The Coalition for Homeowners' Rights
The Fight for Homeowner Rights
In the realm of homeowners’ associations (HOAs), the complexities of governance often lead to a tangled web of interests, where the rights of residents can be overshadowed by the agendas of industry insiders. Dennis Legere, a seasoned advocate for homeowners’ rights, has emerged as a prominent voice against the collusion and pay-to-play tactics prevalent among community management companies and their affiliated vendors. His journey from a board member in a small community to a national advocate sheds light on the systemic issues facing homeowners today.
A Personal Journey into Advocacy
Dennis Legere
Dennis Legere’s advocacy began in a small community of 86 homes, where he quickly recognized the troubling dynamics at play within the board. “What I saw was a good old boys club,” he recalls. Board members, including a realtor with vested interests, made decisions behind closed doors, often benefiting themselves at the expense of the community. This lack of transparency and accountability prompted Legere to take action, ultimately leading him to contest open meeting violations in court.
His efforts resulted in a landmark ruling that not only fined the association but also inspired other communities to pursue similar actions. This experience laid the groundwork for Legere’s involvement in legislative reform, as he began drafting proposals to address the systemic issues he witnessed.
From his initial efforts, Legere helped form a coalition that has grown from 15 members to nearly 2,500, uniting homeowners across Arizona. His advocacy focuses on creating a balance of power between boards and homeowners, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. “Transparency builds trust,” he asserts, highlighting the importance of open governance in fostering a healthy community dynamic.
However, Legere’s advocacy extends beyond local issues. He has identified a troubling trend within the Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) and the Community Association Institute (CAI), organizations that he believes perpetuate a cycle of collusion among community management companies and their vendors.
Collusion and Pay-to-Play Tactics
Legere’s concerns center around the relationships between AACM, community management companies, and the various vendors that serve these associations. He argues that the AACM operates as a political action committee, primarily representing the interests of its members—community managers and attorneys—rather than the homeowners they are supposed to serve.
“The system is designed to benefit those who are already in power,” Legere explains. “Community managers and their affiliated vendors often engage in pay-to-play tactics, where contracts and services are awarded based on relationships rather than merit.” This creates an environment where homeowners are left vulnerable, as decisions impacting their communities are made without their input or consideration.
The implications of these practices are significant. Homeowners often face inflated costs for services, lack of accountability from management companies, and a general disregard for their rights. Legere’s advocacy seeks to dismantle this system, pushing for legislation that would establish clearer boundaries and protections for homeowners.
Potential Antitrust Implications
The collusion and pay-to-play tactics observed within the AACM and its affiliated vendors raise important questions regarding potential violations of the U.S. Antitrust Act. The Act is designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices that harm consumers. Legere argues that the relationships between community management companies and their vendors could be seen as anti-competitive, as they limit homeowners’ choices and inflate costs.
“Homeowners should have the right to choose their service providers based on quality and price, not on who has the best connections,” he states. By fostering an environment where a select few benefit at the expense of many, the current system undermines the principles of fair competition that the Antitrust Act seeks to uphold.
Legislative Efforts and Community Empowerment
Legere’s advocacy has not gone unnoticed. He has worked closely with legislators to draft bills aimed at reforming the governance of HOAs and increasing transparency. His efforts have led to the establishment of laws that protect homeowners’ rights to assemble and discuss community issues without interference from the board.
“The more homeowners speak up and advocate for their rights, the more likely we are to see meaningful change,” Legere emphasizes. He encourages residents to engage with their legislators, share their experiences, and demand accountability from their community management companies.
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Dennis Legere’s journey as an advocate for homeowners’ rights highlights the urgent need for reform in the governance of community associations. His insights into the collusion and pay-to-play tactics employed by organizations like AACM serve as a call to action for homeowners across the nation. By fostering transparency, accountability, and fair competition, Legere believes that communities can reclaim their power and ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. As the fight for homeowners’ rights continues, Legere remains a steadfast advocate for change, inspiring others to join the movement for a more equitable future in community governance.
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Last modified: March 26, 2025
