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For everyone living in a neighborhood that is regulated by a home owner's association, let's hear your home owner's association stories.

For the record, I am not against home owner's associations. In fact, I think most of the bylaws result in increased property values and make our neighborhoods better. However, sometimes the rules make for interesting stories.

So, let's hear your stories or the rules that have presented the most challenge for you and your neighbors.

I will start us off. Our bylaws require that 6 shrubs be planted so when I bought my house and started landscaping, I planted 8 shrubs because I was scared to death that if I planted only 6, one might die and then I wouldn't be in compliance.

I attended a Neighborhood Assoc. tonite that is starting to form in my neighborhood. They wanted to stay away from Homeowners, so they are calling it a Neighborhood Assoc. We won't be regulated by the stricter rules assoc. with the other. Mainly set up to get neighbors to know each other. Some present were reluctant to join based on bad experiences they had with homeowners in the past. I've never been a part of one, but this neighborhood assoc. seems to be a great idea.

Hey Tina,

That sounds like a great alternative to the traditional neighborhood's association. Neighbors that know each other are definitely going to look out for each other (and each other's property) much closer. It sure makes for a safer neighborhood.

My new association isn't so bad. I looked over the book we got and mostly its pretty common sense stuff. Some of it is frustrating like asking to just plant a tree but I know why they have these rules in place.

We will be dealing with them shortly to find out if we can fence in our yard because we are on a lake. this might be interesting..

Our Association has rules regarding the type of fence that can be built and you have to get it approved prior to building. Basically the fence has to be 6' cedar and the smooth side has to be facing the street. It is a pain to mow because of the posts. However, it sure makes the neighborhood look nice which is the ultimate goal.