Heritage Place homeowners sue HOA over unfair fines and power abuse
Residents of Heritage Place are taking legal action against their homeowners association (HOA) over claims of unfair fines, mismanagement, and abuse of power. Multiple lawsuits have been filed, with homeowners accusing the board of denying due process and failing to hold proper elections for years.
Justin Mattice has spent over two years battling the HOA after being fined for landscaping changes meant to stop flooding in his yard. The association later blocked his real estate agent from including him in emails about selling his home, claiming he was responsible for neighborhood drainage issues. So far, Mattice has paid $25,000 for a drainage system and $15,000 in legal fees.
Adunni Covington and her husband are also in a legal dispute with the HOA, which placed a $3,000 lien on their property for not laying sod around their mailbox. The association countersued, escalating the conflict. Meanwhile, Rasaq Adeyemi's elderly mother received fines for leaving her trash can out too long, despite her health struggles.
Financial records show the HOA's budget has tripled since 2019, rising from $50,658 to $151,798 by 2025. Projected fines for noncompliance have surged by 500%. Data up to January 2026 reveals that 42% of violations involved investors or rented properties, while 58% were linked to private owners. Investors currently own and rent out 49 homes in the community, accounting for the highest number of violations.
The board skipped elections in 2021 and 2022, citing pandemic concerns. When voting resumed in 2023, attendance was low. Homeowners have now filed a joint lawsuit, alleging lack of transparency and misuse of authority by HOA members.
The disputes highlight ongoing tensions between Heritage Place residents and their HOA. Legal battles continue over fines, property restrictions, and governance issues, with multiple homeowners facing financial and administrative hurdles. The outcome of these cases could impact how the community is managed in the future.
