Constant Amendment changes

[uncommonchange]

What is the name of your state? Connecticut

I belong to a small condo association. The association is new and is self managed. There are often a lot of discussion and as a result rules regarding payment due dates and late charges have been changed many times. Currently the due date has been set to the first of the month and no grace period. My question is how can these changes be put into effect so quickly and how are they deemed offical changes.

In a nutshell, I don't want to pay the late fee and am trying to make my case. The association came up with this rule in the last few days and since my payment arrived 1 day late according to there new rule I have to pay a 20% late charge.

Please help.

[uncommonchange]

In addition, they decided this new policy with only 7 of the 15 members present and no other vote called for.

[HomeGuru]

Do more research and write them questioning their vote and quoting the law of the land.

[sflostboy]

Forgive me if this sounds dumb, but ... did they tell you that you were being assessed a fine, or are you assuming it because they published the new rule? Legal or not, the neighborly thing for them to do is waive the fine this month.

If you've talked with them about it, and they still believe the fine is appropriate pay it (to avoid further fines). Then decide if it is worth fighting. It seems likely some local law(s) were violated, but the question is it worth the cost of fighting and the animosity of neighbors? If you decide it is you would need to get an attorney and go after the HOA to refund the fine.

If it is a newly formed association with a small number of members ... and already they are being so unreasonable ... you may want to consider socializing with your neighbors who are board members or move out. The behavior you describe does not bode good times ahead for those not "in the group."

[LindaP777]

Look in your by-laws on voting. What does it say about what's needed to pass a vote. A quorum?
You may also wish to consult "Roberts Rules of Order" for proper procedures.