Residents in California are angry after their homeowners association created a new rule forcing them to leave their garage open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. According to 7 News, the new rule was enacted in Auburn Greens after a resident allowed a homeless person to live in their garage. Residents who fail to keep their garage doors open could earn a $200 fine and be forced to appear at an administrative hearing.
Many residents are concerned that the new rules will open them up to theft. Fred Waidtlow said he believes the issue of homeless people living in the garage of his neighbors is a concern, but it is "an issue that they should address differently," because "anybody can help themselves and steal you blind":
If we have to have this open from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon, anybody can help themselves and steal you blind.
Another resident, Shally Ia, told Fox 40, said he would rather pay the fine than risk having his belongings stolen.
"Fine, let me give you the $200 fine right now," Ia said. "Give me a month so I can get my stuff out, and I might as well clear everything out and leave the garage door open permanently because there is no point of having a garage door then."
The homeowners association did not return calls for comments on the policy and residents say they intend to make their voices heard during the next association meeting.