Fined $1,800 for an AC Cover? San Jose Homeowners Fight Back Against HOA’s Strict Rules

Residents of Garden Park Village, a condominium complex in San Jose, California, are raising serious concerns about their Homeowners Association (HOA) after being hit with hefty fines for what they believe are minor infractions. Some homeowners report being fined thousands of dollars for issues ranging from parking violations to fence heights and even wooden air conditioning (AC) covers.

Residents Speak Out Against Excessive Fines

Liliana Alvarez, a homeowner in the complex, has been fined more than $1,800 by the HOA. The violations include her fence being deemed “too high” and an AC cover installed outside her home. Alvarez, like many others in the community, says these fines feel excessive and unfairly enforced.

“It feels like they are just looking for ways to take money from us. Every little thing gets turned into a violation,” Alvarez told The Sun.

Similarly, resident Alberto Hernandez has accrued over $2,000 in fines. His violations primarily involve parking tickets, including instances where he claims he was penalized for actions beyond his control.

HOA Surveillance Raises Privacy Concerns

Many residents have also raised concerns about the HOA’s alleged surveillance practices. Some claim that the HOA has installed security cameras and even sends staff onto rooftops to monitor private areas of homeowners. This has led to fears that the HOA is overstepping its boundaries and violating residents’ privacy.

“It’s uncomfortable knowing they are watching us so closely. It feels invasive,” said another resident, who wished to remain anonymous.

According to California law, HOAs are required to adhere to privacy rights and fair enforcement policies as outlined in the California Department of Real Estate and California Civil Code Section 4000-6150. However, residents argue that their HOA’s strict measures cross ethical lines.

Contesting Fines: A Losing Battle?

Although homeowners have the option to contest their fines through Zoom hearings, many say these appeals rarely succeed—even when the violations are corrected immediately.

“I fixed the issue as soon as they told me, but they still kept the fine,” Alvarez said. “They don’t seem to care about fairness; it’s just about enforcing fees.”

HOAs typically have legal authority to enforce rules within their communities. However, the process for challenging fines must be clear and accessible, as required by the California HOA Law. The fines at Garden Park Village, however, have left residents feeling trapped.

Financial and Emotional Toll on Homeowners

The mounting fines have taken both a financial and emotional toll on homeowners, with some considering leaving the community altogether.

“It’s exhausting. I moved here thinking it would be a nice community, but instead, I’m dealing with fines and constant stress,” Hernandez explained.

With California’s high cost of living and housing expenses already burdening homeowners, excessive HOA fines add further financial strain. If fines continue at the current rate, some homeowners fear they may have to sell their homes or seek legal action.

What Are Homeowners’ Rights?

Under California law, HOAs must provide clear guidelines on rules, enforcement policies, and fine schedules. Homeowners facing excessive fines can take the following steps:

1. Request Written Documentation: Homeowners should ask for clear documentation explaining the exact rule they violated and the reason for the fine.
2. Attend HOA Hearings: Even if the success rate is low, attending hearings ensures that complaints are on record.
3. Consult State HOA Regulations: Residents can check resources like the California HOA Rights & Responsibilities Guide to understand their rights.
4. Seek Legal Assistance: If fines seem unreasonable or excessive, homeowners can consult a property attorney specializing in HOA disputes.
5. Petition for Change: If enough homeowners are dissatisfied, they can attempt to change HOA leadership through petitions and voting in HOA board elections.

HOA’s Response and Next Steps

When contacted for comment, the Garden Park Village HOA declined to provide a statement. Without clear responses from the HOA, residents are left to speculate on whether stricter rule enforcement is a long-term strategy or a short-term crackdown.

For now, the community remains divided—some residents accept the rules as part of HOA living, while others feel they are being unfairly penalized. With continued complaints surfacing, it remains to be seen whether local authorities or legal challenges will intervene.

As tensions rise, the debate over HOAs’ power and homeowner rights is likely to continue, not just in San Jose, but across the country.

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