Are condo / townhome rules about working on vehicles actually enforced? - BARF

acpigeon · 01-08-2021, 03:54 PM

I'm considering buying a condo in Oakland and the buyer contract has a section that forbids working on vehicles in your garage.

Quote:

Vehicle Repair and Maintenance. No Owner shall conduct any repairs to any motor vehicle of any kind whatsoev- er in or upon any portion of the Community, except for emergency repairs thereto and then only to the extent neces- sary to enable the vehicle to be moved to a proper repair facility. In addition, no Owner's garage shall be used for any purpose other than parking of an Owner's vehicle and storage (only so long as such storage does not interfere with the parking of Owner's vehicles therein). NO WASHING OR POLISHING OF ANY VEHICLE IN THE COMMUNITY IS PERMITTED, UNLESS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY THE BOARD IN WRITING.
m. Use of Power Tools in Garages. Unless expressly authorized by the Board in writing or in the event of an emergency, no power equipment (other than hand-held power tools) or other similar apparatus may be used in the garages or Community.

I assume that as long as I am not making loud noises or dumping gasoline or oil everywhere that this rule probably wouldn't be enforced. Does anyone have experience being on the wrong end of something like this?

thepretender · 01-08-2021, 04:12 PM

It depends how many "Karen's" you have as neighbors. Rules are rules but if your not overly obnoxious about it you could get away with it.

Kurosaki · 01-08-2021, 04:31 PM

My neighbors at my current location have complained about doing even basic maintenance, in south Orange County.

Doing work in my parking space at my apartment in Sacramento with, nobody gave a damn.

Officially, not allowed at either location and what he said, Karens gonna Karen sometime.

acpigeon · 01-08-2021, 05:44 PM

"Karens gonna Karen"

This is always the problem right?

buellistic · 01-08-2021, 05:47 PM

And if Karen isn't home..
There is always..That guy!!...

Kurosaki · 01-08-2021, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acpigeon

"Karens gonna Karen"

This is always the problem right?

Pretty much. Condos, HOAs, etc generally have pretty strict rules but I've never lived anywhere where they tried to follow every god damn rule. It would be impossible to live.

berth · 01-08-2021, 08:39 PM

Like most HOA rules, they're community enforced. Basically, someone from the community complains and away you go.

Back in the day, I've replaced the brakes on my truck at my condo, in my garage (door open), and no one said boo.

But I'm someone COULD have said boo and away it goes.

Maddevill · 01-09-2021, 10:10 AM

Condos can be a nightmare. I used to have one where each building cluster had its own collective garage. We had our own individual garage doors but once inside, everything was open. I got in trouble for changing the spark plug on my XL600
I told them that any maintenance I did was for safety reasons. The guy who was next to me was a friend of the head of the " Parking Committee" and he completely disassembled a freaking BMW car in the stall next to mine and nobody said a thing. In my opinion, HOAs suck, condos suck. Avoid them if you can.

Mad

DannoXYZ · 01-09-2021, 05:26 PM

HOAs really suck and each one has slightly difference nuances depending upon who's living there and who's on BoD.

One of my friends got turned in because his lawn was 1/8" taller than regulation. Apparently some Karen goes around with ruler measuring everyone's lawn.

Some HOA horror stories:
https://blog.cheapism.com/homeowners-associations/
https://www.bigstatehomebuyers.com/h...metimes-funny/
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/...orror-stories/
https://www.odometer.com/lifestyle/2...orror-stories/
https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifes...ation-stories/

i will never ever be involved with anything to do with an HOA.

Kurosaki · 01-09-2021, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

HOAs really suck and each one has slightly difference nuances depending upon who's living there and who's on BoD.

One of my friends got turned in because his lawn was 1/8" taller than regulation. Apparently some Karen goes around with ruler measuring everyone's lawn.

WTF

If I saw that, I'd spray her with my water hose. Report that.

