A HOMEOWNER risks having to cough up thousands of dollars to her homeowner’s association after she had some trees removed from her yard.

The resident, who lives in a neighborhood of Mount Holly, North Carolina – around 15 miles from Charlotte – decided on the drastic action as she feared some of the trees may topple.

And, she supposedly didn’t know she needed approval to get her yard customized, according to the ABC local affiliate WSOC-TV.

The Stonewater resident firmly believed she was just trying to protect her home and didn’t even carry out the work herself. She hired a professional.

But, she was hit with a notice, instructing her to plant six new trees, ranging from 12 to 15 feet tall.

Officials also demanded other yard improvements.

And, they wanted to see proof that she had spent $32,000 on the yard renovation works.

“I don’t have $32,000. If I had that, I’d invest in a used wheelchair van for my dad,” she said.

She appeared to admit responsibility for her error.

“Should I have known? I guess I should have known,” she said.

The HOA has now threatened to fine her $50 per day starting April 4 if she doesn’t comply with their demands.

Overwhelmed by the situation, the woman admits it’s been taking a toll on her.

“I was drinking every day and not taking care of my father the proper way,” she said.

The HOA management didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The U.S. Sun.

What is an HOA?

One in five Americans live in an area with a Homeowners’ Association – or HOA. But what exactly is it that they do?

• An HOA is a homeowner’s association – an organization that aims to maintain a clean and cohesive place to live for its residents.
• Entire neighborhoods, subdivisions, condominiums, family homes, or townhouses within “a planned development” will often make up an HOA.
• They also act as a governing body for tenants, who run and fund the HOA through monthly fees.
• Their principal aims are to keep the community functioning and visually appealing and to maintain property values.
• They primarily focus on common areas of a neighborhood, such as roads, parks, and pools – but may also stipulate what residents can do with their properties, such as yards and driveways.
• Often these restrictions enforce uniformity on properties, for example, ensuring most houses look the same and all driveways are clear of weeds.
• An HOA rulebook of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) is distributed to all residents, and an elected volunteer board of directors enforces these regulations.
• Breaking these rules can result in penalties such as fines and even litigation – as most HOAs are incorporated and subject to state law.
• HOAs are often the subject of controversy, with some members feeling that the rules are too punitive and restricting, or that the leadership has too much power.
• But others like that HOAs give communities the power of self-governance, and can ensure a degree of harmony between residents.

State lawmakers are considering a bill to give homeowners more rights, including limits on fines.

According to Law Firm Carolinas, North Carolina’s Senate Bill 378 introduces significant changes to HOA practices, limiting management contracts to two years and prohibiting management companies from profiting from fines.

The bill also requires associations to provide clearer guidelines on architectural reviews and violation hearings.

Key provisions include a cap on fines at $100 per day, with a maximum of $2,500 per violation.

Law firms in North Carolina have also warned homeowners must have a hearing in front of a homeowner association committee before being slapped with any fines.

Foreclosures for unpaid dues can’t start until the homeowner is 180 days behind, and there are new rules for giving notice before any foreclosure action is taken.

These changes aim to slow down foreclosures and give homeowners more time to catch up on unpaid dues.

Disputes between homeowner associations and residents are not uncommon.

The U.S. Sun reported how Atlanta resident John Coleman was suddenly hit with a $10,150 fine after a property dispute.

And, another local claimed they’ve been forced to install safety cameras over fears that their property is being trespassed on.