HOA Not Disclosed at Time of Sale

[atljar]

I purchased a home July 2009 in Ohio. Home MLS listing showed no home owners association (HOA), my contract to purchase noted that HOA was a non applicable item, and the selling agent stated no HOA was present on this property.

Yesterday I received a letter from a HOA management company stating that I had an $80.00 assessment due for Surface water management. The letter also states that a $250 balance is carried over from 2009 bringing the total due to $330. All payments payable to (name of HOA). This is the first I have ever heard of an HOA or any fees, much less overdue items from 2009.

I have never seen any HOA forms, regulations, fees, meeting minutes, letters or anything at all over the last year. Of course I never signed anything either.

The company had my name, correct address, and correct parcel lot number on the paperwork. These are all pubic record, but I dont think this is a scam.

What are my options here? Am I forced to accept the HOA? If so, what recourse do I have against overdue bills from prior owner?

Thanks in advance

[jk]

What are my options here?

well, my first action would be to figure out if it is a scam or there really is an HOA and not guess.


Then if it is legit, find out if you are bound to the rules of the HOA.

then, it sounds like you might have a claim against the seller for unpaid fees and possibly even more due to the failure to disclose the presence of the HOA.

[atljar]

Thank you for the quick reply.

What steps do I take to discover if I am "bound to the rules of the HOA"?

[jk]

I would start with the pres of the HOA presenting documents that prove they are a legal HOA.

Then have them provide documents that prove your property is bound to honor the HOA.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You can also check your title history.

[atljar]

Thank you again, I will start making phone calls tomorrow.

One other thing I found, searching title records. This is the only record in which this appears. I would assume that is a bad sign for me?


Parcel Number: 15-05-205-030 Date/Book/Page: 11/01/1995 - 1157/297/0
Grantor:

C T INTEREST LTD
Document Type: CONVEYANCE/ DECLR
Description: 14 PIPESTEM
Transferable: N
Grantee: PIPESTEM HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
File Number: 0
Lien Amount: 0