Homeowner Association Problems Acute In Florida [Housing Tracker]

Homeowners Associations 

United States: Florida´s New Condominium and Homeowners Association Laws Take Effect. “Florida's legislature has just amended various provisions of state law relating to condominiums and homeowners associations. Effective July 1, 2008, these changes cover issues including director abstention, insurance for condominiums, repair and reconstruction of condominiums, condominium common expenses, estoppel certificates and the renaming of the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes.”  (Mondaq, July 9^th) 

Help for Homeowners Facing HOA Abuse.  Florida: “A Local 6 investigation really struck quite a nerve with our viewers, many of whom believe that some local home owners associations are out of control. One man got involved in a $70,000 court fight over the color of his sidewalk. Another woman was told she needed to paint and even wax her mailbox. But Local 6’s Mike Holfeld revealed homeowners do have some rights when you are found in violation. An estimated 2.5 million Florida residents answer to some sort of Home Owners Association. But those HOA’s never answer to a state agency because it doesn’t exist.”  (Local 6, July 9^th)

Condo Owners Finding A Cash Crunch.  Michigan: “As more condo owners who need to move are stuck with properties they can't sell and foreclosure rates rise, many homeowner associations are hurting for the cash needed to maintain monthly services… The vacancies have forced condo associations to more aggressively pursue back fees from owners who have turned properties over to banks, and to get creative about providing maintenance and services. Associa, which represents 7,000 community associations in 26 states, including Michigan, [says] delinquency rates on dues are estimated to reach 5%, up from an average of 2%... Locally, Jon Sabo, who manages Highland Lakes Condos in Northville, says delinquencies are at 5% at the 700-unit complex.”   (Detroit Free Press, July 6^th)

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Comments

[User 201843:]

Set up a fund to purchase the forclosed property of a deliquent home owner within the association. Purchase price determined by the market less 10% if bought by the association. Price has to be what is necessary to cover PITI + M + Assoc fees. on a loan (100%) with 30 year financing. When and if the unit is sold at a point in the future any and all profit is to be credited to the association members at that time.

2008 Jul 10 08:18 AM

[1234987:]

Associations can't afford the luxury of ownership (the right to pay). Rent doesn't cover expenses. Florida law now restricts assoc from collecting more than 6 months
dues payments that are in arrears from the successfull bidder in any foreclosure. Even the Plaintiff. Thus the stall in taking possession. Foreclosures loom in our courts for years.

2008 Jul 10 01:09 PM

[GMC:]

Homeowner's associations should be allowed to do whatever the homeowner agrees to when buying the home, as long as it doesn't confilict with state and federal laws of course. Local rule is always best and most effective. If you don't like the rules, don't buy the house or condo. Let the buyer beware and be smarter too! Duh!
i for one will not buy a home where I am forced to be a member of a homeowner's association. That's my right and my informed decision. If others want to be a member that's their right as well. It's really quite simple.

2008 Jul 10 02:43 PM

[Leeanne1129:]

I feel that many HOA insist on maintaining ridiculous rules. In today's economy not many families can afford to have an inground pool yet the HOA will not allow on ground pools comfortable enogh to accomodate school aged children and their parents. Then we complain about child obesity. Well, in Florida summer heat, not many children are motivated enough to want to stay outside and play whereas if they had a pool in thier yard where they could jump and have fun while exercising, it would be another story. I feel the dumb rule is a total violation of the children's and their parents Civil Rights.

Jul 08 04:41 PM