Legal Question in Bankruptcy in Pennsylvania

over 10 years ago, I purchased a small wooded lot of land off Ebay in hope of building a cabin on it later... but soon after, I started to be billed for taxes, water rights and community association fees. I was paying the taxes, but didn't pay the water rights and association fees because there was no improvements done. Now, I'm being sued for the association fees and water rights... Is what they are doing legal and what's my remedy?


Asked on 3/03/13, 7:15 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Why would you buy property and think that you would not have to pay any other assessments associated with the land? Why ask if this is legal? Unless there is conduct defined as a crime, anything that 2 people agree to is legal generally.

So you need to read your documents to see what buying the land obligated you to do. My guess, without reading the documents, is that if there is a property owner's association, then regardless of whether the land is developed or not, you are liable for any fees/assessments set forth in the declaration of covenants. Get and read these in detail. It will spell out what you are liable for.

If you do not understand these, then go and see real estate lawyer who practices in the county/state where the land is located. The lawyer will be able to tell you whether you are responsible for the water and community association fees.

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Answered on 3/03/13, 1:50 pm


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