Homeowners Associations (HOAs) often get a bad rap for enforcing strict rules and levying hefty fines. However, a lot of people love the way HOAs help maintain property values by making sure that homeowners are keeping up with their home and lawn care, which is why so many folks opt to move into these kinds of neighborhoods.
But one Colorado woman is saying that her HOA is going too far after they sent her a letter about the state of her grass recently. According to her, the HOA wanted her to fix her brown and dying lawn. The only problem? Paulette Piazza says she’s under watering restrictions due to the state’s ongoing drought.
She told Fox 31 News about the situation, saying the HOA didn’t seem to care about the fact that she was limited on how much water she was allowed to use to maintain her lawn.
Now, she calls the letters she’s received about the grass—and the HOA’s acknowledgement about the water restrictions—an “ugly threat.”
Piazza Says She’s Watering Her Lawn Twice a Week
The homeowner told Fox 31 News her water is supplied by Denver Water, which limits the number of days that people can water their lawns to just two, which is what she’s doing. But that didn’t stop the Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association from sending her a written warning about her grass, giving her 10 days to take action.
“Ken Caryl is in a drought but you can’t let your lawn [die],” the letter said, adding that if Piazza failed to meet the deadline “a formal violation will be issued, and the violation/fine process will begin in accordance with state law.”
Piazza says she tried to reason with the HOA, explaining how she was doing everything she was permitted to, which prompted an email response from the association. ”
“I understand how frustrating this situation can be. Please continue working on your lawn to improve its condition,” the email viewed by Fox 31 News said. “If you have a plan in place, or are making arrangements to repair or replace the lawn, please let me know what your plans are and your anticipated timeline.”
The Homeowner Feels Threatened by the Association
Understandably, Piazza is worried about what will happen next. “It’s a threat,” she said. “It’s an ugly threat. And I don’t know what they want me to do.”
Unfortunately, Piazza does have reason to worry. Headlines are full of horror stories from homeowners who say they have suffered at the hands of their HOA. For example, one North Carolina family lost their home in 2025 over a $400 past-due balance on their HOA dues. The association foreclosed on the property, according to WSOC-TV.
In one Reddit post, a homeowner claimed his HOA was suing him to the tune of $48,750 over plants in his backyard, which he says he never received proper notices about.
And Georgia lawmakers have proposed legislation that would provide homeowners with additional protections; it may be too little, too late for people like Piazza in other states who need help now.