Did you know-Anonymous complaints made to districts is against our FEDERAL rights

[E Cascade]

I have learned that in some districts that people who want to hide behind being anonymous can make complaints without the home owner ever knowing who is doing this. The District does not help, but rather elevates the problem. In our village we have someone who thinks they should be the designated mischief maker and our District board will not disclose who is being the cause of making a mountain out of a mole hill. If someone has a problem the District ought to require that another owner approach the neighbor with their personal concern before causing a major problem for all. There are enough power-over people/institutions/etc making life less tolerable and we ought to put out effort here to diminish this kind of behavior. I know of one happening in our village in which a spouse was concerned that the other spouse would have a heart attack over whatever the problem was. Rather than being a help, the trouble maker was being a problem in and of herself. Any suggestions, opinions would be appreciated. FL has some strict laws about stalking that all need to be aware of.

[Babubhat]

Without a rigorous legal analysis this is not useful. Cite statutes and case law. It is rarely a good idea to take legal advice from a bulletin board

[Marathon Man]

This topic has been discussed more times than there are stars in the galaxy. Every argument has been made. Every opinion has been made.

In my opinion, the best "solution" to your "problem" is: Keep your property in compliance and complaints will not be needed.

[Bill14564]

Nothing in your post mentioned Federal rights. How do you believe anonymous complaints violate these?

There is a great difference between stalking and filing a complaint about a deed violation.

I don't like the anonymous complaint system, but I also would not like an angry neighbor standing on my doorstep arguing with me that *I* am the problem and not all weeds and statues in his lawn.

[davem4616]

stay compliant and whoever the tattle-tail is will move on to the next violator that they seek to bring to justice

these personalities have been around forever....

when the District tells you to correct something...do it, don't make a big deal

be thankful you're not in an HOA

[Challenger]

I have learned that in some districts that people who want to hide behind being anonymous can make complaints without the home owner ever knowing who is doing this. The District does not help, but rather elevates the problem. In our village we have someone who thinks they should be the designated mischief maker and our District board will not disclose who is being the cause of making a mountain out of a mole hill. If someone has a problem the District ought to require that another owner approach the neighbor with their personal concern before causing a major problem for all. There are enough power-over people/institutions/etc making life less tolerable and we ought to put out effort here to diminish this kind of behavior. I know of one happening in our village in which a spouse was concerned that the other spouse would have a heart attack over whatever the problem was. Rather than being a help, the trouble maker was being a problem in and of herself. Any suggestions, opinions would be appreciated. FL has some strict laws about stalking that all need to be aware of.

Don't think so. Cite valid references for your bold assertions about legality. If you can't, you should state that your title is an opinion.

[Topspinmo]

IMO Villages really makes it harder than it should be. For one no homeowner should know who turned in the complaint. But the district who has the authority over compliance should. The forum should have villages I’d number on it and that all. Now the district can see if complainers are in fact villagers and live in that district.

Beings each district may have different rules IMO this only way it should be ran. Don’t live in villages, it get trashed, don’t live in that district, it get trashed. Now the ones with authority has weed out the trash and now can investigate complaints brought forward to the district in question. If found to not in compliance then it’s between district and home owner. I am fine with compliance based village as long as it my neighborhood doing the complaining, not some troll from another district or out of area rat.

[Babubhat]

I don’t know why people complain. When you purchased your house you were given a set of rules. Abide by them or move

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Exactly

[dewilson58]

Click Bait.

[rustyp]

If one plays by the rules they signed when purchasing their home there would be no issue. What you think is good taste I may think is trash. However I have read the rules before purchase and my protection was one of the reasons to buy here. Don't like it - change the rules legally. Ask your district rep how can a covenant be changed. Do not break the rules and then put the illness on the complainer. What does it matter if the complaint is anonymous or not. You going to lynch the complainer for you breaking the rules?

[Bilyclub]

Click Bait.

Seems to be those threads come in bunches. Something brings them out. SpaceX launches, full moons, 40 degree weather ?

[ThirdOfFive]

I have learned that in some districts that people who want to hide behind being anonymous can make complaints without the home owner ever knowing who is doing this. The District does not help, but rather elevates the problem. In our village we have someone who thinks they should be the designated mischief maker and our District board will not disclose who is being the cause of making a mountain out of a mole hill. If someone has a problem the District ought to require that another owner approach the neighbor with their personal concern before causing a major problem for all. There are enough power-over people/institutions/etc making life less tolerable and we ought to put out effort here to diminish this kind of behavior. I know of one happening in our village in which a spouse was concerned that the other spouse would have a heart attack over whatever the problem was. Rather than being a help, the trouble maker was being a problem in and of herself. Any suggestions, opinions would be appreciated. FL has some strict laws about stalking that all need to be aware of.
Were the complaints justified? If so then it really doesn't matter who did the complaining. If people are anonymously making false complaints then that comes under the heading of harassment and is an altogether different kettle of fish.

