Couple downsizing into 'empty nester' condo have a run in with HOA board members over their usage of their own parking space and a handshake agreement with the previous owner: 'Only took 3 days for nonsense to start'

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Brad Dickson • Managing Editor
Oct 16, 2025 12:00 PM EDT

These empty nesters had barely moved into their new condo when they had a run-in with the HOA board over their use of their parking space.

There's always uncertainty when you enter into a new stage of your life: a new job, a new home, a new chapter that has yet to be written. You've put all of your time and energy into reaching this point, and there's no telling how things are going to go… and there's certainly no going back. 

So, when the big day comes for your first day of work or for the big move, the last thing you want is for everything to go pear-shaped in the form of realizing that your neighbors or your boss and coworkers are going to be absolute nightmares to be around.

That's what happened to these empty nesters when they sought to downsize and settle down in their new retirement condo, seeking peace and simplicity. The problem with seeking a peaceful environment is that there are a whole bunch of people who are bored and looking for something to do, looking for any shred of power that they can wield over someone else.

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  • Sure enough, the ink hadn't even dried on the deed (condos have deeds, right?) when they found themselves right in the middle of outrageous expectations that they would uphold a handshake agreement the previous owner had had with another resident. Bizarrely, this expectation wasn't even conveyed from the user of the spot but from the HOA board busybodies who sought to insert themselves into the conversation.

  • Cars parked in tight spaces next to condo units
    via jjik_da

    The image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • "Only took 3 days for nonsense to start"

    We closed on our empty nester condo on Monday, and today we had our first run in with the condo board. The deed includes a numbered parking spot. In the COA rules, the spots can be exchanged by changing the deed. The most recent newsletter reminded residents that handshake agreements end when someone moves.
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • Last night, we found someone parked in our assigned spot. No big deal, we left a note introducing ourselves and letting them know we would be using our spot and to please not park there again. The car was gone this morning.
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • Later in the morning, we met an older couple, Jim and Peg, who introduced themselves as being on the board. Peg specifically said "WE are in the board." My husband mentioned the parking and they explained to us the handshake agreement one of the neighbors, Mike,
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • had with the prior owners to use the spot. Jim asked if we'd let it continue and we said we would need to discuss with Mike, but that we intend to use our parking spot. Peg didn't like that. Not one bit.
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • First, she says we don't own the specific spot, but Jim corrected her that we do after he looked up our deed on his phone (I kid you not). Second, it's been like this for years and Mike works at the hospital! Third, Mike's spot is closer to the side entrance with the stairs, so we can just run up the stairs instead of using the elevator that our spot is closer to (dramatically eyeballing my husband's stomach).
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • My husband hustled me away before I could find my words. I wanted to ask where they would park, since we would be parking in their spot, since they wanted our spot for Mike.
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • I emailed the property manager and the COA board and shared my concerns regarding the entitlement to my personal property. The board president, Candy, called me and seemed very apologetic and reasonable. She said Jim should have known better and he's on the board, but Peg isn't. She said she would speak to them and to feel free to park in our spot.
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • I actually feel bad for Mike. He had no opportunity to talk to us before "the board" intervened on his behalf. We might have come to an agreement. I have no idea why it was so important to these folks to speak on his behalf and make such a bad first impression with us.
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • My husband thinks it's done. I don't. Maybe the parking spot is done, but Peg...Peg is not done. Peg persists.
    via Fine_Measurement_338
  • JEE EE FSHP 6509
    via Clay Banks

    The image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • thesirensoftitans Might be time to take someone down a Peg.
    via Fine_Measurement_338

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hoa hoa stories neighbors neighborhood homeowner neighborhood-drama bad neighbors neighborhood-stories terrible neighbors hoa drama Bad Neighbor neighbor hoa members
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