'We left our HOA': Homeowners discover clever loophole in HOA bylaws, finding a way out by building their own well

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Ben Weiss • Writer and Editor
Oct 27, 2025 8:00 AM EDT
A man and a woman holding a set of keys in front of their new home.

This couple managed to successfully escape the jurisdiction of their new HOA.

This is the kind of win you don't see happening all too often for new homeowners. Most of the time, when you find yourself stuck in an HOA, you have no choice but to comply with the frequently unnecessary rules and pay the often exorbitant monthly fees.

Luckily, we can at least live vicariously through the gargantuan achievement of these new homeowners. They found a clever loophole within their HOA bylaws that essentially made it clear that being connected to the community well is what tied certain homes in the neighborhood to the association.

This meant that if they got approval from the township to build their own well, then they could effectively sever ties with the HOA and all of their entitled, infuriating board members.

Let this story serve as a potent reminder to read your bylaws, folks! It turns out that this is important not just to cover your own behinds if your HOA tries to fine you for something unnecessary, but those bylaws just might benefit you in unexpected ways.

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  • A man and a woman moving boxes in their empty new home.
    via Unsplash+ (Yunus Tuğ)

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

  • One of the more amusing aspects of this story is that once the author and their partner managed to get away with this scheme, other friendly homeowners followed suit. 

    We're certain that once board members finally catch on to the exploited loophole within their own rules and regulations, they will likely attempt to update the language of their bylaws. 

    At that point, who knows how many people will still be in the HOA!

  • "We left our HOA due to a well loophole"

    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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • A man and a woman smile at one another as they carry boxes into their new home.
    via Unsplash+ (Yunus Tuğ)

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

  • prw8201 2h ago. Now that's what I like to read! 44 left out of how many?
    via HydenMyname
  • Wise Use1012 · 2h ago • A nice heartwarming post first thing in the morning. Tis a good day.
    via HydenMyname
  • Upper-Can3005 2h ago. That plumber just cashed out!!!
    via HydenMyname
  • Delicious-Dinne... • 2h ago • I think this post makes you president of this sub. You've officially defeated the HOA.
    via HydenMyname
  • dlepi24 2h ago • Please put signs in your yard heckling the HOA lol. You're living my dream
    via HydenMyname
  • LoudandQuiet47 · 1h ago • So, let me get this straight. You left the HOA, for the cost of paying for water utilities?
    via HydenMyname
  • That's amazing!!! I'd rather get city water and not have to worry about the HOA . Good on you!!
    via HydenMyname
  • 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
  • mybreakfastisc... Was the HOA very 3h ago. restrictive? How much were your dues?
    via HydenMyname
  • Is there any deed restriction on your home, where the HOA or another HOA could re-swallow you at a later date?
    via HydenMyname
  • _mr_green 2h ago • Well done, this post fills me with joy.
    via HydenMyname
  • • 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
  • 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
  • The municipal water likely has chlorine or other chemicals in it that may severely reduce your tanks ability to process solid waste.
    via HydenMyname
  • 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
  • A man and a woman holding a set of keys in front of their new home.
    via Unsplash+ (Yunus Tuğ)

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

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hoa hoa stories neighborhood neighborhood-drama neighborhood-stories hoa drama hoa members
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