Condo Owner Not Paying Dues
My question involves a condominium located in the District of Columbia:
I am on the board of a condo association. One of the owners has failed to pay her condo fees for at least 2 years. We have a judgment against her but getting it enforced in this town is kind of difficult. Can we deprive her of the rights to condo benefits and common areas such as:
-- Storage
-- Use of telephone service for visitors
-- Laundry
We will not do anything regarding her receipt of mail.
Re: Condo Owner Not Paying Dues
You need to research any law in DC on condo associations. The association should probably hire an attorney to get a written legal opinion. I doubt anyone here has that specialized knowledge.
The association probably can put a lien on the condo, so at least the fees up to that point would have to be paid if it is sold.
However, if a condo owner does not pay the fee, I would say it is completely reasonable to withhold any service that fee covers. Of course, you can't mess with the mail and things like that.
Many condo fees include things like basic cable tv, which could be cut off.
The condo association should probably have such powers already in the bylaws or district code.
Re: Condo Owner Not Paying Dues
Does your condo owners agreement allow you to suspend common benefits or access to common areas if dues aren't current?
Why is it difficult to enforce a judgment, or to impose a lien and if necessary foreclose? D.C. has lots of lawyers.