The Hoax (2015)

"The HOAX" is an examination of abusive power and lack of regulation in the homeowners' association (HOA) industry; a business and quasi-government system whose key selling point is the protection of property values. Under this quasi-government system, the call of homeowners to share, confront, or report civil & criminal violations of HOA board members to legislative authorities often results in little to no action, or even some form of retaliation against the homeowners from the board. In this practice, people overwhelmed by foreclosure, harassment and financial greed are now standing up for themselves against neighbors, board members, HOA attorneys, property management companies, and politicians, who support this industry. This documentary follows an investigative reporter, homeowners, and HOA reform activists as they illustrate shocking evidence of financial and psychological hardships throughout Texas and Nevada. A few of these people, including the filmmaker, are the subject of adverse actions from various players in this quasi-governmental system.