Homeowners Association Late Fees & Should I yield?

[thfcme]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? SC

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? South Carolina

I received a legal notice from my Home Owners Association threatening action against me, and that all of these fees would be my responsibility (thousands of dollars).

According to the notice I owe $192. I was confused because I paid my dues in January, so I asked for historical details. They responded promptly (strangely at 8pm), and it all stems from my July payment (dues are paid twice per year). Apparently I was $38 short and they've been charging $25 a month (not every month but 4 months out of the 8 since July).

I sent back a note saying that I had no idea about these late fees, and wanted evidence of a bill detailing these late fees. I was sent a note quickly, with an attached bill they said they sent in December that detailed the late fees. I never received this, I would have remembered such a bill..

So I really want to know what do I do now. I know that its not a huge amount of money to many, although I am upset at the fact that these are all 'late fees' and not any dues that I have paid. I asked that the late fees be waived, but they simply responded to me to refer to the deliquentcy notice. i.e. 'Whatever, face this legal action'.

* Should I fear this legal action? Would an HOA really spend thousands of dollars pursuing $197 (that is not even going towards the 'dues' they are imposed late fees)
* Do they have the power to kick me out of my home?
* Should I put my tail between my legs and pay the late fees in $1 notes?

Any help would be appreciated. I haven't even used the pool in the local community (cry)

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? SC

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? South Carolina

I received a legal notice from my Home Owners Association threatening action against me, and that all of these fees would be my responsibility (thousands of dollars).

According to the notice I owe $192. I was confused because I paid my dues in January, so I asked for historical details. They responded promptly (strangely at 8pm), and it all stems from my July payment (dues are paid twice per year). Apparently I was $38 short and they've been charging $25 a month (not every month but 4 months out of the 8 since July).

I sent back a note saying that I had no idea about these late fees, and wanted evidence of a bill detailing these late fees. I was sent a note quickly, with an attached bill they said they sent in December that detailed the late fees. I never received this, I would have remembered such a bill..

So I really want to know what do I do now. I know that its not a huge amount of money to many, although I am upset at the fact that these are all 'late fees' and not any dues that I have paid. I asked that the late fees be waived, but they simply responded to me to refer to the deliquentcy notice. i.e. 'Whatever, face this legal action'.

* Should I fear this legal action? Would an HOA really spend thousands of dollars pursuing $197 (that is not even going towards the 'dues' they are imposed late fees)
* Do they have the power to kick me out of my home?
* Should I put my tail between my legs and pay the late fees in $1 notes?

Any help would be appreciated. I haven't even used the pool in the local community (cry)

**A: if the HOA docs allow the charges then you are up a creek. Is it fuzzy math? $25 X 4 months is only $100 and not thousands. Or maybe you did not explain things too well.

 

[thfcme]

The late fees total $190 which include 4 months of penalties, the $38 shortfall from July, and some admin fees, which all total $190.

I don't know why they only charge late fees for 4 months and not every month since July.

When I say 1000s, that is the amount they are threatening me with if they take legal action against me. (If I do not pay the $190)

I hope this explains it better.

 

[HomeGuru]

Oh, it is a no brainer. Pay up. The answer to your 3 questions are yes, yes and no ( pay with large bills)

 

[thfcme]

Very well, I appreciate your time. I paid via online

 

[HomeGuru]

Ok good. Make sure you get a receipt.