late dues

I am the new president of a HOA in WA. The former board (which I was on as sec.) had failed to keep up on assessment records because the treasurer had personal problems. I have learned that a family who bought a house almost one year ago claims to have not known that there was a HOA. Since they claim to not have known until I contacted them last month they have not paid their dues. I am sure that the title company they went through would have told them about the HOA. My question is can we require them to pay the whole year's worth of dues, or just from Oct. on?

Jennafer:

Sorry! Forgot to mention we also have $10,000 set aside for snow removal of all areas except your own personal sidewalk. I would think your state gets it's fair amount of snow. We are located in MD and receive our fair share of snow when we are hit by the noreasters. If your HOA offers these freebees, you must be a wealthy community.

Jim