1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing as a future homeowner to express my deep concern for the lack of regulation for homeowners associations (HOAs). HOAs are currently able to set whatever community guidelines they want no matter how petty or prejudiced, set the punishments for breaking those guidelines, and enforce them in whatever manner they feel like. This includes not informing homeowners of remaining amounts owed and moving forward with foreclosures without giving notice. HOAs have also set guidelines that recreate segregation, by restricting the use of properties to those utilizing subsidized housing programs like Section 8. In one community that did this, 93% of the 150 families affected were Black (Fechter, The Texas Tribune, July 21, 2022). HOAs are incredibly common nowadays, and it is increasingly difficult to find communities that are not run by one. Additionally, homeowners are not entitled to a review of the HOAs rules before signing for their house, which puts them at a massive disadvantage. I need Michigan’s government to require HOAs give notice of all fees and actions taken regarding a home or homeowner. I also need HOAs to be required to offer the option of a payment plan for any and all fees, as well as a formal process for challenging those fees with an external legal body, ideally the state. Lastly, I need HOAs to be required to share the full contents of their guidelines to prospective home buyers before they sign so they can make an informed choice about where they want to live.