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HOA Question Mildew Violation... Really? WHEN was I supposed to clean this, this winter??

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by suzeqt26, Mar 22, 2014.

  1. suzeqt26

    suzeqt26 New Member

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    I'm sure we can all agree that this winter was HARSH! Snow storm after snow storm. 14 snow days and countless 2-hour delays!

    Today, I can finally see all my grass as ALL the snow is completely gone and hopefully GONE for good! We see our tulips budding through the earth... the birds are chirping happily... allergies are upon us! YES! SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

    So on the 1st day of Spring, we received a "VIOLATION" letter from the HOA with a photo of the north side of our home which has mildew growing on the siding. Really? Please tell me WHEN was I supposed to risk putting a ladder in the snow and risk someone clean this December - March in the freezing cold and snow on the ground most of the 4 months (as it's the North side)? Perhaps a nicer letter suggesting, "This has been one heck of a winter and we noticed some houses need a Springtime clean! Be sure to call a contractor soon!"

    No compassion.

    On another note, there are COUNTLESS uneven sidewalks all over this neighborhood which haven't been fixed in years causing many runners, children and elderly to trip on, causing in some cases severe injuries... Yet, my mildew is apparently more important to fix......
     
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  2. cindyb

    cindyb New Member

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    Yep, I got one of those too. Guess the HOA people got cabin fever and couldn't wait for regular spring cleaning days.
     
  3. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    They are doing their job. And odds are it was a neighbor who complained. THAT is how the vast majority of "violations" come to the HOA's attention.
     
  4. shim

    shim shim

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    Agreed. The covenants search crew is lame. Unless a homeowner complains it's likely to go unattended. And per usual the HOA has a very defensive posture on the matter "do you realize we have to monitor 5,500 properties monthly?"
     
  5. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    If the sidewalks are along VDOT streets, then it is their responsibility to fix them, but unless you call and harass them continuously, it is doubtful it will get done.
    Sidewalks on provate streets are, I believe, the HOA's responsibility.
     
  6. Mr Rogers

    Mr Rogers Active Member

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    EVERY north facing exterior wall in our community has mildew. I got my letter the first week of March and there was actually still 8" of snow on the ground. I really appreciate the HOA reminding me to clean my house. Maybe next, they can peek in my window and tell me to vacuum.

    If they could direct a little of the energy onto items that actually affect the safety of our community. For example, when the sidewalks on Broadlast Blvd had mounds of icy snow blocking the way. Or when people let their branches lean over the sidewalk.
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2014
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  7. PowerPlay

    PowerPlay Member

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    I'm sorry. I realize they are doing their jobs, but if someone were to call and complain about mildew, I would tell them that it's unreasonable to ask a homeowner to clean it during the winter and to please check again a few weeks into the Spring to see if it was still a violation. Common sense has to step in somewhere.. because clearly the person calling to complain has NONE!
     
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  8. Twinmama

    Twinmama Member

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    I'm pretty sure this was not a neighbor call as the hoa inspectors were rolling slowly up and down our street that afternoon. That said, it is completely unreasonable to expect the mildew to be cleaned before it has warmed up. I get that there are standards, but there are much better things to be worried about in terms of hoa violations....
     
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  9. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Did the violation letter give you a time frame that it needed to be completed by?
     
  10. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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  11. suzeqt26

    suzeqt26 New Member

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    Exactly on point every one! 1,000% unreasonable to receive this letter on the 1st day of Spring! In 14 years we've lived here, this is the ONLY violation we've ever received and after THIS winter?????? What in the heck were they thinking?? Again, perhaps a nicer notice stating that all our homes need a bit more TLC after this winter.... good grief.
     
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  12. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    It's just a heads up, I wouldn't get so riled up about it unless they fine you in a week or something ;)
     
  13. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    I'm sure it's more about the 'process over common sense' then any concern over actual fines.

    Someone needs to step in and apply common sense before we all go THE LETTER OF THE LAW!
     
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  14. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    I think algae or mildew needs to be addressed at some point when the weather warms up as does rotting window trim, fascias, and algae covered decks, etc. What about white outdoor sheds that are covered in algae. Are they exempt because it's contained within a fenced yard? Just not sure who/ what determines priority.

    Suz, if you do a search, you will find a bunch of debates about violations; grass height, trash bins, tree houses, lamp post bulbs out, etc.
     
  15. chris67

    chris67 New Member

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    The HOA Board needs to get out and take a look around the community and not at just the homes! (Or the HOA Manager needs to do their job!) The walking Paths need repairs! The wetlands by Community Center is full of trash! I could go on....
     
  16. Sasquatch519

    Sasquatch519 Member

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    They do seem to get riled up over a single issue here and there and then crack down. I remember getting a warning last summer (or maybe the one before?) about my steps needing to be powerwashed. "If you don't do it, we'll do it and bill you, blah blah..." I thought perhaps I was a negligent homeowner until I found out everyone on the street got the same notice - we were all out powerwashing together. I didn't think anyone's stairs were particularly bad, but I guess that was just the issue of the day for the HOA.

    I does seem a little ridiculous to be getting warnings about outdoor cleaning when it's still below freezing outside, but maybe they're just looking at the calendar rather than the weather. The past 2 winters have been much longer and colder than average for here.

    I don't really mind the HOA asking people to clean things at the rate they do - I'm sure they could be much more strict if they wanted to by the letter of the law. I just wish they didn't have to make the letters feel so threatening.
     
  17. poolabab

    poolabab Resident

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    I agree the timing of the letter is not right given the kind of winter we have had.
    But I wonder if the letter just says "Can you PLEASE have it cleaned" how many will actually do it. :)
     
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  18. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    Repair the paths now? We are still experiencing winter weather! ;)

    The trash COMES from the community!
     
  19. jim

    jim New Member

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    I got the same notice and had the same reaction. Really, when was I supposed to get this done during this winter? I realize that the HOA police were doing their jobs but how about a more practical seasonal focus: Winter is for snow shoveling, car parking etc.; Spring is for things like this and lawn mowing; Summer is for painting; and Fall is for leaves.

    I hope those on the HOA police have spotless exteriors and are in full compliance...
     
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  20. T8erman

    T8erman Well-Known Member

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    GEEZ, what a bunch of whiners! Instead of simply correcting whatever the issue is, let's complain: "well, the HOA has stuff to fix too"! :lame:

    Just correct whatever the issue is in a reasonable time and be done with it!

    FWIW, I have received TWO violations myself, which I consider more of a reminder.
     

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