been dealing HOAs for many years. rare but some good some (most)aweful. just under the line to devious.you have to read your documents closely. hold them to it. managment companies do what the board members want not what is printed so always know your docs.. some are easy to live with as protect the look of the place instead of rusted cars and trucks in the drive way. its all about the numbers. if it is a large hoa community get the numbers of complaints. just one or two wont work.. did you vote for these people? do they live there to head up your board? look into them like a politician. its the same venue. smiling faces i never trust.. staying warm in an ice storm? a generator for a short duration use? can be considered acceptable when the event arises. like putting up Christmas lights and taking them down in two weeks not a year later. take it to the state hoa dept. ultimately.. there is one to protect you all..