K.G. from Michigan writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I recently found out that a same size condo as mine is being charged less per month in monthly fees. HOA indicated they charge by the square footage which are on the original plans. I reviewed the plans and the square footage is the same. I have requested in writing, why I am paying a higher price. HOA has not responded. I don’t know where to go from here. Thank you.
Mister Condo replies:
K.G., while square footage is often taken into consideration when determining common fee schedules, it is not necessarily the only factor. When the common fee schedule was created by the developer, other factors such as view, preferred location within the community, end-unit, first-floor unit, and many other items may have been taken into consideration. Whatever the reason, a common fee schedule was developed and a fee percentage was assigned to each unit. Those fees are the gospel of how expenses are divvied up within the association and each unit has an obligation to pay their fees based on that schedule. To simply state that square footage is the only determining factor when common fees were adopted is very unlikely true. You should review the condo governing documents to review how the fees are determined. You will likely find out that your unit was assigned a higher percentage than your similarly sized neighbor’s unit. Perhaps your unit is on a higher floor or has a better view? Whatever the reason, unless you find that you have been charged incorrectly, the common fee schedule stands. All the best!