After a Defiant Neighbor Exploits HOA Loophole, Another Resident Hatches a Clever Plan for Payback.
The Original Poster (OP) lives in a tight-knit community where the HOA prohibited overnight street parking. However, a defiant neighbor exploited a loophole to keep his boat parked on the street, causing tension and frustration among residents. As weeks passed and the boat remained a neighborhood eyesore, another resident took matters into their own hands, setting the stage for revenge on the unexpecting neighbor.
The No-Parking Rule
In a quaint neighborhood with narrow streets, overnight street parking was prohibited by the HOA. A resident decided to test the limits of this rule by parking his boat on a trailer, without wheels, on the street. He discovered a loophole in the bylaws that defined “parked” as something with wheels.
The Boat That Blocked
The neighbor’s boat, now blocking half the street, quickly became an eyesore for the community. Despite knowing the inconvenience he was causing, the boat owner reveled in his cleverness, smirking at the people around him. His wife, however, was embarrassed by his actions and pleaded with him to move the boat.
The Boat Stays Put
Weeks passed, and the boat remained in its disruptive location. The neighborhood grew increasingly irritated, but the owner stood firm in his belief that he had outsmarted the system. “I can’t understand why everyone thinks I’m a bully,” he said to another neighbor, continuing to ignore his wife’s embarrassment.
The Frustration Builds
Tension in the community reached a boiling point as residents struggled to navigate the narrow streets with the boat in the way. Conversations about the boat and its owner were filled with resentment and annoyance. The wife’s shame only deepened as she witnessed the growing animosity towards her husband.
A Neighbor’s Plan
Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, a clever neighbor hatched a plan to resolve the issue. This neighbor purchased used trailer wheels online, intending to restore the boat’s mobility. They waited for the boat owner to leave for work before setting their plan in motion.
The Wheels Return
The helpful neighbor swiftly and quietly attached the trailer wheels to the boat while the owner was at work. Now, according to the HOA bylaws, the boat was officially “parked” on the street. The stage was set for the community to reclaim their space.
A Concerned Neighbor’s Call
The neighbor contacted the HOA president to report the violation. The neighbor explained that the boat, now on a trailer with wheels, was breaking the HOA rules and needed to be addressed immediately.
The Boat Gets Towed
When the boat owner returned home from work, he was shocked to find his boat missing. Unbeknownst to him, the addition of wheels had led to the boat being towed away for violating the parking rule. The neighborhood breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The Neighbor’s Revelation
As word spread about the boat’s removal, the helpful neighbor revealed their involvement in the situation. “I bought used trailer wheels and put them on the trailer while the guy was at work,” he confessed. The community praised their ingenuity and courage.
The Aftermath
The boat owner, defeated by the towing of his vessel, chose not to bring it back to the neighborhood. His wife, no longer burdened by embarrassment, began to rebuild her relationships with the neighbors. The community, now free from the eyesore, returned to its peaceful state.
The HOA Revises Bylaws
In light of the boat incident, the HOA decided to revise its bylaws to close the loophole that had caused the trouble. They aimed to prevent future conflicts and maintain the harmony of the neighborhood. The residents appreciated the swift action and the HOA’s dedication to the community’s well-being.
Was The Neighbor’s Behavior Appropriate?
The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses…
Forum Responded
One responder wrote: “HOAs generally aren’t a bad thing unless you get bored / power-hungry people involved, who try to turn the neighborhood into their own personal kingdom.”
Another reader wrote: “The president of one HOA I lived under put up a TV dish on his roof even though it was against the rules. Someone complained, and the president tried to force an exemption for himself. The rest of the board would not have it.”
A different person states: “The state of your neighbor’s home often has an effect on the value of your home. As such, groups of homeowners will often voluntarily agree to give up certain rights to protect everyone’s financial interests.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by this thread.
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Alexander Veros
Alex is a writer for Top Dollar Investor, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and business stories. Alex has started several online businesses and is a blogger who loves providing quality content to help others. He is passionate about affiliate marketing, finance, and cryptocurrency.