A Georgia woman broke a cardinal rule in her HOA neighborhood and had to pay up. She figured that was fine, and that was the end of it. But then the HOA started to take things to extremes. Now, she’s shocked, frustrated, and unsure about how to move forward.
Cannon (@cannonwheatcroft_lee) says she recently received a picture of herself in the mail from her HOA. Why? Cannon took her dog outside to go to the bathroom without a leash, which is prohibited in their neighborhood. She paid the fine for it and figured that was the end of it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. Now, she says, “Feel like I’m living in the Truman show” about her situation.
Cannon soon discovered that the HOA security camera has been pointed directly at their house to watch their every move. She confronted the HOA director about it and a verbal fight ensued. The HOA director accused Cannon of threatening her, even though she says she wasn’t. She tried to explain to the director that “it’s illegal” to record their home. After the confrontation, she sent an email to the HOA stating it was against the law for them to record her home from all angles. She cited a variety of laws showing this. They also spoke with law enforcement, who said the camera’s position is intentional and breaks the law.
Since sending the email, Cannon received a cease-and-desist letter in the email. The HOA stood their ground and said it’s in the contract for them to use surveillance in the neighborhood like they are. They claim they haven’t broken any laws.
After this, Cannon says things got “worse.” One of her neighbors in the HOA discovered a trail camera in the woods behind their houses. And guess what? It’s pointed at all of their homes, constantly recording their every move. Now, the neighbors are all aware of the camera and they’re very unhappy about these findings, which is completely understood.
The video sparked a variety of reactions online, with many shocked by what Cannon had to say about her neighborhood. One commenter mentioned, “There is never a positive HOA story.” Other commenters had advice to share with Cannon about steps she could take. One suggested, “Find a lawyer (with good references) that specializes in HOAs and lawyer up. Don’t delay.” Another commenter shared, “My friend dismantled her HOA. It took so much paperwork and an attorney that specialized in HOA contracts and getting every bylaw and financial statement you can now and also filing for discovery.”
Since Cannon’s video, she posted an update. She shared that many people in her last video’s comments shared that she isn’t entitled to privacy since she lives on a public street. However, Cannon explains it’s not a public street in their neighborhood; it’s considered private. There’s even a sign in their neighborhood stating, “This is a private community.” She also discovered that it’s illegal for them to film her home without her consent, as she’s entitled to reasonable privacy.
Commenters continue to share opinions and useful information on Cannon’s video. As one commenter said with outrage, “Are people OK? Yes, on a public street but you’re talking in your own home?! You definitely have the assumption of privacy in your own home!” It remains to be seen what happens with Cannon’s situation and how things are handled with the intrusive HOA.