BillSmith · 01-09-2021, 05:46 PM

If you wish to fall outside of rules, the HOA cannot selectively enforce where others are exhibiting similar scofflaw behavior as yours.

That said, you are expecting a certain level of adherence to rules and regs to maintain the expectations of how the grounds and units are maintained and presented. e.g. You are paying for a better than average community.

It's not YOU vs. HOA, you ARE the HOA. Ask a board member point-blank, if I work on my vehicle with my garage door closed or in my parking area lift a wheel for inspection, is that a problem?

Don't like the rules? Get on the board and change them.

You are welcome to PM me and ask me how I know.

Kurosaki · 01-09-2021, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillSmith

If you wish to fall outside of rules, the HOA cannot selectively enforce where others are exhibiting similar scofflaw behavior as yours.

That said, you are expecting a certain level of adherence to rules and regs to maintain the expectations of how the grounds and units are maintained and presented. e.g. You are paying for a better than average community.

It's not YOU vs. HOA, you ARE the HOA. Ask a board member point-blank, if I work on my vehicle with my garage door closed or in my parking area lift a wheel for inspection, is that a problem?

Don't like the rules? Get on the board and change them.

You are welcome to PM me and ask me how I know.

Lot of people are renters in HOA neighborhoods. So getting on the board of home owners to change things doesn't really apply to us, unless you know something I don't.

I'm not complaining, I knew what I was getting into as a renter. Just bringing up the point.

dravnx · 01-09-2021, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillSmith

If you wish to fall outside of rules, the HOA should not selectively enforce where others are exhibiting similar scofflaw behavior as yours.

That said, you are expecting a certain level of adherence to rules and regs to maintain the expectations of how the grounds and units are maintained and presented. e.g. You are paying for a better than average community.

It's not YOU vs. HOA, you ARE the HOA. Ask a board member point-blank, if I work on my vehicle with my garage door closed or in my parking area lift a wheel for inspection, is that a problem?

Don't like the rules? Get on the board and change them.

You are welcome to PM me and ask me how I know.

FTFY

BillSmith · 01-09-2021, 06:45 PM

Kurosaki- The original poster mentioned he was thinking of buying. You peons that rent are SOL. Ha!

You are correct and bring up whole `nother point. Renters are screwed in HOAs more so than just a normal apartment style renting experience. If as a renter in an HOA you break a rule, the board fines or admonishes the owner, not the renter.

The owner then has reason to suspend a signed lease and boot the renter. Still the usual hassle of eviction, but renter has little with which to counter.

And btw, Axel, you don't rent, you just take up residence in those costly mansions in Beverly Hills.

BillSmith · 01-09-2021, 06:46 PM

dravnx- Duly noted and agree with the correction.

01-08-2021, 04:12 PM	#2
thepretender Veteran Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Mariposa Ca Motorcycles: 2015 S1000R 2014 VFR800 Name: Doug	It depends how many "Karen's" you have as neighbors. Rules are rules but if your not overly obnoxious about it you could get away with it. __________________ If at first you don't succeed, chuck it all in and go for a ride!

01-08-2021, 08:39 PM	#7
berth Veteran Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Orange County Motorcycles: KRS-1200 Name:	Like most HOA rules, they're community enforced. Basically, someone from the community complains and away you go. Back in the day, I've replaced the brakes on my truck at my condo, in my garage (door open), and no one said boo. But I'm someone COULD have said boo and away it goes. __________________ #69 #45 NP

01-09-2021, 10:10 AM	#8
Maddevill KNGKAW AMA #: 542337 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hayward Motorcycles: ZX14,GS750E, KTM 450/540 Name: Steve	Condos can be a nightmare. I used to have one where each building cluster had its own collective garage. We had our own individual garage doors but once inside, everything was open. I got in trouble for changing the spark plug on my XL600 I told them that any maintenance I did was for safety reasons. The guy who was next to me was a friend of the head of the " Parking Committee" and he completely disassembled a freaking BMW car in the stall next to mine and nobody said a thing. In my opinion, HOAs suck, condos suck. Avoid them if you can. Mad __________________ If your nose runs and your feet smell, you're built upside down.

