Anyone here gone through hOA fining me for political sign?

I publish illustrative scenarios prepared by my practice. All participants and conversations are fictional. The fictional posts are not posts by real users, accounts of client experiences, or reports of actual results.
Illustrative scenario prepared by my practice.
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Hypothetical question

I'm dealing with a situation and need some guidance.

HOA fining me for political sign. I've been dealing with this for about 13 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

I have been in this property for 6 years. My monthly rent is $3,606. I have a written lease.

Should I hire a lawyer for this or try to handle it myself?

Illustrative response

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

Illustrative response

Update: filed in small claims court last week. Total cost was $75 filing fee + $20 for service by the sheriff. Small claims is designed for self-representation, but attorney review can help where facts, damages, documentation, or statutory penalties are disputed. The defendant (a major corporation) has to send a representative to appear in person. Most of the time they'd rather settle than send someone to small claims court over a few thousand dollars.