Originally posted on February 27, 2012 by Ryan

Frustrated board members often find themselves in a predicament: how far is too far in covenant enforcement?  Oftentimes, the governing documents of an association will allow the board to use self-help to enforce the covenants in a handful of situations.  For example, the covenants may state that if an owner refuses to maintain his or her yard the board may hire a landscaper to mow and then charge the owner for the service.  Unfortunately, boards sometimes go too far in seeking enforcement measures and step into the realm of vigilante justice.  This was the situation in a Florida case where the board of Palomino Lakes Subdivision literally blocked access to the subdivision on three occasions to prevent an owner from delivering what they thought was a mobile home.  Parton v. Palomino Lakes Prop. Owners Ass’n, Inc., 928 So. 2d 449 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 2006).

The covenants for Palomino Lakes prohibited mobile homes, but the owner was actually delivering a modular home, which was to be attached to a concrete slab and was permitted by the covenants.  By blockading access to the neighborhood, the board violated the covenants.  The owner later sued the association and the board members individually for breach of contract and injunctive relief.

At trial, a jury determined that the owner was entitled to $5,000 in compensatory damages and punitive damages of $60,000 against one board member, $50,000 against another board member, and $40,000 against a third.  As the prevailing party, the owner was also entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees.

Board members should think twice before taking self-help measures and subjecting themselves to personal liability.  Always ensure that board actions are permitted by the governing documents.

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