Resident makes trouble for HOA board

Q: Our homeowners association has been plagued by an irrational, contentious owner who hounds us with complaints. Hardly a day goes by that this person does not send our management company complaints. There have been as many as eight in one day. This man also files complaints with the county, the Southern Nevada Health District and the ombudsman's office, manipulating the laws to force them to investigate.

We have been "fired" by a couple of management companies because this person has demanded so much of their time. There have been other management companies that have declined to bid on a contract.

As the old adage goes, "One rotten apple can spoil the barrel." As new residents move into our community, this man actually convinces some of them to believe his falsified stories that our current HOA board is stealing.

Our current HOA board is worried that we are about to lose another management company because of his behavior.

A: A strong letter needs to be written to the homeowner by the association's legal counsel. Slander and libel are legal terms, and your legal counsel can determine whether the homeowner has crossed the line as to what other actions can be initiated by the board.

Communication is a powerful weapon. Your newsletter should be most "transparent." Include newsletter articles on a regular basis that provide financial information, such as a quarterly profit and loss statements, summaries of the association meeting minutes and board actions. Try to schedule board meetings at convenient times and locations to promote the best attendance. Address rumors with positive responses; tackle the issues and not the personalities.

As an example, instead of stating Mr. X is spreading lies that the association is having "secret meetings," show the association's policy statement that states decisions are made in open board meetings, and then list their dates and times. If your association has a formal audit or financial statement from a certified public accountant for each fiscal year, include that report in your newsletter, especially the cover letter that generally states that the CPA firm has found the finances to conform with standard operating procedures.

Barbara Holland, certified property manager, is president and owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. To ask her a question, email support@hlrealty.com.