Houston Couple Faces Battle with HOA Over Dead Grass and Flag Display
A Houston couple is engaged in a dispute with their homeowner’s association (HOA) over the condition of their lawn and the display of a controversial flag. Jennifer and Donald Sliva have been receiving repeated notices from ACMI, the management company hired by the Three Lakes East Community Association where they reside, about their dead grass. The Slivas claim that their high school son has been doing his best to maintain the lawn, but it has struggled to grow after a recent landscaping project.
Despite the Slivas’ complaints that other homes in their community are also facing similar lawn issues, they have been hit with numerous letters urging them to sod the areas where the grass is dead or not growing. The notices culminated in a fine of $42.75 for the couple’s dead grass. Frustrated by the constant notifications, Donald Sliva decided to hang a flag in their front yard with the message Defund the HOA. Soon after, they received yet another violation notice demanding the removal of the flag, as flags are not allowed according to the HOA’s regulations.
The flag dispute has added fuel to the fire, with the Slivas questioning why they are not allowed to display any flags at all. Donald Sliva stated that he initially put up the flag as a joke and for humor’s sake, but now they are being told that they can’t have any flags on their property. The couple had been flying an Astros flag during baseball season without any issues for the past 20 years.
The Slivas plan to fight the HOA’s restrictions and have reached out to local news station 13 Investigates to shed light on their situation. They are particularly interested in understanding the flag rules and whether they apply to them. The news station has agreed to investigate the matter and will share their findings on a future broadcast.
HOA disputes are not uncommon, and conflicts often arise over issues such as lawn maintenance and property aesthetics. While HOAs play a crucial role in upholding community standards and preserving property values, disagreements can emerge when homeowners feel that their rights are being infringed upon. It remains to be seen how the Slivas’ conflict with their HOA will be resolved and whether changes will be made to the existing rules regarding flag displays.
As the situation develops, it is crucial to strike a balance between the homeowners’ right to maintain their property and express themselves through harmless displays, and the need for HOAs to enforce guidelines that contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Only time will tell whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies all parties involved.
In the meantime, the Slivas remain determined to stand up for their rights and continue maintaining their lawn to the best of their ability. The flag controversy has further ignited their fight, and they eagerly await the outcome of 13 Investigates’ examination of the flag regulations.
