HOA Board charging for use of utilites

I am a homeowner in a Florida HOA, we are self managed without a management company. We have a clubhouse owned by all homeowners that can be used for private parties by a homeowner. There is a deposit required in case there is any damage when reserving the clubhouse and is returned after the event is over. They now want to charge the homeowner $25 for electrical use for a party. Since we are non-profit I am wondering how they can charge homeowners when we are all paying for the use of the clubhouse with our monthly dues. How could they possibly know if a homeowner was using $25 worth of electric for a 2-3 hour party? Would anyone know if this is legal?

KathyH16, I doubt the electricity costs even $10 for three hours of use of the clubhouse lights and appliances. But the way I see it the board wants to put more of the cost of maintaining the clubhouse on those who actually use it.

A HOA's covenants often say that a Board can make reasonable rules for the use of common areas. Florida HOA/COA statutes may say similar. I think a $25 charge for using the clubhouse is reasonable.

I think a small charge to use the clubhouse is appropriate versus increase dues for all.

I think it is odd they would charge you a fee for electricity rather than just charge a general fee for the use of the clubhouse. I don't see anything improper about it. Yes, all the owners "own" the clubhouse and part of your dues probably go to its maintenance, but its fair that those who reserve it for exclusive use pay for the privilege.

$25 worth of electricity is something like 250 kilowatts of power. Unless your particular party was a bitcoin mining operation where everyone brought their favorite coin mining equipment, you did not use $25 worth of power.

You should ask for your full deposit back. If they refuse, I would encourage you to look up small claims court and let them know you will handle it there. They will almost certainly roll over and give you your money back.

I hate it when HOAs make up rules that don't exist and aren't published.

Kinda, like, well, having to pay rent at the house you own. I would compare the common area electric cost for the month prior to your rent and the month you rented.

I think the BOD was not bright enough to go with something like Wear and Tear charge.

Agree with JohnC & Augustin that the Board was probably sloppy with the name they gave to this fee. I do believe that many HOAs charge residents to use clubhouses or party rooms and also charge a refundable damage deposit. The use fee is not income as it is, indeed, for operation expenses like electricity (our room has no windows that open so AC runs all of the time when used), water, trash removal carpet stains & fridge & maybe stove cleanup.

For our appx. 700 sf. room with kitchen, big screen TV, upholstered furniture & nearby bathroom the fee is $10 for 10 or fewer guests; $25 for 10-25 guests and $50 for 25- 50 guests. The refundable deposit varies too depending on the size of the group.

Did the Board vote on this new fee at a meeting? Did owners object at that time? How did owners find out about the fee?