Do you live in a subdivision, gated community, or any other place with a homeowners association? If you do, you could be paying HOA fees. Homeowners Associations have earned a reputation for stifling freedom with their strict rules. Some have even resulted in legal battles, especially if the original homeowners have under-the-radar tenants or failed to follow exterior aesthetic themes.
However, you must remember that HOAs have your best interests at heart. They intend to maintain shared spaces beautifully within a community. They also establish stringent rules to protect everyone residing within their community. For example, the board may bar you from making radical changes to your property since this can lower your neighbors’ property values.