Bethany Michel, 28, is engaged in a contentious dispute with the Homeowners' Association (HOA) at Arbor Mill in suburban Jacksonville, Florida, after inheriting her father's home. Michel, who moved into the residence six years ago to care for her terminally ill father, claims the HOA is now trying to remove her from the community, which is designated for residents aged 55 and older.
Michel stated that the HOA has levied a mandatory $1,000 special assessment fee on all 155 residents in the community, which she believes is intended to cover the HOA's legal expenses in their dispute against her. According to a notice sent to residents on July 1 and obtained by News 4 Jax, the assessment is explicitly for "legal services necessary in the defense and enforcement of the Association's 55+ community status under state and federal law."
Residents received a notice that if the payment is not made by August 30, an additional $100 will be added to monthly fees for the subsequent 10 months. Michel expressed concern that this action is an attempt to financially pressure her out of the home, which she said was her father's "dying wish" for her to keep. She has been involved in legal proceedings with the HOA for nearly three years, a situation that began shortly after her father's death in the fall of 2023.
The Arbor Mill community operates under the federal Housing for Older Persons Act, which allows age-restricted housing for seniors. The community's rules require at least one occupant in each home to be over 55 and prohibit anyone under 19 from residing there. Michel maintains she was "grandfathered in" when she moved in with her father to assist with his care and that his wish was for her to remain in the home they shared.
Residents voiced their concerns at a meeting on Wednesday, where Michel shared an update on social media indicating that the five-member HOA board voted on the special assessment without resident input. She noted that despite residents waiting outside in high temperatures, they were informed the decision rested solely with the board members and that homeowners would not have a vote. Michel has called for transparency from the HOA regarding decisions that affect residents' finances and homes.