As for the 16% default not being intentional . . .actually, if you choose not to pay your dues, for whatever reason, that is a choice. If you don't have the $$, then you need to find a way to get some, just like you will have to to pay your mortgage, car insurance, or other bills. That might sound harsh, but if you sign the paperwork, stating you will live here, that is binding just like a mortgage is. Sorry, there are no "bailouts" for HOA dues. In relation to other HOAs across the country, our dues are very reasonable and the payments could me made by selling via ebay/craigslist, delivering pizzas a night or two a week, child care services etc- things that you can do outside the hours of a traditional job.

Also, please do not assume the rest of us are not willing to help out our neighbors and friends. I have actually found Daybreak to be very friendly, people pitching in to help others out, being neighborly. I think we have all been in a tough spot at one time or another and we do have compassion for our neighbors that are suffering from job loss or illness.

If you are having yard concerns, it is Hamlet that needs to fix them. It is not the HOA's fault that they messed up. It sounds like you and your neighbors may need to pitch in and hire a good lawyer to get Hamlet to correct the problem asap.

I am sorry you are frustrated and having a tough time. I sincerely hope your concerns can be resolved soon.