Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Quail Valley HOA: Targeting the Elderly?
As homeowners reach their later years, The HOA layers on the fines and fees, to be paid at closing. Chapter XXIV, "Living on Cuckoo Court"
Steven Lapham, Neighbor
- Gaithersburg, MD
Steven Sellers Lapham is a retired editor (science & social studies education), amateur musician, PTA volunteer, MoCo Weed Warrior, and 21-year resident of Quail Valley, which is just outside the boundary of the City of Gaithersburg. These blogs are my own reporting & opinions. FYI, I'm a member of the Silver Spring Justice Coalition, Voices from the Holy Land Online Film Salon, and UUs for Justice in the Middle East, as well as the Quail Valley Friendly Team.
Posting Activity
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
A Cash Cow Made of Concrete? An HOA "Micro-Charges" Homeowners
The predatory HOA industry suddenly thought your sidewalk and steps were pure gold. Not so fast. (Ch. XXII, “Living on Cuckoo Court”)
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Curbing Injustices: Six Stories of Unkindness and Discrimination
Is this HOA acting like a "racial covenant" of the 1950s? Evidence shows the answer is "Yes." Chapter XXI, "Living on Cuckoo Court
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Incompetence on Parade
Quail Valley HOA's Negligence Facilitates Injuries over the Years (Chapter XVIII of Living on Cuckoo Court)
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Good Fences Make Good Profits
A few rotten boards are replaced, and something else comes to light. Here's a timeline of HOA charges. (“Living on Cuckoo Court" Ch. XVII)
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Poor Maintenance of Our Community Center at Quail Valley
The HOA overlooks its own responsibilities, even as it aggressively fines residents for trivialities. Chpt. XVI of "Living on Cuckoo Court"
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Punishing Our Health Care Heroes
This is the moment when our values and beliefs are tested. What do we uphold? What do we let go of? Chapter XV of "Living on Cuckoo Court"
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Why the OCOC Cannot Help Residents Very Much
Boundary dispute? This agency might help. But if HOAs are wholly dysfunctional, no help is here. Chapter XIV of "Living on Cuckoo Court."
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Let’s Try Educating Residents Instead of Punishing Them
Shall we use county fliers, and an occasional big sticky note, to educate residents? No? Why not? (Chpt. XII of "Living on Cuckoo Court")
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
This HOA is Not Doing Its Job ("Living on Cuckoo Court," Ch. XI)
Residents want effective management to stop real damage to houses--and not to ding residents for fanciful and erroneous "violations."
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Our HOA Endangers Our Lives
Countermanding the CDC, the HOA demanded that we stand in line at the hardware ... or get fined. Chapter X of "Living on Cuckoo Court"
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Does My HOA Discriminate Against People with Disabilities?
Hello ADA? The QV HOA "disappears" trash cans, charging some folks (but not others) if you want it returned. Ch IX, "Living on Cuckoo Court"
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
Lost in Court: HOA Wastes Time & Money, Again & Again
A Maryland Court of Law halts the HOA's attack on a resident. Has "legal extortion" run its course? "Living on Cuckoo Court," Chapter VIII
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
HOA Extortion during a Pandemic?
Ramping up fines & fees "by hook or by crook" (Chapter VII of “Living on Cuckoo Court”)
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
“Community Harmony & Spirit”--HOA Style
If the HOA doesn't solve a wee problem, you better not solve it yourself, God forbid! (Chapter VI of the "Living on Cuckoo Court" series)
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
“Problem HOAs” Seem to be Widespread
Another MoCo Example. Chapter V in the "Living on Cuckoo Court" series
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
HOA Slaps Asian Family with a $21,498 Lawsuit (... and loses in Court)
And an Hispanic family is told “you don't belong,” but, in fact, they do. Etc. “Living on Cuckoo Court” Ch. IV
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
"Joining an HOA? There Will Be Hell to Pay" (excerpt)
All of the downright dreadful things you need know if you’re buying a property governed by an HOA (The Wall Street Journal)
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
“Living on Cuckoo Court”: Chapter III
6 more True Stories from Quail Valley, in Montgomery County, Maryland
Gaithersburg|Neighbor News|
“Living on Cuckoo Court”: Chapter II
9 More True Stories from Quail Valley, Maryland
