Tina Stephens put up a political sign in front of her Phoenix home and was fined $50 by her homeowners association.
But that fine was contrary to Arizona law.
“It’s been a nightmare. I was afraid I could get evicted,” said Stephens, who rents her home and fought the fine.
She didn’t take the sign down, and it was the second fine she got for putting up a legal election sign.
The $50 penalty levied by Paradise Mountain Shadows HOA was dropped earlier this week, after Stephens sent the association a detailed letter outlining why it’s legal for her to display her sign and how she followed the legal timeframe for displaying election signs.
Arizona law allows HOA residents to display campaign signs. More than half of metro Phoenix residents live in communities with HOAs.
Arizonans in HOAs can display political signs from 71 days before a primary election until 15 days after a general election for candidates in that election, according to the law.
Stephens was first fined $50 for displaying a political sign during the legal timeframe for the summer primary elections. She fought that one, too.
“In all likelihood, the HOA’s actions are improper,” said Valley real estate attorney Patrick MacQueen with Medalist Legal. “HOAs do have a little leeway with certain signs, but the leeway usually involves size and what the sign is attached to.”
Stephens said her neighbor was also fined for putting up an election sign, and they took the sign down to prevent more penalties.
She wasn’t sure if the HOA or her landlord dropped the $50 fine and hasn’t received a response on why it was dropped.
A representative for the HOA said the fine went on the account of Stephens’ landlord and that it was levied because an inspector’s photo did not clearly show it was an election sign. When it became clear it was an election sign, the fines were dropped.
Stephens said she’s angry there are no legal repercussions when an HOA levies an illegal fine and is contacting local politicians about updating the law and requirements for associations.
She said the illegal fines have created a very stressful situation for her and her neighbors that she doesn’t want others to go through.
Reach the reporter at catherine.reagor@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8040. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @CatherineReagor.
