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REAL ESTATE LAWYERS

THE RIGHT TO RECORD LIEN AND TO FORECLOSE ON UNPAID ASSOCIATION LIENS, IS PERHAPS THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL A HOMEOWNERS OR CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATON HAS TO ENFORCE ITS ASSESSMENT OBLIGATIONS.

Florida Statutes permit associations to recover unpaid assessments and expenses by requiring strict compliance with statutory procedures and notice to homeowners. While Florida Statutes permit associations to file liens against homeowners for unpaid association maintenance and assessments, the associations are limited in that liens can not be filed if the dues are less than a certain amount, and can not be filed, unless the Association first sends the correct notice to the homeowner.

Association liens, filed by either Condominium Associations or Homeowners Associations can be foreclosed upon, which means that a homeowner can lose their property to the Association or third party bidder, if the amounts due are not satisfied. By law, the association can not collect more than the amounts permitted by statute and penalties are also capped.

OBLIGATION TO PAY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION OR CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION DUES

When homeowners purchase a new home that is governed by an association, it is almost like purchasing into a club. The Association makes all the rules and the homeowner is required to follow the rules, pay the amounts due, and abide by all the laws governing the association. One of those rules is paying the maintenance and assessments, if any, timely. When associations send statements, the homeowners has a certain amount of time to pay them or incur a late fee. If not paid timely, then the association will send out a letter advising of the amounts past due and demanding payment. If the notice is ignored, then the association has the right to file a claim of lien, and take your property.

RECORDING OF THE LIEN

Any lien recorded by the Association attaches to the property as soon as the assessment or maintenance becomes delinquent. However, because there is no way for third parties to know about it, the association records the lien. Once the lien is recorded, notice is considered proper upon the homeowner.

ASSOCIATION LIEN REQUIREMENTS

When HOA fees are due, the Association although not obligated, may provide a statement to the property owner, setting forth the amounts due. If the owner fails to pay, the association sends notice that it intends to lien. The content and timing of the notice are set forth by statute and very important as to ability to record the lien, or if it stands up in court.

State laws vary with regard to the content of the lien. If the exact language required by Florida Statute is not included in there, it can be set aside, and the homeowner can recuperate attorney’s fees and costs for the illegal lien.

In Florida, HOA fees are limited to 25.00 or 5% of the past due amount and interest must not pass 18%.

Further, the association must file suit within 90 days or the lien becomes void.

EFFECT OF THE LIEN ON THE PROPERTY

Even if the homeowner does not go into foreclosure, the Homeowners Association or Condominium Association lien will act t encumber the property and will prohibit the prohibit the property sale until it is satisfied. If a mortgage default occurs and the bank forecloses, the proceeds are fist applied to the HOA claim of money and then to the mortgage debt, if recorded first.

FORECLOSURE DEFENSE

If a foreclosure is filed against you, the homeowner has the right to assert a defense and fight the foreclosure. There are numerous grounds, as detailed above, to fight a Condominium Association or Homeowners Association foreclosure. However, if the amounts are actually owed and the association has followed all the correct procedure, the homeowner must then negotiate the amounts due in order to avoid having the property sold at auction.

REMOVAL OF THE ASSOCIATION LIEN

At the Law Offices of Jacqueline A. Salcines, PA, we have been helping homeowners with their condominium and homeowners association dues and foreclosures for over 21 years. Attorney Jacqueline Salcines, an accountant and attorney, is well versed in condominium law and knows the ins and outs of the Florida Statutes and how to protect homeowners against the associations..

If you are facing foreclosure or a claim of lien has been filed against you, consult with us today. We are here to help you navigate the association’s rights, make sure they are acting legally and help you save your property from foreclosure.

TRUST | COMMITMENT | RESULTS

HOA LIENS AND FORECLOSURE – WHAT RIGHTS DO ASSOCIATIONS HAVE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Jacqueline A. Salcines, Esq. 706 S. Dixie Highway Second Floor Coral Gables, FL 33146

SOUTH FLORIDA HOA LIEN AND DEBT SETTLEMENT LAWYER

Over the past 20 years, working as a South Florida real estate lawyer, I have seen my share of condominium and homeowner association liens resulting in foreclosures against my clients.  Condominium and Homeowner Association liens have the power to attach to your property and cause you to lose your property and should be taken seriously. Even if $100.00 past due. The Condominium can easily foreclose and leave you out on the street.

Luckily, HOA lien law is strict, and Florida Statutes, particularly §718.121 protects property owners.

A quick look at the lien statutes reveals all the required language that must be contained in the lien. The lien must have the association address, not the attorney address filing it.  The lien must also have the breakdown of amounts due and be accurate.  Florida Statutes §720.3085 also requires that the lien be served upon the homeowner, prior to filing suit.  The suit can not be filed until 30 days after it is served.

To win against the HOA lien foreclosures, you have to start by hiring the right attorney.

Often associations make errors in their billing, don’t provide the proper credits, accounting errors are made that shows misapplied funds.  And, if the condominium or regulating documents do not permit such charges, the condominium association or homeowner association can not bill the homeowner at all!

 

At the Law Offices of Jacqueline A. Salcines, PA, we have over 20 years experience assisting homeowners with their  HOA liens, and condominium liens. The most important step and first step is to make sure you are represented by an attorney that is familiar with your area.

The Law Offices of Jacqueline Salcines offers cost effective services designed to meet your individual needs and requirements. For strong legal representation, call us at (305) 669-5280 today! Attorney Jacqueline Salcines  has been handling all your real estate and business law needs  for over 20 years.

 Main office 305 | 669 | 5280. Or email the attorney directly: J.Salcines@Salcineslaw.com

TRUST |  COMMITMENT  | RESULTS

Jacqueline A. Salcines

Jacqueline A. Salcines

JACQUELINE A. SALCINES, ESQ.
706 S. DIXIE HIGHWAY
SECOND FLOOR
CORAL GABLES, FL 33146
TEL. 305 669 5280

Email:  J.Salcines@Salcineslaw.com