Suggestion Best Posts in Thread: Homeowner Association and personal responsibilities

I can tell you what the HOA did at the last place we rented. Even the home owner we were renting from refused to pay the 300 peso a month fee. So the President made up a large sign and set it next to the Guard house s when you are leaving it can be read. The sign was a list of all the home owners running down the left side and along the top was the months of the year. It listed for all to see who paid and who did not. Then they issued a windshield sticker for the cars and M/C's to the Home owners who paid. The guard would only open the gate for the residents who paid the fees. The others had to open the gate themselves. After 3 months the payments started coming in and people would even pay 3 to 6 months advance. Public shame is a very powerful tool.

 

Dave, been there done that even being elected President of one association. These are the rules.

1. A developer has to have HLURB approval for the subdivision outlining the platting and amenities. The developer is then certified to sell lots and build buildings and infrastructure.
2. When all has been completed, HLURB allows the formation of a homeowner association governed by ByLaws voted on at a General Meeting where the Officers and Board of Directors are elected and ByLaws are approved. The initial meeting of the Board of Directors approves opening a bank account requiring two signatures on any withdrawal.
3. The homeowners association incorporates and submits a set of books to HLURB for approval. The books are for one year only so a new set along with the old books from the previous year are submitted to HLURB in Cebu. If the books are satisfactory, the old books are stamped along with the new set.
4. Any changes to the officers or Board are required to notify HLURB.

The ByLaws should contain broad Mission Statement and specify who is a member and their responsibilities. If a subdivision has its own water system exclusively, collecting dues is simplified because they are specified on the water bill. Don't pay the water bill and the association cuts off the water. If the Dumaguete Water District or the Sibulan Water district supplies the water, the homeowner association doesn't have a collection mechanism.

The Developer allows police and fire departments access to the subdivision. Generally, anyone who lives in a house is a member of the homeowners association and can hold office if elected. If the wife or girlfriend lives with you they are the member regardless of who actually owns the house.

For disputes within a Barangay, the Barangay Captain determines the facts of the dispute before one goes to City Court. Barangay Tanods maintain order in the Barangay.

If living in a subdivision is untenable the only practical solution is move regardless if you are Filipino or Foreigner. If you own lots, sell them.

Good things can happen in Homeowners Associations but they are always subject to change.

shakey

 

Yes I agree but as Dave has made a move to Do something it is when he does not Charge the Light that it becomes his fault.
Oh Yeah! but the Foreigner did not supply the Light; Something goes wrong and he can't see, We all know how it is never their Fault

 

Whatever you do Dave don't get too involved as it will end up your fault

 

Can't be done.......

 

Good Solution Steve. Thanks... I will try to pass it on to appropriate people.

As most senerios here in the Philippines, this will probably just turn into a circus of people point fingers at each other. Most people who have lived here any length of time has seen the folly of trying to get someone to voluntarily live up to their responsibilities here or aboard. The promises of dead owner to some people that they would never have to pay dues, is just the process of raising the circus flags and having the elephant march around the streets. The Circus is about to begin. Best reason I know not to buy land here.

 

Good-luck to you!! As I discovered, the judicial system (in Dumaguete, anyway) leans toward the locals, even if they are in the wrong.

 

Just put a sign up on the gate where all can be easily read by everyone with their name and how much they owe, it will soon be paid.

 

HOA only work when 95% agree, are responsible and also pay their dues. The other 5% being a small minority can be coerced...unless they are the head of the HOA. I won't live where there is a HOA.