KPHO Channel 5
Official Media PartnerUpdated April 2, 2014
PEORIA, Ariz. — If a homeowner leaves a trash can out, or doesn’t cut back weeds, most homeowners associations will issue a fine. But if a renter in a Peoria neighborhood does it, they can be evicted by their HOA. Landlord George Botea thinks that’s downright crazy. “What they’re essentially doing is making it impossible for any homeowner to rent in this neighborhood,” said Mr. Botea.
He is a Valley homeowner/landlord who has refused to sign his HOA’s crime free lease addendum, which would give his HOA the power to evict his tenant if they violate any crime or community rules. The crime free lease states, “the Association will be the sole judge as to what constitutes criminal activity.” It also requires landlords to run an extensive background check on tenants, then pass the private information to the HOA. Valley attorney Nat Nickele said the HOA requirements are a clear abuse of power and a violation of the Landlord Tenant Act – so he’s filed a formal complaint with the state. Read more: