homeowner association

in theory they're there for property values, community safety & management

but really it's just an excuse for nosy, powertripping neighbors to have authority over you. you pay them hundreds of dollars a month so they can yell at you and threaten fines the minute your grass gets a brown patch or grows too long or your lightbulb goes out or you dare to park on the street. you're not allowed to have anything unique about your house, from paint colors to mailbox types. everything has to be approved by them