HOA used satellites to spot violations
A homeowner is up in arms after he says his neighborhood association crossed the line. The HOA even admits that a previous board used Google satellite technology to scope out violations. Pflugerville, Texas

HOA builds playground to block sex offenders
A simple playground is blocking sex offenders from moving into a Central Florida neighborhood. Police agencies across Volusia County are pretty sure this is the first time in Florida that an HOA has built a playground to make sure sex offenders cannot move in to their neighborhood. It’s a case of homeowners teaming up to protect their kids. Daytona Beach, FL.

Vacation home rentals gaining momentum
Angel Luna decided to offer her bungalow in Apollo Beach as a vacation rental. It was a mostly positive venture until her homeowners association told her renting her home was a violation. The trend is growing as a way to augment homeowners’ incomes. Tampa, FL

Clothesline users call laundry flap overblown
Thousands of developments, apartments and condominiums across the Northwest ban clotheslines outright as unsightly and potentially dangerous artifacts of the past. Others have de facto bans where clotheslines can be ordered removed if they are visible from a neighbor’s property, can be seen from the street or are considered offensive by those living nearby.

Justice Department Reaches Settlement with HOA
The Justice Department announced yesterday that the Townhomes of Kings Lake HOA Inc. (HOA) and Vanguard Management Group Inc. have agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Washington, D.C.