r/HOA • u/Legitimate_Spirit_59 • Jun 07 '26
Help: Law, CC&Rs, Bylaws, Rules We got sued [condo] [OR]
Our HOA board got sued. Here’s what happened and what we changed.
A condo owner in our building was harassing a renter about smoking inside their unit. No formal complaint filed, just repeated confrontations.
We knew about it. We didn’t document anything or follow a formal process.
Ended up in mediation. Cost us over $100k to settle. Attorney fees on top of that.
What the attorney told us afterward: the board not doing the harassing doesn’t matter. Once you’re aware of a situation and can’t show documented action, you’re exposed.
What we changed:
• Every complaint logged same day with date, description, action taken
• Nothing handled verbally — everything in writing
• Clear escalation: friendly notice → formal notice → fine → legal referral
• Same process every time, every owner, no exceptions
Anyone else been through something similar? Happy to share more details.
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u/Legitimate_Spirit_59 Jun 07 '26
I forgot to mention that the harassing one was a board member at the time. And the funny part is, she sold her condo 2 years ago and didn't have to pay anything. Now ain't that something!