M.R. from Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
What are the laws on what a collection attorney for HOA can charge you? I paid in full. I was behind due to COVID and no work. They cashed my check and then sent a demand letter.
Mister Condo replies:
M.R., I am sorry to learn that this ongoing pandemic caused you to fall behind in your common fees. I am sure it is little comfort to know that you were not alone. Thousands of homeowners across the country found themselves in the same predicament and many continue to be no better off today than when the pandemic and their unemployment began. It is truly the untold story of the effects of COVID in condominiums and HOAs. I am uncertain as to “laws” about how much a collection attorney can charge you but the association certainly has the right to hire an attorney to enforce collection procedures and pass those expenses on to a delinquent homeowner. There are better ways for condominium and HOAs to collect their fees that don’t straddle the delinquent homeowner with exorbitant legal fees. You can read more here and refer your HOA to the page as well – https://askmistercondo.com/collect-your-fees/. Using attorneys for such a routine task is archaic and a great burden to the homeowner as you have experienced first-hand. As a resource for you, check out this website from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/are-there-laws-that-limit-what-debt-collectors-can-say-or-do-en-329/. I hope the pandemic ends soon and that you are not further financially troubled. All the best!