Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia

Homeowner's Association Questions

I got behind paying my association

dues. I received a past due notice

but it was for an amount that was

more than I owed. I meant to take

care of it, but I didn't contact them.

I then get a letter from a law firm

saying that they put a lien on my

house for owing $400 in dues and

now they have lumped their fees in

the amount and I owe $900+ now.

I spoke with the company that

manages the dues and they have no

idea about the law firm or the letter.

Upon advice from my friend who is a

criminal lawyer, I pay them online for

all outstanding charges and send the

law firm a letter telling that the debt

is paid. I say to remove the lien &

don't contact me further. They then

call and say that I still owe them the

fees and they aren't removing the

lien. I got more advice & they say

mail another letter stating that the

debt is paid, the association

acceptance and ledger showing my

balance as $0.00 is attached and for

them to remove the lien or I will sue

for slander of title. Is this good?


Asked on 7/01/08, 12:01 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Homeowner's Association Questions

No one here has your covenants and other documents that spell out your obligations and what happens when a law firm has to place the lien, and you do not tell us what they say about these issues, if anything. Read them. If you want advice from a lawyer, consult with one who handles these matters (though you might be better off applying that money to the debt). If you owe the collection and legal fees (which is common), you will not likely get out of it by paying only the dues. Read and understand the agreements you made when buying the property and/or joining the HOA.

Read more
Answered on 7/01/08, 6:40 am


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