Comcast Bulk Services Contract

I haven't had any personal experience with this. However, I read an article about a problem with this in FL. Some developments with a significant number of foreclosures and empty homes can't keep up with the amount to be paid to the contractor. These are developments where each home does not pay directly to the contractor, but pays to the Association, which then pays one specified amount to the contractor. In the case cited, the bulk contractor turned off the cable service to everyone.

Thank you Carol for your reply and information. Along with the bulk services contract, Comcast sent us a five year Compensation Agreement for about $17,000 paid to our HOA. The contract would allow easements rights to repair,improve etc. their service. Each HOA resident would have their own account with Comcast so this not a community discount. Comcast's rep said the homeowners will still have the option to select any other video, internet, or phone provider and not just Comcast.

Phil,

You said: "Comcast's rep said the homeowners will still have the option to select any other video, internet, or phone provider and not just Comcast."

I'm sure the rep was careful to say this because of the Federal law prohibiting exclusivity contracts. But, as Steve says, make certain this is stated in the contract. I would think it would be because of the Fed. law; however it won't hurt to check.

A previous board entered into a 5 yr bulk agreement with Comcast. Billing for cable to all units to the HOA means we also have to provide for that budget item in our reserves - hence at the last HOA meeting it was voted to discontinue to bulk billing and allow all units to contract individually. We are 31/2 yrs into this 5 yr contract and Comcast refuses to switch us over to individual billing - which is contrary to the language in the bulk billing addemdum in which the only termination language clearly states either party may cancel for any reason - no other termination language. We are contining to pursue and simply want them to bill each unit instead of the HOA - if anyone has had this experience and was able to effectively make this switch, please advise.
thanks, Peggy

We are a small building with just 18 units and 3 of these units do not use the cable, but they are charged in their HOA dues for it. We also found that Comcast overcharged the HOA for the past 3 yrs and now they are having to refund approx $1700.00. Because a property manager was just paying the bills, no one was double checking out rate increases did not excced their contracted amount. In our case, it might cost a unit $12/mo - however so many units also get internet - (the HOA only pays for the basic cable) there are bundle packages that are reasonable - the HOA just wants this budget line item off.....