To be honest I really don't mind that people do this, as long as the complaints are legitimate. We moved here in large part BECAUSE of the regulations, not in spite of them. The homogeneity of the neighborhoods is attractive. I try to make sure we abide by those regulations but I wouldn't mind being reminded if it turned out that I was unknowingly violating one.

[Papa_lecki]

Click Bait.

It is so obvious - there are about 7 click bait topics and the original posts have typos - almost like on purpose

[Topspinmo]

Click Bait.


And it works

[Altavia]

Is there a way to ignore/hide threads?

[rustyp]

Don't click on the bait will work.

[DAVES]

I have learned that in some districts that people who want to hide behind being anonymous can make complaints without the home owner ever knowing who is doing this. The District does not help, but rather elevates the problem. In our village we have someone who thinks they should be the designated mischief maker and our District board will not disclose who is being the cause of making a mountain out of a mole hill. If someone has a problem the District ought to require that another owner approach the neighbor with their personal concern before causing a major problem for all. There are enough power-over people/institutions/etc making life less tolerable and we ought to put out effort here to diminish this kind of behavior. I know of one happening in our village in which a spouse was concerned that the other spouse would have a heart attack over whatever the problem was. Rather than being a help, the trouble maker was being a problem in and of herself. Any suggestions, opinions would be appreciated. FL has some strict laws about stalking that all need to be aware of.

This is an issue everywhere that people live together. Seriously but teasing a little.
I was concerned about neighbors turning each other in for nonsense because someone I knew in another state but living in a similar planed community had a neighbor launch a complaint about a tree that had been there for years. I heard only one side of the story which is normal in this type of issue. He was sued by the architectural committee.
The case went on and on. Last I heard he had spent 20,000 in legal fees. Before it was resolved he passed away. I believe his daughter inherited the property and sold it.
Who she sold it to? They had plenty of money. I doubt she had an concern for the complaining neighbor when she sold the property.

When exploring places to go when I stopped working I became aware of an island for sale off North Carolina. It was several acres a nice looking house in the pictures and had a small herd of wild horses. I could, I would set up my own KINGDOM. Somehow I think my wife would murder the king in his sleep or perhaps during a hurricane.

Far as anonymously turning in neighbors, I've never had anyone turn me in for anything.
Like most of us I am perfect in my own mind. However, it would not take much to discover who turned you in.

[DAVES]

Were the complaints justified? If so then it really doesn't matter who did the complaining. If people are anonymously making false complaints then that comes under the heading of harassment and is an altogether different kettle of fish.

To be honest I really don't mind that people do this, as long as the complaints are legitimate. We moved here in large part BECAUSE of the regulations, not in spite of them. The homogeneity of the neighborhoods is attractive. I try to make sure we abide by those regulations but I wouldn't mind being reminded if it turned out that I was unknowingly violating one.

I placed a previous post that I hope explains my view on the subject.

I think what people object to is anonymous complaints. Under our legal system you have the right to face your accuser.

Years ago in the villages we had a neighbor hire a landscaper. The landscaper put in cement work that was beyond Villages rules. It was too close to the property line and blocking mowers. I spoke to him. He agreed and asked the landscaper to move it.
The landscaper opened a foul mouth to me. Leaving out the foul words he said he is the expert. I told him perhaps he is right I will call the Villages. They sent a guy that like the story of Solomon handled is very well. Seems the landscaper did not file a required plan. He is wrong and they told my neighbor not to pay him till it is corrected. I took pictures in case he damaged my property. Fortunately he did not and it was corrected.
All were happy except perhaps the hired claimed landscaper. Many of the contractors are little more than ten dollars worth of business cards.

[villagetinker]

Is there a way to ignore/hide threads?

Yes, under user profile, there is an IGNORE list, simply add this offender to your list, I have several on mine, will probably be adding another shortly.

[Mortal1]

In the end this is just a person who was caught doing something they shouldn't be...and are upset that they were caught. My guess would be that they want to know who ratted them out so they can harass this person. It has nothing to do about what they say and all to do about obeying rules.

[dewilson58]

Is there a way to ignore/hide threads?

