Dumpster in Common Area

[jhofmann]

My question involves a homeowner association located in the State of: Pennsylvania.

I have a vacation home by a lake in Pennsylvania. Because of animal problems, I would typically carry my household garbage back to my primary residence after visiting the vacation home (in the past animals have torn into garbage left at the curb for municipal pick-up). After one weekend, I didn't have enough room in my van to fit the trash so I placed it in a dumpster located in a common area of our association. A security guard evidently saw me do this and reported me to the HOA board of directors. They fined me $100 for disposing of trash in the dumpster. After reviewing HOA By laws and Rules and Regulations I did not find any rule restricting use of the dumpster or other facilities in the common areas. Also, there was no signage around the dumpster indicating any use restrictions. The board failed to respond to several requests asking for information on the rule I allegedly broke. Finally, I decided to take the issue to the local PA District Court. My date is set for 12-15-2010. For me it is the principal of the issue, I believe an HOA should not be able to arbitrarily fine members for rules that don't exist. I will be representing myself so just looking for any suggestions, tips prior to my court date. Thanks!

[Mr. Knowitall]

This may help.