The Handicapped and the HOA
One of the tragic stories we come across time and again is how the Homeowners Association Movement discriminates against the handicapped. Yes, we know it’s illegal. Yes, we know the handicapped are a critically needed resource in this country. Yes, it’s common sense not to discriminate against them. But the Homeowners Association Movement was created for a reason. It’s very structure was designed to weed out anyone who doesn’t fit the “official profile.”
As explored in my upcoming book, “Neighbors At War: The Creepy Case Against Your Homeowners Association,” that “profile” is devious and absolutely designed to weed out blacks, orientals, the handicapped, the single moms, gays, and anyone else who doesn’t match the cookie-cutter, bleached-beige stereotype of HOA life.
A member of the military, disabled by an I.E.D.? Begone!
A single mom trying to raise child? Foreclose on her house!
A black family in a white bread neighborhood? Outrageous!
While most HOAs seem to operate well and keep their neighborhoods at peace, we are all unfortunately defined by our extremes. And in recent years, a growing number of Homeowners Associations have been taking advantage of their ability to be extreme.
HOAs have learned how to profit by foreclosing on homeowners who make petty mistakes. An incredibly small violation of neighborhood covenants can lead to outright seizure of a home. Are all HOAs doing that? Of course not. Should all HOA members be concerned at how often it’s happening. Absolutely.
“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats the least of its citizens.” -Mahatma Ghandi.
How true, how true!
Ward Lucas
Author of
Neighbors At War: The Creepy Case Against Your Homeowners Association
