Russett Owners Push to Dump FirstService Residential Ahead of Annual HOA Meeting

“FirstService Residential absolutely sucks!  They just take our money with no accountability.”

David Diestel, CEO, FirstService Residential

That’s how one Russett homeowner described the frustration that many residents now share. Across the community, homeowners are voicing growing dissatisfaction with FirstService Residential, the management company overseeing Russett’s 3,000 homes.

Several residents have launched an online petition at DumpFirstServiceResidential.com, urging the Russett Board of Directors to end the company’s contract. Their concerns point to chronic neglect of key responsibilities, including:

·        Illegal parking and inoperable vehicles with expired or dubious tags on private streets

·        Overflowing trash and poor parcel maintenance

·        Unsafe and unkept community trails and landscaping

·        Lack of enforcement on illegal rentals

·        Unprofessional behavior and privacy concerns from management staff

·        Longstanding safety Hazards

One Parcel 10 homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, described a dangerous tree hazard along the community’s trails. “There’s a tree that looks like it was destroyed by lightning. It has jagged edges and has been sitting there for almost a year. Some jogger or child on a bike is going to get hurt. It’s lazy and inept management.”

Neglected Trail Hazard in Russett

Growing Frustration Over Inaction

Devin Tucker, a longtime Russett homeowner, said he’s concerned that FirstService Residential is more concerned about accommodating renters than being responsive to the owners who pay the management fee. “The biggest issues now are illegal rentals and inoperable cars. There’s a red car on Woodland Manor that hasn’t moved in over a year. That’s no exaggeration. The management company has the photos, but nothing has been done. It's a private street. The reason for the covenant forbidding inoperable vehicles is to prevent blight and to maximize parking availability in fairness to all owners. We've never had a management company fail on this!.” Cathy Payne echoed the sentiment. "I’m also tired of residents having 3 to 5 cars and taking up all the parking spots."

Inoperable Car in Russett

Another resident raised concerns about FirstService Residential’s professionalism and handling of private information. “Their staff leak owner information, and it creates problems. They are no longer trustworthy.” Tucker added that he personally spoke to the site manager Anna McCauley about a FirstService Residential staff member sharing his correspondence to the HOA with a renter — a violation of owner privacy.

Maintenance Neglect Across Parcels

Homeowners in Parcels 4 and 2/16 point to worsening trash conditions and neglected properties. “There’s a house on Londonleaf that’s a complete eyesore — rotting wood, broken rails, you name it. How long does it take to make repairs? It’s like the management company doesn’t even try to contact the owners.” Dennis Earle said simply that "I would like to see grass outside my house and not dirt!"

The governing documents of the Russett Community Association require the management company to keep leases on file for rental properties, and county law requires landlords to register with the county. Homeowners doubt that either rule is being enforced.

“They can’t even handle the small things. Why would anyone believe they’re handling something that important?” said a former parcel representative.

Neglected Property in Russett

Accountability Shifts to the Board

While much of the anger has been directed at FirstService Residential, some residents say the responsibility now rests with the Russett Board of Directors. “We have a good board, but FirstService Residential has made their job harder,” said Tucker.

Tucker added that he believes the only reason we are having these problems is that we have a diverse community.  No one would tolerate FirstService Residential’s performance if the HOA was located in Severna Park.  It’s insulting the way FirstService Residential is managing the community.   Homeowners are angry — and the board will be face-to-face with that anger at the upcoming annual meeting.”