Homeowners’ associations (HOA) contribute to a community by establishing rules, maintaining facilities for residents, ensuring an area is desirable to live in and keeping property value up. To fulfill this role, an HOA must collect assessments or dues from homeowners.
However, some residents may refuse to pay dues. This could affect an HOA’s services. There are actions that an association can take to enforce its policies.
Impose a fine
If a homeowner refuses to pay dues even after they receive reminders, a HOA can impose fines on the delinquent resident.
Restrict HOA privileges
If a member homeowner refuses to pay dues, the HOA can restrict them from using its amenities until the homeowner complies.
An HOA offers access to amenities and privileges within a community. Some examples include:
- Recreational facilities (pools, gyms and community centers)
- Community landscaping
- Cleanliness
- Maintenance of roads
As mentioned earlier, imposing hefty fines and also barring access to community amenities may encourage a homeowner to pay off any overdue assessments.
Place a lien on their property
Connecticut law allows HOAs to place a lien on the property of a member homeowner if they do not pay assessments and fines.
In extreme cases, the law even lets HOAs foreclose on a property if the resident does not pay the lien. However, an HOA must give them at least a 60-day notice before it takes action on foreclosure.
Knowing what legal actions are available can help an HOA enforce its policies and continue offering services to a community.