HOA rules can be changed

People speak of homeowner association rules and CC&Rs as if they are permanent, immutable and unchangeable, handed down on stone tablets from heaven to stand for all time.

They are not.

As a former two-term member of the board of directors of the Oakview Gardens HOA, a retired attorney and one of the authors of new CC&Rs that the members of our association adopted eight years ago, I encourage everyone to remember that CC&Rs are written and voted on by people and they can be changed.

It is not necessary to just complain and live with overly strict and unreasonable rules. If enough members of an association feel the same way, you can get together and push for change. But you have to be willing to get involved and spend some time.

If a board refuses to reform, campaign against them with your own candidates at the next election. New state law requires them to mail out your election statements.

Homeowner apathy is the biggest obstacle to progress. Yes, your CC&Rs will require majority or even super-majority votes to be amended. But it can happen if enough people care. Mark Leinwand Agoura Hills