Jerry sighed. "Did they give proper notice of the meeting to the community?"
"I didn't receive any notice."
"Then any decisions made at that meeting are invalid. Arizona law requires HOAs to provide at least 48 hours' notice of board meetings to all homeowners, except in genuine emergencies. Making up rules to harass you doesn't qualify as an emergency."
"So what do I do?"
"Write a response citing the Arizona Planned Communities Act, specifically Section 33-1804, which deals with meeting notice requirements. Tell them their decision is invalid and that you're in full compliance with all valid HOA rules. And Daniel, start keeping a log of everything: every letter, every email, every interaction. This has the makings of a harassment case."
I followed Jerry's advice, sending a detailed response that cited the relevant laws. I also filed a complaint with the Arizona Department of Real Estate, which oversees HOAs in the state.
For a few days, things were quiet. Then the next salvo came, and it was worse than I expected.
I was at work, conducting an inspection on a new commercial building in downtown Phoenix, when I got a call from my home security system: someone was at my house. The camera showed two trucks parked in my driveway, and several men were in my backyard. I pulled up the live feed on my phone and felt my stomach drop: the men were disconnecting my generator.
I immediately called 911. "I have people on my property removing my equipment without permission."
The dispatcher took my information and said officers were on the way.
I called my supervisor and explained the situation. "Go," Tom said immediately. "Get home. We'll cover your inspections."
I made it home in 20 minutes, which was probably faster than I should have driven. Two police cars were already there, and the officers were talking to the men in my backyard. I could see Patricia standing on the sidewalk, her arms crossed.