A man in Missouri is fighting a legal battle against his homeowners association’s (HOA) attempt to foreclose on his house because, it says, his truck has severe body damage and violates HOA rules by being parked in his driveway, CBS News reports. Andy Lipka owns a beautiful 1965 Ford F-250, and has been a lover of classic cars since he was kid. The bodywork on the truck shows some honest wear, but under the skin, the vehicle runs and drives perfectly. However, his HOA, the Woodfield Homes Association, views the patina of the otherwise clean, straight and un-dented vehicle as moderately severe body damage. Lipka parks it in his driveway not only because he feels it’s beautiful the way it is, and reminds (him) of the truck (he) grew up in with (his) dad, but because he already has two other vehicles in his garage. The merit of patina is a hotly debated topic, but when it shows up on an honest old pickup truck that spent its life working, most classic car enthusiasts will agree it’s a draw, not a defect. The HOA has fined Lipka almost US$3,000 and threatened to foreclose on his house if he doesn’t pay the charges. And while the association is also suing to get its money, Lipka is suing right back, disputing the claim his truck is damaged and claiming the HOA has made this personal, turning it from a policy issue to harassment. The battle will go to court, where hopefully Lipka wins and keeps this awful homeowner’s association from infringing on his right to park his own damn car in his own damn driveway he paid
Origin: Missouri HOA threatens foreclosure because homeowner’s truck looks old