Should HOA pay?

[sunsetssplendor]

Help!!! The HOA put a notice on the door saying we will have to get hotel rooms for two days as they spray for termites. They ask that we wrap our food that is in the freezer and refrigerator twice with plastic bags but suggest eating the food would be better.

This is my question. Why should we have to pay for a hotel? I mean thisis a HUGE inconvenience and frankly it's money that we don't have. We have three kids and a toddler therefore we will need at least two beds possibly a suite not to mention take out food three x's a day unless we find a hotel with free continental breakfast. This has truly taken me lower than I already was. I mean if it isn't one da*n thing it's another. I am so upset at them. What are our rights? options? Anyone here with advice in this area?

P.S. They STILL haven't given us the dates.. .all we know is sometime in May.

[sweeps]

I think it's pretty unlikely you'd have any legal recourse against your homeowners association. But look at it this way, you'd be paying one way or the other -- either directly to a hotel or indirectly through your HOA.

Can you stay with family or friends for a couple days? Or maybe make some food in advance and stay at a hotel with a refrigerator and a microwave so you can at least save on eating out.

[sunsetssplendor]

Nearest family is 40 miles away and the children have school.

I was thinking of packing a cooler w/ water and fruit.

Thanks.

[disneysteve]

Since when do you need to vacate your home for 2 days for termite treatment? We had our home treated about 2 years ago and didn't leave.

Can you just opt to stay?

[jIM_Ohio]

instead of complaining online, have you talked to HOA?

Maybe they can negotiate a group rate at hotel, maybe the two day window is because complex is so large they don't know when you would be out of your unit? Ask the HOA and talk with the HOA.

Sounds like time for a two day vacation.

[sunsetssplendor]

I'm complaining online b/c I can - it's called venting.

Besides, last night I had an A ha moment! I thought of the families
spouses, siblings of the students/ professors at Vtech and realized
I really don't have a complaint after all. Thanks to everyone who
responded.

[disneysteve]

It would be nice if they gave you the dates, though, so you can search around for the best rates. Many hotels have better rates at least 21 days out so the sooner you can book, the better off you'll be. Be sure to check the hotel chain website AND call the hotel both through the 800 number and calling the actual location. Rates can vary significantly.

[Fern]

It does sound like a really unreasonable thing to expect everyone there to do. I'm with Steve, I've never heard of having to entirely vacate one's premises for 48 hours for termite spraying. I would get more details from them and yeah, the least they can do is give you firm dates well in advance.