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Updated almost 6 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

127
Posts
54
Votes
Huso Akaratovic
  • Flipper/Rehabber
  • Newport News, VA
54
Votes |
127
Posts

How to handle unreasonable operations manager in HOA area?

Huso Akaratovic
  • Flipper/Rehabber
  • Newport News, VA
Posted

Greetings, 

I have a rental that is in a HOA community. Recently the board has hired a new "Operations Manager" and her job is to go around detect architectural violations. I have a received a letter from her to pressure wash my fence , repair and paint dormers, clean gutters and fix a porch light. I didn't really think that these requests were unreasonable at first, so I went on and painted the dormers since they did not require any fixing based on my observation, I cleaned the gutters, fixed the light and lightly washed the fence since it wasn't that much dirty and plus I did not want to add to much pressure in order not to break the pickets. I called the office and advised them that I have completed the task and if she can come out and do the re-inspection.

A day later, she calls me on the phone and advises me that I haven't done anything she requested me to do. I was shocked at first, because I know I have performed the work to my best ability. I then told her that all these repairs are subjective matter and it can be left to an interpretation what looks good and what doesn't.  She did not really like that  I was confronting her and I sense a little bit of attitude on her end. I remained professional and advised her that I will speak with the board regarding the matter. Couple of days later she sends me a notice and advised me that I have to repair all of these items ASAP. In addition, she went on and send me a second list of items that she wants me to fix, which sort of shocked me, especially since she did not have these items listed on the first list until i challenged her. Now I feel like she is nit picking my property apart and I am now hesitant to even speak up, because I don't want to have any more retaliation against my property as I am already seeing it happening. 

What I don't understand. Can she even perform these inspections since she is not a licensed contractor or handyman?  After doing some more digging under her name in public records. I discovered that she and her husband own properties in the same community as investment properties. Isn't this a conflict of interest? How do we know that she is ethically inspecting her husband’s properties? I understand she is new to the job and she wants to show good work ethics, but come on lets be more reasonable. We should work together not against each other. 

I haven't had a chance to  speak with the board yet. I plan on making a call tomorrow to the office. Should I talk to her again, or completely by pass her? 

I am sorry for the long message, please advise if anyone finds time and interests to read my boring concern. Thank you in advance.  

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

127
Posts
54
Votes
Huso Akaratovic
  • Flipper/Rehabber
  • Newport News, VA
54
Votes |
127
Posts
Huso Akaratovic
  • Flipper/Rehabber
  • Newport News, VA
Replied

@Lynnette E. @Tchaka Owen @Thomas S.

Hey all, thank you for replying to my tread. I had a meeting with the president this morning. I explained to her my concerns and she listened to me and reacted immediately. She agreed that the 2nd notice was unnecessary, and that I can disregard that because that’s not how tne inspections are Being conducted. The president went on and inspected my property herself and advised me that everything looks good, but I did need to repaint my gutters since it’s missing  some spots. She also advised to rinse my fence just a little bit more with applying More  pressure. 

Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the outcome.As I've told her all I want to do is be in compliance with the HOA. She advised me that this lady is new to this and she's learning as she goes along inspecting these properties. I told her that I didn't feel comfortable to speak up since I didn't want retaliation against my property. BecAuse the lady clearly was harassing me because I stood up for myself. President assured me that I would be fine, so I'll just have to trust her I guess.

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