01-09-2021, 05:26 PM	#9
DannoXYZ Veteran Barf Roadside Angel Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Bay Motorcycles: CB125T EX250E Ninja250R racer CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR250R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR VFR750 Name: Danno	HOAs really suck and each one has slightly difference nuances depending upon who's living there and who's on BoD. One of my friends got turned in because his lawn was 1/8" taller than regulation. Apparently some Karen goes around with ruler measuring everyone's lawn. Some HOA horror stories: https://blog.cheapism.com/homeowners-associations/ https://www.bigstatehomebuyers.com/h...metimes-funny/ https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/...orror-stories/ https://www.odometer.com/lifestyle/2...orror-stories/ https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifes...ation-stories/ i will never ever be involved with anything to do with an HOA. Last edited by DannoXYZ; 01-09-2021 at 05:38 PM..

01-09-2021, 05:46 PM	#11
BillSmith Mild Hawg Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Work SF Bay/ Home State of Jefferson Motorcycles: HD 2011 FXDF Dyna Fat Bob Name: Bill	If you wish to fall outside of rules, the HOA cannot selectively enforce where others are exhibiting similar scofflaw behavior as yours. That said, you are expecting a certain level of adherence to rules and regs to maintain the expectations of how the grounds and units are maintained and presented. e.g. You are paying for a better than average community. It's not YOU vs. HOA, you ARE the HOA. Ask a board member point-blank, if I work on my vehicle with my garage door closed or in my parking area lift a wheel for inspection, is that a problem? Don't like the rules? Get on the board and change them. You are welcome to PM me and ask me how I know. __________________ Bill Smith Dichotomous existence-SF Bay & State of Jefferson 2011 HD FXDF Sometimes a bike is just a bike.

01-08-2021, 04:31 PM	#3
Kurosaki Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: (ಠ__ಠ) Motorcycles: '09 600RR Name: Axel Foley	My neighbors at my current location have complained about doing even basic maintenance, in south Orange County. Doing work in my parking space at my apartment in Sacramento with, nobody gave a damn. Officially, not allowed at either location and what he said, Karens gonna Karen sometime.

01-08-2021, 05:44 PM	#4
acpigeon Newbie Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Oakland Motorcycles: Ducati Hypermotard Name:	"Karens gonna Karen" This is always the problem right?

01-08-2021, 05:47 PM	#5
buellistic Veteran Contributor Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Here Motorcycles: kool loud one + 11 more Name:	And if Karen isn't home.. There is always..That guy!!...

01-09-2021, 06:45 PM	#14
BillSmith Mild Hawg Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Work SF Bay/ Home State of Jefferson Motorcycles: HD 2011 FXDF Dyna Fat Bob Name: Bill	Kurosaki- The original poster mentioned he was thinking of buying. You peons that rent are SOL. Ha! You are correct and bring up whole `nother point. Renters are screwed in HOAs more so than just a normal apartment style renting experience. If as a renter in an HOA you break a rule, the board fines or admonishes the owner, not the renter. The owner then has reason to suspend a signed lease and boot the renter. Still the usual hassle of eviction, but renter has little with which to counter. And btw, Axel, you don't rent, you just take up residence in those costly mansions in Beverly Hills. __________________ Bill Smith Dichotomous existence-SF Bay & State of Jefferson 2011 HD FXDF Sometimes a bike is just a bike. Last edited by BillSmith; 01-09-2021 at 06:52 PM..

01-09-2021, 06:46 PM	#15
BillSmith Mild Hawg Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Work SF Bay/ Home State of Jefferson Motorcycles: HD 2011 FXDF Dyna Fat Bob Name: Bill	dravnx- Duly noted and agree with the correction. __________________ Bill Smith Dichotomous existence-SF Bay & State of Jefferson 2011 HD FXDF Sometimes a bike is just a bike.

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