“Yes. Politely, in writing. We'll enclose the relevant recorded documents and ask them to correct their records.”
She prepared a letter.
It identified my property by its legal description and explained that it was not included in the association's recorded governing documents.
The letter requested written confirmation that future assessment and violation notices would stop.
We sent it by certified mail.
A few weeks later, an assistant from the HOA acknowledged receiving it.
I assumed the issue was finished.
I was wrong.
The following spring, a woman in an orange blazer appeared at the front gate.
I was inside my office taking a video call when the security intercom sounded.
On the camera stood Caroline Whitmore.
I recognized her from the newsletters that occasionally arrived despite our requests to be removed from the mailing list.
Her face appeared in almost every issue.
She attended ribbon cuttings.
Posed beside landscaping improvements.
And wrote long messages about maintaining the community's reputation.
According to the newsletter, Caroline had served as HOA president for six years.
She seemed particularly proud of the phrase protecting property values.
I answered the intercom.
“Hello?”
She looked directly into the camera.
“I'm Caroline Whitmore. HOA president.”
“Yes?”
“I need to inspect your pool area.”
I stared.
“Why?”
She glanced toward a black leather folder beneath her arm.
“We've received concerns about unauthorized use of community facilities.”
For several seconds, I didn't speak.
Then I looked toward the backyard.
Ava was at school.
The pool area was empty.
I turned back to the intercom.
“This is a private residence, Ms. Whitmore. The pool isn't a community facility.”
Her expression changed.
“Are you the property manager?”
“No. I'm the owner.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Name?”
“Malcolm Reed.”
She looked down at her folder.
Then toward the camera again.
“I'll need documentation.”
I almost laughed.
“Documentation proving I own the house you're standing outside?”
“That's correct.”
I took a breath.
“I'm not required to provide my deed to someone who arrives at my gate and demands it.”
She looked offended.
“Mr. Reed, refusing to cooperate with the association is not a good way to introduce yourself.”
“We've lived here for nearly two years.”