By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A Goodyear, Arizona homeowner is in a dispute with his HOA after being fined for providing free water to neighbors and passersby. The HOA initially cited the homeowner for having a cooler in his driveway, and subsequently issued $100 fines. The homeowner, who says the water is for anyone in need, responded by starting a petition to remove three board members. A special HOA meeting is scheduled to vote on the removal of the board members.
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HOA fines man over handing out water in heat… the sheer absurdity of it all. It’s a story that immediately evokes a strong emotional reaction, doesn’t it? You can almost feel the Arizona sun beating down, the thirst, the simple human kindness of offering a bottle of water. And then, the hammer comes down: a fine. It’s a situation that crystallizes the frustration many people feel towards Homeowners Associations.
The core of the issue, as presented, is a man, let’s call him Martin, being penalized for providing free water to those in need. This wasn’t some elaborate setup; it was a simple act of generosity, a response to the extreme heat. It’s “for the kids. It’s for the delivery driver. It’s for the couple holding hands walking down the street,” he said, emphasizing the broad appeal of his actions. Yet, the HOA, specifically the Canyon Trails HOA and its management company, F-S Residential, deemed this worthy of fines. That kind of shortsightedness just sticks in your craw.
The details are infuriating, especially considering the location: Goodyear, Arizona, where temperatures can soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Imagine the delivery driver, the construction worker, or anyone simply walking down the street – the relief a cold bottle of water would offer. For this small act of human decency, Martin was penalized. It’s an example of HOA overreach, the kind that earns them so much well-deserved disdain.
And the audacity of it all – resuming the fines after the initial media coverage. It highlights a level of stubbornness, a commitment to rules that seems to overshadow any consideration for the residents they are supposed to serve. Luckily the problematic board members were removed during a vote.
This situation underscores a broader critique of HOAs. The stories shared in the comments paint a bleak picture: overly restrictive rules, an emphasis on conformity, and a general air of control that can stifle individual expression and community spirit. One person described their HOA as a “congregation of some of the weirdest f***ing people the planet has to offer”. Another pointed out the hyper-focus on appearance: “There’s a long list of plants they can’t put in their gardens, many just because they’re ‘ugly’.” Such rigid control and micro-management over property are a common theme.
The frustration runs deep. Several commenters expressed vehement disapproval, using phrases like “HOAs are the hemorrhoids on the butt of life,” and “HOAs are un-American and should be illegal.” The sentiment is clear: many view HOAs as an infringement on individual liberties and a source of unnecessary stress and conflict.
The examples of HOA restrictions are legion. From garden regulations to appliance standards, the stories illustrate a pattern of control that goes beyond reasonable property maintenance. The tale of the homeowner whose kitchen appliances were deemed non-compliant is a perfect illustration of this. The sense of being constantly monitored, of living under a cloud of potential fines, is a common complaint. It fosters an environment of suspicion and can erode the very sense of community the HOA is ostensibly meant to build.
The comments also highlight a concern about the motivations behind these restrictions. Some suggest that HOAs attract individuals who enjoy wielding power, that they are breeding grounds for petty dictators, or as one person said, “Martinets are drawn to the petty power of an HOA like flies to corpses.” The idea is that these positions attract those who get a thrill from controlling others, not those who genuinely care about building a better community.
There’s a clear call for greater awareness and involvement. Several people suggest that active participation in HOA matters is crucial to prevent these issues from arising. “If you don’t like your HOA, get involved!” is the refrain. Many realize that the HOA is only as good as the people involved. They point out that it is often the elderly who have the time to get involved, so if younger people are not getting involved the HOA will start to trend in that direction.
The core question, however, remains: why are these restrictive organizations so prevalent? Some attribute their rise to flawed housing policies and a general trend toward privatization. Others see them as a symptom of a society that prioritizes aesthetics over human connection. The fact that such a simple act of kindness could result in fines says a lot.
Ultimately, the case of the man fined for giving out water is a symptom of something deeper. It’s a reflection of a system where power is often wielded without compassion or common sense. It’s a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can be targeted when regulations become an end in themselves.