Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida

Condo association harrassment

Fla.: I own a condo in a retirement community and am on a very low income. After the hurricaine last Oct. all 24 units were assessed $1250 each in two payments. I made the first $650 pay after getting threatening letter from assoc. attorneys. Then they wrote another letter saying they would drop their fees if I paid the rest by Apr. 21, which I could not do. I gave them another $200 with a letter stating my situation and would make payments. Now they have sent another letter ignoring me ADDING yet MORE legal and late fees. They have talked about 'foreclosure' and 'liens' etc. Is this legal to do this when someone is making payments? Most of the board of directors have left for the summer to Canada where they live the rest of the year. The kicker is THERE IS NO WORK GOING ON HERE TO REPAIR DAMAGES so there is NO IMMEDIACY for this money!! I am frustrated and may have to move and rent my home to appease them. HELP. P.s. Now there is an additional demand on the bulletin board for a payment towards an extra $750 for 2006 new insurance bill and future reserves!!


Asked on 4/30/06, 12:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Samira Ghazal Ghazal & Gomez, P. A.

Re: Condo association harrassment

It is not condo harassment. If they complied with the law in the passing of the special assessment, then you must pay it. I understand your situaion, but if you do no pay it, they WILL foreclose on your property. At that point you will owe even more. You will have to think of some alternative -- like a home equity line? In that manner you will be able to pay your equity line back little by little.

Also, I am not surprised about the increase in insurance as a result of the last hurricane season. This is a cost which the association has to pass on to the condo units.

One final solution, is to request that at a board meeting to allow partial monthly payments for the assessments due to owners like yourself.

Good Luck

Samira Ghazal

For the Firm

305.860.1221

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Answered on 4/30/06, 9:09 pm


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