‘I’ve never felt so hopeless,’ cries homeowner facing $22,000 HOA fees – state laws are driving a huge spike
SEVERAL homeowners have come forward after receiving news that their HOA fees would increase significantly.
Some of the rise in fees was caused by new state laws that require condo associations to set cash aside for repairs after the Surfside collapse in 2021.
GettyResidents are up in arms over a major uptick in their HOA fees[/caption]
GettyResidents were upset at the thought of having to pay thousands in dues[/caption]
“I’ve never felt so sad, like scared and so hopeless in my whole life,” homeowner Britney Brawdy told NBC affiliate WESH-TV.
Brawdy made several posts on social media about the fees, which drew attention to other residents at Regency Gardens Condominiums in Orlando, Florida.
“Special assessment, can’t pay it. It’s too high, incredible,” said Marines Ollavares.
Other residents pushed back against the new fees, some of which included an increase in dues each month by 300%.
“And a special assessment ranging from $12,000 to $22,000 for the homeowners in the community,” said HOA board member, Bryan Pricher.
A recall replaced the HOA board, but Pricher, a new member, told the outlet that a decrease in fees would be unrealistic.
“I can’t do that,” he said.
Pricher noted that there were many tarps on the roofs of the nearly 400-unit complex, adding that there was also rotten wood and missing pieces.
“The condominium, it needs some repairs, has some hurricane damage from the past few years, and quite frankly, we’ve not done a good job as a community in funding our reserves to account for these things,” he said.
On June 24, 2021, Champlain Towers South, a 12-story condo in Surfside, Florida – a suburb of Miami – partially collapsed leaving 98 people dead and 11 others injured.
Long-term degradation of reinforced concrete structural supports was a contributing factor to the collapse.
Problems were reported in the building as early as 2018 and a $15 program to address these issues was approved before the collapse, however, work on the main structure didn’t start.
State laws now require cash reserves to make the repairs by the end of next year.
Pricher said there would be a thorough budget review and only asks residents to send what they must have.
What is an HOA?
One in five Americans live in an area with a Homeowners' Association - or HOA. But what exactly is it that they do?
An HOA is a homeowner’s association – an organization that aims to maintain a clean and cohesive place to live for its residents.
Entire neighborhoods, subdivisions, condominiums, family homes, or townhouses within “a planned development” will often make up an HOA.
They also act as a governing body for tenants, who run and fund the HOA through monthly fees.
Their principal aims are to keep the community functioning and visually appealing and to maintain property values.
They primarily focus on common areas of a neighborhood, such as roads, parks, and pools – but may also stipulate what residents can do with their properties, such as yards and driveways.
Often these restrictions enforce uniformity on properties, for example, ensuring most houses look the same and all driveways are clear of weeds.
An HOA rulebook of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) is distributed to all residents, and an elected volunteer board of directors enforces these regulations.
Breaking these rules can result in penalties such as fines and even litigation – as most HOAs are incorporated and subject to state law.
HOAs are often the subject of controversy, with some members feeling that the rules are too punitive and restricting, or that the leadership has too much power.
But others like that HOAs give communities the power of self-governance, and can ensure a degree of harmony between residents.
“Why some of the components are being recommended for replacement now when they did the study four years ago?” he asked.
“They had a longer expected life.”
Ollarves said she was thankful for the new leadership and has hope for the future.
“I’m so happy, I’m happy right now,” she said.
Meanwhile, another homeowner in a different Florida neighborhood is also battling his HOA.
Jeff Marshall was issued a lawsuit and a fine by his HOA for putting free books on his lawn for neighbors.
Marshall custom-made the library from a fridge to encourage reading and friendly interaction.
The HOA also gave Marshall a bill for $2,500 to cover the legal fees.
That situation is ongoing.
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