Yes, don't open them. :ohdear:

[Garywt]

Probably a mistake replying to this but…. We were gone for 6 months over the summer and although my landscaper was supposed to weed the flower beds, he did not or not well. About a month and a half before my return I got the call that someone turned us in. Part of me says there is a person or persons that drive the entire Villages street by street and turn people in. They were either turned in once themselves or have decided the are all things Villages enforcers. On the other hand it was good for me to know my landscaper was not doing his job. I had the weeds improved and finished the job when I was down there.

Maybe the rule could be changed to 2 complaints need to be made if the first is anonymous.

[Altavia]

Yes, under user profile, there is an IGNORE list, simply add this offender to your list, I have several on mine, will probably be adding another shortly.

Thanks but that doesn't prevent them showing up on the Thread list.

[Djean1981]

It doesn't matter who files a VALID complaint. Just live by the deed restrictions you agreed to... The Villages is composed of very compact houses, micro yards, and very narrow roads. The restrictions we ALL agreed to are to keep the neighborhoods nice for everyone. Just driving around a lot of the local non-village areas with no restrictions, makes me appreciate our more orderly environment.

[Velvet]

I have learned that in some districts that people who want to hide behind being anonymous can make complaints without the home owner ever knowing who is doing this. The District does not help, but rather elevates the problem. In our village we have someone who thinks they should be the designated mischief maker and our District board will not disclose who is being the cause of making a mountain out of a mole hill. If someone has a problem the District ought to require that another owner approach the neighbor with their personal concern before causing a major problem for all. There are enough power-over people/institutions/etc making life less tolerable and we ought to put out effort here to diminish this kind of behavior. I know of one happening in our village in which a spouse was concerned that the other spouse would have a heart attack over whatever the problem was. Rather than being a help, the trouble maker was being a problem in and of herself. Any suggestions, opinions would be appreciated. FL has some strict laws about stalking that all need to be aware of.

No, I don’t think so. We have a complaint driven compliance type area as it would be too expensive to pay for enforcement officers… but that is the alternative.

[Djean1981]

Yep .

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I placed a previous post that I hope explains my view on the subject.

I think what people object to is anonymous complaints. Under our legal system you have the right to face your accuser.



Yes, you have the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.

You have these rights when you are brought up in criminal charges in a court of law.

These rights don't extend to rule violations in a deed-restricted community.

[ThirdOfFive]

Yes, you have the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.

You have these rights when you are brought up in criminal charges in a court of law.

These rights don't extend to rule violations in a deed-restricted community.
Bingo.

[Kenswing]

Another trolling thread where the OP never returns to substantiate their claims.

[Djean1981]

That's a good idea...

[Retiring]

I was wondering how long it would take till someone mentioned the 6th Amendment. I understand what the OP is saying. We do have a constitutional right to know our accusers but that’s for court. Sitting in one’s living room calling a complaint line doesn’t constitute a court of law. IMO. If there is a lawyer on this thread, please jump in.

I’ve lived in gated communities since I was a child and I’m 59 now. There is ALWAYS someone that feels he/she must keep everyone in line. In one community, there was someone that would walk around the neighborhood and measure length of grass blades. I once got a letter saying my grass was 3.75in when the rules state 2.5 – 3.5. I asked the HOA to come to my house and prove it or remove the letter from my file. They removed the letter.

<<. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. >>

[Djean1981]

Hopefully, The Villages confirms complaints. Then, they become the accuser.

[Bogie Shooter]

Hopefully, The Villages confirms complaints. Then, they become the accuser.

No hopefully about it, that’s the way it works.
VCDD Deed Compliance - Lake County (http://districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict.aspx)

[rustyp]

Yes, you have the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.

You have these rights when you are brought up in criminal charges in a court of law.

These rights don't extend to rule violations in a deed-restricted community.

I was wondering how long it would take till someone mentioned the 6th Amendment. I understand what the OP is saying. We do have a constitutional right to know our accusers but that’s for court. Sitting in one’s living room calling a complaint line doesn’t constitute a court of law. IMO. If there is a lawyer on this thread, please jump in.

I’ve lived in gated communities since I was a child and I’m 59 now. There is ALWAYS someone that feels he/she must keep everyone in line. In one community, there was someone that would walk around the neighborhood and measure length of grass blades. I once got a letter saying my grass was 3.75in when the rules state 2.5 – 3.5. I asked the HOA to come to my house and prove it or remove the letter from my file. They removed the letter.

<<. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. >>


As OBB posted earlier a deed violation is not a criminal offense. The most severe penalty most likely is a lien put on your property if you don't pay a fine. On the other hand it is a criminal offense if/when neighbors get to extreme harassment. That can get a person jail time.