Hoa Is Denying Me Heat

Location: Massachusetts

Hello,

I own a unit in an HOA complex in Massachusetts. My heat has been out since October 2025. My HOA board has been well aware of this. I have been trying to get our current heating system fixed myself through several professionally licensed contractors, and they all came to the conclusion that my entire heat system is toast and I need to find a different solution.

I am a teacher. I do not make a lot of money. The only reasonable action I have here is to get a ductless mini-split through Massachusett's rebate program. Again, HOA is aware of this. We have gone through MONTHS of paperwork and discussing with different contractors and taking all of the necessary steps. I froze THE ENTIRE WINTER and we are now at the final step where all we need is the HOA board to just give the final approval.

The HOA board is rejecting the proposal altogether now and essentially told me to go **** myself.

They say it is because they do not want anything altering the "common areas" according to the HOA rules & regulations. We pushed back on this for obvious reasons (it also says in the rules and regulations that these can be modified, changed, etc)., but most importantly, there are other units here who have the same exact mini splits and condensors that I want. These condensors are also "in common areas", so this is just a complete misenforcement of the rules. Additionally, I am in the very corner-most unit on the lot, where foot traffic is essentially zero.

At this point it is a serious health and safety concern because HOA is BLOCKING me from getting heat through the only reasonable means I have of obtaining it. All because they are too egotistical to allow an exception to these common area laws (which they have already proven to have done before to others).

I talked with my town's Board of Health, who refused to get involved because MA Sanitary Laws only apply to renters, and since I am the owner of the unit, they do not want to help me. They literally suggested that this is now a legal civil matter and I should seek counsel.

Like I said I am a teacher, I barely make any money, and my house is NOT SUSTAINABLE FOR HEALTHY LIVING and NO ONE WANTS TO HELP ME

Please can I get help and advice?? MY HOA IS EVIL