Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Association fees
I have a rental property. When purchased I asked for all mail to be sent to my residence. The property management company sent all corrispondence to the rental property, so I never recieved any corrispondence. My association dues were paid by auto payment. Increases to the dues were sent to the rental and I never rec'd them. Additionaly there was a special assesment sent to the rental, again I never rec'd it. Now it is in collections. Once I was made aware of it, I met with the board and told them I would be responsible for past dues, and the special assesment. I asked that all other fees be waived. They said that the legal fees would not be waived, since they already paid for them. I do not think I should pay for the legal fees. The past dues and assesment total less than $300. The legal fees total close to $1500. Do I have recourse? Can I take this to Civil court?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Association fees
Yes. You can sue in small claims court if the amount does not exceed $5,000. Sue the management company for the penalties and legal fees.