall pines)."
HOAs have a reputation for taking illegal action against homeowners and their properties across the nation. Homeowners can often work with their HOA to ensure that bylaws and covenants don't infringe on their rights. But sometimes HOAs act outside the bounds of the law.
The homeowner mentioned they live in Forsyth County, Georgia, where state law doesn't address whether HOAs need permission to enter a person's property. But the law does say HOAs must follow all other state and federal laws, meaning the organizations don't get to freely trespass and steal property.
Commenters chimed in with their thoughts on the situation, echoing the original poster's sentiments that this action is illegal.
"You should contact a lawyer," said one user. "Sounds like the HOA went way beyond what they were allowed to do."
"Tree law. In GA any tree or bushes removed need to be replaced by like size (mature bushes are expensive) value and [all] landscaping made good, with triple damages applied," said another user. "Honestly read the covenants and it will have notice periods, etc., and then sue her personally and the HOA as well and they can work it out."
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