Residents Of Texas Condo Claim Harassment By HOA

In a condominium in southeast Houston, residents say that they are suffering harassment by the HOA.

Residents Claim Harassment by HOA

Residents of Berkley Court Condominiums are growing tired and frustrated. In February, they reported to their HOA about mold and problems with maintenance requests. The increases in their condo fees were also a source of aggravation.

Now, residents say the HOA’s attorney sent out letters to them, claiming harassment. The attorney also slapped the residents with a temporary restraining order.

“There’s no transparency, we have no say, and we are at their mercy,” resident Robert McDaniel told local news.

According to McDaniel, the HOA accuses him of harassing workers and obstructing building renovations. “None of this stuff is true,” he said. “What this is being used for is anytime we have a disagreement or a question about this community, we get these kinds of letters.”

Another resident, Joe Alaniz, revealed that the HOA charged him $25 per day to park a truck on his property. The HOA considered his vehicle a commercial truck, though Alaniz explains that “it clearly states that a commercial truck is an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, or RV.”

While residents feel like the HOA is taking away their rights, they remain adamant that this will not hold them back.

An Expert Weighs In

Patrick Sutton, an HOA attorney, explained that buying into an association means having to follow certain rules and having a board of directors to answer to. However, Sutton, who does not represent Berkley or its residents, said Texas laws protect free speech.

“It’s called the Anti-SLAPP Law,” he said. “It’s a law that prevents someone from going into a civil lawsuit that attempts to gag your free speech.”

Thanks to local news, KPRC 2, Alaniz’s $4,000 fee has been erased.