Solicitor Management
A planned urban development, such as Maitland Woods, sometimes attracts solicitors selling pest control and other products. This issue is considered a disturbance and a nuisance to many homeowners and is often discussed in our active community Facebook group. Residents and homeowners may join the Facebook group here. Homeowners may also request to join the HOA Email list by sending your name, street address, and email address to info@maitlandwoods.com.
It is important for all homeowners to be aware that solicitors in Knox County are required to have a license to knock on your door (with limited exceptions). These licenses are issued for a maximum of 30 days. An expired license gives the solicitor no rights to solicit.
Homeowners should also be familiar with the latest local ordinances addressing solicitation:
o Knox County Code of Ordinances: Chapter 12 "Peddlers and Solicitors"
In addition to the guidelines above, homeowners are encouraged to keep the following information in mind and use the tips below to help keep disturbances from solicitors to a minimum:
o Place a sign at the front door of your residence stating, "Peddlers or Solicitors Prohibited", or with similar language and the same meaning. Please note you can't place a sign in your yard per our covenants. (Reference)
o Even though a “no solicitation” sign is located at the entrance to our community, it has no effect on the solicitor as there is no provision in the code to make a solicitor honor that sign.
o Noteworthy exceptions related to signage are for News Agents (example: someone selling newspaper subscriptions) and persons selling agricultural products, who produced the products being sold. (Reference)
o The solicitor must leave upon request; attempts to continue to solicit after your request are in violation of the ordinance. (Reference)
o Violations of the ordinance can cause the license to be revoked. (Reference)
o Violations can be punished by a fine of up to $500 per offense. (Reference)
o In the event of a violation, you can contact the Knox County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 865-215-2444 and ask that an officer be dispatched to address the violation.
o Consider complaining directly to the company in violation and submit an online review to make your voice heard.