Steam is rising from the ears of homeowners rights advocates in Arizona over a supposed ‘jam-down’ of a last minute bill controlling Homeowners Associations. At first glance it looked as if there was a little for everybody in the bill, but analysts are saying a lot of people got hoodwinked. Either Governor Jan Brewer, herself, was hoodwinked…..or more likely, she was the Hoodwinker-in Chief because she signed it into law.
More to come as we count the wood ticks in the picnic basket.
A new Arizona State HOA Law Sponsored by Rep. Michelle Ugenti (AZ SB 1454) has convicted felons across the state hailing Representative Michelle Ugenti of District 23 and Governor Jan Brewer as ” True Hero’s.” As amended in Arizona Senate Bill 1454 HOA’S and Planned Communities can no-longer restrict convicted felons from obtaining residency in rental units within an HOA. Further, the new law prohibits an association from requiring photo identification on a prospective tenant or even a criminal background check.
Associations are no-longer permitted to have a separate requirement or rule on an owners rental unit that is any different from an owner occupied unit. As associations cannot prevent ownership of a unit to a convicted felon or sex offender therefore, the new law now clears the way for anyone to move into a rental unit within an association regardless of their criminal history.
“Lenny” age 42, who spent the last 10 years behind bars for sexually assaulting a 7 year old boy stated “I have served my time and I deserve a decent place to live just like everyone else.” “Darnell” age 26, who spent the last 18 months in prison for drug sales and weapon charges echos the same “I have done the crime and I have done my time, how unfair it is not to be able to find a decent place here in Scottsdale to rent because of the stupid crime free programs and HOA rules!”
While Lenny and Darnell are doing “the Happy Dance” Homeowner Associations across the state of Arizona are infuriated with State Rep. Michelle Ugenti & Governor Jan Brewer. Some HOA officials are trying to block the new law and claim property values in Townhouses & Condominium Complexes will rapidly deteriorate due to sex offenders and criminals moving into their communities.
One parole officer we had spoken to however, was very pleased to hear about the new Arizona Law. “I have a hell of a time finding places for my parolees to live, especially the ones who were involved in sex crimes. I have 200 parolees half are sex offenders….where else am I supposed to place them?”
Some law enforcement officials we have spoken with are expressing “grave concerns” that felons from other states may flock to Arizona simply to find housing. “I think this law is a huge mistake, sex offenders and criminals living next to kids and the elderly in condos and townhouses? They have finally found a way to circumvent the Crime Free Programs and that’s going to be unfortunate for those HOA’s who participate in the now useless programs.”
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed Arizona Senate Bill 1454 into law on June 20, 2013 paving the way for felons to obtain housing in condominiums and HOA’s across the state, the New Arizona HOA Law will take effect in September 2013.
Hard to believe that in September I, who am just a CAM, am now legally allowed to be a pretend lawyer and take Homeowners to court if I want to?…..Way to go Arizona Senate Bill 1454! Our Arizona Legislators have gone MAD! Even certified state licensed legal prepares have no authority to do this. No doubt this unlawful practice of law will cost homeowners millions….you know… when the real attorneys have to step in and fix what the pretend attorneys mess up in court.Instead of our lawmakers fixing HOA problems, they are creating them!