Homeowners associations, the private, usually nonprofit, corporations that govern residential communities, are often maligned as intrusive, nit-picky coalitions of busybodies. These entities, however, are meant to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of properties — and property values — within their respective communities. HOAs have the authority to set rules, and when those rules aren’t followed, to assess fines, tow unauthorized vehicles off the association’s property, and even place liens on association members’ homes. The decisions made by an HOA’s board of directors, or their designated representatives (including property management firms), are legally binding, and changing the rules or the makeup of an HOA’s governing body can be difficult.    Read the article…………………………………..