Hi there, I own a rental home in CS that apparently falls under the College Hills Estates HOA. I don't have much experience with these neighborhood HOAs, but received a letter in the mail that I owe an annual fee and some small past-due fees. Is this legit? And, what happens if I choose to ignore the request for me to pay these dues? Just want to make sure this is a real thing before I pay them for something that I didn't know I owed and for which I receive no actual benefit. Thanks

College Hills Estates HOA is a real HOA. I have a gameday house within their boundary. Used to be a few bucks. I think its gone up to $40 this year and they charged me a late fee for 2022 that I did paid via check, but they never cashed the check. I didn't pay attention due to how low it is. It seems like a worthless HOA, but its exponentially cheaper than my other HOA fees.

Appreciate the reply!

Your sales contract should of disclosed the HOA as well as misc documents signed at closing. The title closer should have at least pointed out the documents that did so.

And your realtor should have disclosed some minimum amount of information. Their fees are generally for maintenance of common areas in the subdivision such as play areas, parks, pools and landscapes. How well they do this is always up to debate.

SteveBott said:

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Your sales contract should of disclosed the HOA as well as misc documents signed at closing. The title closer should have at least pointed out the documents that did so.

And your realtor should have disclosed some minimum amount of information. Their fees are generally for maintenance of common areas in the subdivision such as play areas, parks, pools and landscapes. How well they do this is always up to debate.

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Bingo. If there were any late fees due prior to buying, seller should've settled them at closing. Also, there's a whole Addendum specifically for HOAs that should've been in your contact outlining the HOA, the dues, contact info, and any paperwork/bylaws necessary and applicable to your property. Just look back in your closing packet. If they're not there, that's not ideal. Check your closing statement, too. Make sure they're not trying to double tap you for something already paid

Seems crazy to have an HOA setup and managed to collect $40 a year from their residents.