A RESIDENT has been slammed with multiple parking violation fees from his Homeowners Association totaling a shocking $2,800.
Alberto Hernandez received thousands of dollars in fines for several HOA fractures, some of which he wasn’t even involved in.
Alberto Hernandez was charged over $2800 in HOA finesCredit: NBC
Hernandez said he was fined while unloading groceries to his condoCredit: NBC
In some cases, Hernandez was fined for other people’s parking mistakesCredit: NBC
Hernandez received HOA fines for leaving his car unattended while unloading groceries and for people parking in front of his garage.
The San Jose man told local NBC affiliate KNTV that, most of the time, the cars breaking the parking rules were not his, so he didn’t think the fine would apply to him.
“They were not my cars,” Hernandez said in Spanish. “So, I thought it was unfair that they sent me the ticket just because I am the property owner.”
Hernandez is just one of many Garden Park Village residents in San Jose, California, to be charged exorbitant fines for violating the community’s rules.
Liliana Alvarez, a condominium complex resident, has owned her condo since 2009 but slammed the HOA for ‘ridiculous’ fines.
“They’re charging us ridiculous fines and they have no respect for privacy,” Alvarez told KNTV.
“I think those two are the main concerns that we as residents there have. And it’s not only homeowners, it’s something that also affects the renters here.”
Residents are allowed to appeal their violations via a Zoom call, but some claim that they rarely win the appeal.
“It outrages me because this is supposed to be our home,” Alvarez said.
“Some people are in the dilemma of either paying rent or paying thousands in fines.”
Alvarez has been fined 10 times for parking violations, having her fence too high, and adding a wood covering for her air conditioning unit.
Just like Hernandez, Alvarez was fined for not being at her vehicle as she was unloading groceries into her home.
“I have a truck, it does not fit in the garage,” she said. “So, I have to unload my groceries.”
Alavarez’s 10 fines total over $1,800, with each parking violation costing $175 each.
“They’re charging us ridiculous fines and they have no respect for privacy,” she declared.
Alvarez said that in early 2024, the HOA installed surveillance cameras which has worsened the fines for residents.
Dozens of Garden Park owners and renters have held meetings to discuss how to approach the mounting HOA fines they’re facing.
“We are stressed, we are mad, we are harassed,” said one resident about the fines.
“This has to stop!”
The U.S. Sun contacted the HOA for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
