Dennis Legere, a name synonymous with homeowners’ rights advocacy, has become a beacon of hope for residents across Arizona living under the thumb of overbearing Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). His journey from an HOA board member to a registered lobbyist not only highlights the irregularities and misuse of power by some associations but also showcases his relentless drive to bring about legislative change. From his initial involvement to his wide-ranging advocacy efforts, Legere’s story is a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the impact of dedicated advocacy.

The Genesis of a Mission

Dennis Legere’s involvement with HOAs began within his own community—an 86-home association where he served as a board member. During his tenure, Legere witnessed first-hand the insidious nature of what he describes as a “good old boys club.” With board members making decisions in secrecy and benefiting from personal and professional ties, it became apparent to Legere that the board was failing in its fiduciary duty. When financial mismanagement, favoritism, and secretive operations surfaced, Legere took the unprecedented step of filing a lawsuit against his association for violations of open meeting laws. This bold move led to the most significant fine ever imposed on an HOA, garnering Legere notoriety and setting an example for others facing similar injustices.

Advocacy Takes Flight

The attention his legal victory received propelled Legere further into the advocacy realm. Invited by a state senator, he joined a working committee composed of diverse voices from across Arizona. What started as a forum for airing grievances quickly evolved into an action-oriented group, spearheaded by Legere’s initiative to draft proposed legislation focused on redressing power imbalances within HOAs.

Realizing the need for organized collective action, Legere founded a coalition which has grown from its initial 15 members to nearly 2,500. This network became a formidable force in advocating for change, with Legere’s engineering background and experience in the nuclear power sector lending a structured and strategic approach to his advocacy work.

Challenges and Achievements

One of Legere’s most significant challenges has been entering a legislative environment traditionally dominated by industry voices, such as builders, lawyers, and real estate agents, whose interests are often at odds with those of homeowners. As a registered lobbyist, albeit unpaid, Legere’s aim has been to represent the interests of homeowners and shift legislative focus from the industry’s priorities to those of ordinary residents.

Legere emphasizes transparency within HOAs and the empowerment of communities to self-regulate without governmental overreach. He consistently advocates for legislation that clearly defines the bounds of HOA authority and promotes balanced decision-making that includes homeowners’ voices.

His efforts have resulted in major strides, including influencing 2014 legislation stipulating that only associations owning streets can regulate them—an important distinction impacting countless communities. Despite setbacks, such as legislative reluctance to amend grandfather clauses, Legere remains undeterred, continuing his push for measures that enhance transparency and limit overreach.

A Call to Action

Advocacy does not come without its hurdles, and Legere is the first to acknowledge the road ahead. Despite his efforts, much work remains, especially in holding associations accountable and ensuring that boards operate with openness and trust. This requires not just legislative reform but active community engagement. He urges homeowners to join his coalition and vocalize their support for legislative changes that protect their rights.

Legere also underscores the importance of informal meetings, codified into law in 2022, which now allow homeowners to gather and discuss community matters freely. Such grassroots movements ensure that the focus remains on the wellbeing of the community and uphold the democratic processes within these associations.

As almost half of Arizona’s population resides within HOA-governed communities, Legere’s vision for transparent and accountable associations is both timely and necessary. His story is a compelling reminder of the power of individual initiative in effecting systemic change. Through advocacy, legislation, and unwavering dedication to homeowners’ rights, Dennis Legere continues to shape the landscape of HOA legislation.

For those feeling hamstrung by their associations, Legere’s journey offers a blueprint for resistance and reform. By fostering a culture of transparency and equity, he not only empowers homeowners in Arizona but inspires advocates nationwide to challenge the status quo and reclaim their communities.

Follow Dennis Legere’s website at HOATRUTH.COM