After repeatedly refusing to comply with his homeowners association’s seemingly unreasonable lawn-care rules, a Texas man received a formal written complaint. The alleged violation? His lawn stripes were “excessively straight.” Will this finally persuade him to give in to the HOA’s demands? Probably not.
The letter was read aloud by Steven Compton, a popular lawn-care creator behind ReelLawnGuy, a lawn-mowing business. As expected, his content typically focuses on lawn maintenance. Recently, however, he has been reacting to what appear to be absurd HOA demands concerning his own yard.
The Texas man was ready to get started, telling his followers to buckle up because after previous attempts to make him alter his lawn apparently failed, he received his very first HOA letter. Though it may not have been certified, he proceeded to read the complaint aloud for his followers to enjoy and likely laugh at. According to the HOA, his lawn had been found in “violation.” The reason, to say the least, was surprising.
“Following a recent inspection, the board of directors has determined that your lawn located at the above-referenced property contains striping patterns that are excessively straight,” Steven read.
In disbelief, Steven said he had planned the striping that way, then continued reading. Apparently, he had violated rule section 4.8b: “Maintaining lawn quality beyond reasonable neighborhood expectations.” Unsure what that meant, he went on to read the description of the alleged violation, which took the pettiness to an entirely new level.
“Lawn stripes visible from excessive distance. Striping patterns appear professionally maintained. Neighboring lawns adversely affected by comparison,” the Texas man read.
Again, Steven said he was unsure what any of it meant, but noted that two of his neighbors also have immaculate lawns. Most likely, as shown in previous clips, he was the one responsible for maintaining those yards as well. Either way, he then read the “required correction.”
“Mow in random directions. Skip at least one mowing cycle per week. Allow visible wheel marks. Refrain from posting lawn photographs on social media,” the HOA letter read.
Finally, the letter warned Steven that if he continued mowing his own lawn, he could face “additional enforcement actions.” According to the HOA, that could include restrictions on reel mower usage. Steven responded, “Yeah, I like to see you try.”
Internet Isn’t Surprised by an HOA Having a Problem With a Homeowner
The video sparked a wave of reactions, mostly from viewers who saw nothing wrong with his lawn.
“Wait… Are they saying your lawn looks too good?“
“Sounds like your HOA is inserting their personal opinions into the code.”
“I see where you went wrong: You moved into a house with an HOA.”
Steven explained in comments that everything had been fine until new neighbors moved in over the years. Also, it appears Steven has no intention of taking the letter seriously. Shortly after posting the clip above, he shared two more TikToks showing himself mowing his lawn in the “excessively straight” pattern he is known for.
