What should you do if your homeowners' association requires that you paint your house even though painting is not necessary?

First of all, get a certified copy of the recorded covenants. You can get a copy for a nominal fee at your county courthouse. Do not accept a random copy from the homeowners' association (HOA), as such copies are often outdated and/or incorrect.

Then, ask the HOA to tell you which specific section of the covenants requires that you paint your house at this time. Once they tell you, read that section and see if it pertains to you. If yes, then paint your house. If no, then write a letter to the board stating that you do not believe that you should have to paint your house. Be sure to cite the Wording of the covenants in your letter. I suggest sending it certified mail, or hand delivering it to the HOA board secretary. You might also attend the HOA's board meeting and state your case. In either event, be polite to the HOA and its officers but stand firm on your position.

If, after the above process, the HOA still demands that you paint your house, you may need to seek the counsel of a real estate attorney. If possible, do not hire an attorney unless and until a lien has been filed against your house by the HOA, or the HOA has initiatied a lawsuit against you.