Looks That Kill? When HOA Rules Cross the Line

How far should a homeowners association go to enforce its aesthetic preferences—especially when those preferences put lives at risk?

For the King family, that question isn’t rhetorical. After purchasing a $700,000 home, they’ve encountered a horrifying reality: 29 rattlesnakes on their property in a single year. Despite installing $7,000 worth of snake fencing, the Kings sought one additional, logical step—permission from their HOA to extend their gate to the road for better protection.

Their request was denied.

Safety vs. Subjective Aesthetics

Why? According to the HOA, the gate doesn’t conform to the community’s "aesthetic guidelines." The problem? Those guidelines aren’t written anywhere. They’re vague, undefined, and seemingly enforced at the whim of the board. There’s no rulebook—only subjective preferences.

And while the HOA clings to this ambiguity, the Kings and their neighbors are facing a very real, very dangerous threat. One neighbor reportedly spent four days in the ICU after being bitten by a baby rattlesnake. These aren’t hypothetical risks—they’re documented medical emergencies.

The Kings aren’t asking the HOA to fund the project. They’re simply asking for permission to protect their home—at their own expense. That denial speaks volumes.

An HOA’s Real Duty

Homeowners associations often justify restrictions in the name of property values. But an HOA’s duty is broader than preserving visual uniformity. It includes ensuring that residents can take reasonable, necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from legitimate, physical harm.

Blocking a homeowner’s ability to defend against life-threatening risks—on grounds that cannot be clearly explained—fails that duty.

Would the HOA’s decision have been the same if one of its board members lived on “snake row”? Likely not. When safety conflicts with subjective rules, responsible leadership puts people first.

When Aesthetic Control Becomes Abuse of Power

Unfortunately, the King family’s experience isn’t uncommon. We’ve seen HOAs deny homeowners the right to install security lighting, modify dangerous driveways, or address flooding issues—all under the guise of “community standards” that no one can clearly define.

This is more than frustrating—it can be dangerous. And that’s where legal action becomes necessary.

Know Your Rights. Defend Your Safety.

If your HOA is using vague rules or selective enforcement to block reasonable safety measures—or simply making life difficult—you don’t have to accept it.

At Dessaules Law Group, we represent homeowners across Arizona in HOA disputes involving fines, approvals, safety restrictions, harassment, and much more. We know how boards operate, and we know how to hold them accountable.

✅ Facing pushback on property improvements?
✅ Dealing with selective enforcement?
✅ Being ignored when you raise legitimate safety concerns?

Let’s talk.

📞 Schedule a consultation today to get the answers, support, and legal protection you need.