delinquent dues

Based on what your bookkeeper said, I would guess that somewhere is a delinquency policy, either in the docs, rules or possibly even the state laws. Technically they can be considered delinquent the day after they're due. Anything after that is a grace period which, as you are finding out, may or may be permitted or spelled out. You can also see the need to enforce policies uniformly. If you can't find anything then its the 1st. Ask around to see if anybody has anything in writing.

Joe

heck, with no late fee or penalty, i wouldn't pay for years, just put the amount in a savings account, and go as long as i could without paying. When i reached the end of the run, i would pay my "dues", and pocket the interest i earned, free and clear.

I am all paid up, didn't cost me a dime, and i even earned money while doing it. Not a bad deal. I wish i could find an HOA that didn't charge late fees/penalties.

Your Board needs to adopt a Delinquency Policy ASAP. Put it in writing - every stage, right up to lein or foreclosure.

There have been several policies shared by HOA people just on this site - or - you can Google HOA Delinquent Policy.

"If it ain't in writing, it doesn't exist."

BB2,

I agree with the previously written posts. Your association MUST establish a policy to follow for delinquent accounts. Otherwise, those who do pay could do as BrianB, had posted. Even though very humorous to the majority it would only benefit them personally to do and have NO consequences, BONUS!

In our association, the assessments (annual) are due on or before January 1st and considered late if received on or after January 10th, according to our governing documents. A late fee of $25.00 is then added to the account and interests will be accruing daily for every day the accounts has a balance, there after.

Meanwhile, the delinquent Lot owner is receiving letters from the MC, notifying them that payment has NOT been received and explaining to them what will happen after 30 days from the date on that particular invoice, before the account is turned over to the collections attorney and a lien is file on their home. The homeowner can avoid all these expenses by paying the balance in full or setting up a payment arrangement. Otherwise, they are likely to inquire the attorney fees and possible foreclosure on their HOME. That is an attention grabber, for some, NOT all!

Our association doesn’t have the means or the money to foreclosure on anyone’s home. However, WE can and that terrifies members to pay their assessments, plus more.

Best of luck and certainly “nip” this in the butt before it gets even further out of hand.

Chuck W.

Dwight,

If your assn has a yearly assessemnt, why do you send monthly statements? I pay my assessments quarterly and recieve one statement each quarter. The assn allows 30 days before the assessment is considered delinquent. In my former assn the assessment was due each month and delinquent if not paid by the 15th. Perhaps your assn allows a longer time to pay because the whole year's assessment is due at once.