'Read your bylaws, people!': Guy finds a way to get out of the neighborhood HOA based on a loophole with the community well

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Oct 12, 2024 8:00 AM EDT

No one should have to take orders from people who aren't even legitimate authority figures. This resident of a neighborhood was smart enough to question the bylaws of his HOA and ended up discovering a loophole that allowed him and other members of the neighborhood to remove themselves from the association altogether.

So many folks have to grin and bear it when it comes to the rules and regulations of HOAs, so it's rare and wholesome when we come across a story in which a resident barely even had to fight with the HOA board to get out of following their rules. In fact, it took no fighting whatsoever. He was able to just leave outright.

Keep scrolling below to see how he managed to use the community well and his house's connection to it as a means to further his own goal. For more stories like this, check out this post about a job candidate who went "full Karen" on a hiring manager.

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  • 01
    Cheezburger Image 10415131392
    via CHUTTERSNAP

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    We left our HOA due to a well Loop Hole We lived on the edge street of our HOA. It was discovered that the way the bylaws were written, it all hinged on if you were connected to the community well.
    via HydenMyname
  • 03
    We rallied 44 people on our street to connect to municipal water. We found a government grant and got a bulk price from a lawyer and plumber and got our costs down from about 12k a house to 3k a house.
    via HydenMyname
  • 04
    Then we worked with the city who agreed to the street work for connection. So I (and others who left) literally have HOA members on 3 sides (and across the street from another HOA), but we are no longer in any HOA!
    via HydenMyname
  • 05
    So read your bylaws people! There may be a way out! TO ADD: This also created an effect where people not on interior streets could dig their own well and leave the HOA. We literally made the HOA map look like Swiss cheese!
    via HydenMyname
  • 06
    prw8201 2h ago Now that's what I like to read! 44 left out of how many?
    via HydenMyname
  • 07
    Wise_Use1012 • 2h ago A nice heartwarming post first thing in the morning. Tis a good day.
    via HydenMyname
  • 08
    Upper-Can3005 · 2h ago That plumber just cashed out!!!
    via HydenMyname
  • 09
    Delicious-Dinne... 2h ago • I think this post makes you president of this sub. You've officially defeated the HOA.
    via HydenMyname
  • 10
    dlepi24 2h ago Please put signs in your yard heckling the HOA lol. You're living my dream
    via HydenMyname
  • 11
    LoudandQuiet47 • 1h ago So, let me get this straight. You left the HOA, for the cost of paying for water utilities?
    via HydenMyname
  • 12
    That's amazing!!! I'd rather get city water and not have to worry about the HOA [ Good on you!!
    via HydenMyname
  • 13
    suzanious 2h ago. • Well done! Find those loopholes and fly your flags, wash your car, park where you want, and leave your trash cans out! Power to the people
    via HydenMyname
  • 14
    • mybreakfastisc... 3h ago • Was the HOA very restrictive? How much were your dues? Is there any deed restriction on your home, where the HOA or another HOA could re-swallow you at a later date?
    via HydenMyname
  • 15
    _mr_green 2h ago Well done, this post fills me with joy.
    via HydenMyname
  • 16
    59m ago Edited 49m ago Can you share which grant you used? I have a relative in the process of setting up after connection on some land. Thank you
    via HydenMyname
  • 17
    toma70 33m ago . OP, if you are using a septic tank and you are on municipal water, you are going to want to check it yearly.
    via HydenMyname
  • 18
    The municipal water likely has chlorine or other chemicals in it that may severely reduce your tanks ability to process solid waste.
    via HydenMyname
  • 19
    I have this problem and I have to get my tank pumped every year as a result. Well worth it to get out of HOA h
    via HydenMyname

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hoa neighbors neighborhood neighborhood-drama neighborhood-stories entitled people karma entitled reddit thread Reddit karen entitled people
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