Why do associations collect dues for ammenities and then charge extra fees for a

1. 75

   flacoinohioposted 12 years ago

   Why do associations collect dues for ammenities and then charge extra fees for access to ammenities?
   
   As a homeowner in a neighborhood with an Association, I am required to pay annual dues to the Association to maintain community property.  However, if I want to access community amenities, I must pay an additional fee.  Now I chose the word access, because according to a board trustee, community members cannot be charged a membership fee because they are already member of the association.  But an access fee can be charged, which removes equal access to community amenities to people with fixed and low incomes.  What do you think?

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2. 70

   DreamerMegposted 12 years ago

   You really need to look at the "contract" or "agreement" you signed when you became a member of the association. If you didn't join the association, then are you required to be a member of it just by buying a house in that area?
   
   If there were no association, how would community property be maintained? Is the community property necessary for everyone living there? EG, is it things like roads and street lighting?
   
   What is the difference with amenities: are they things like swimming pools that are nice to have but not necessities? How are they provided and maintained? If there is on-going maintenance required, then how else could the necessary fees be raised?
   
   The best way of finding out about all this information is to go along to meetings of the association and ask questions - even become a board trustee or some other kind of member. You might then find out all about the costs involved and the requirements for raising money and the differences between paying for community property and access to amenities.

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   1. 75

      flacoinohioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent response I believe my rational clearly indicates I have communicated with trustees, I am even quoting the president of the board.  Does that mean your not going to answer the question?

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   2. 70

      DreamerMegposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If these amenities are non-essential, then it has to be for each family to decide whether they will use them or not. It is their choice of how to spend their money. It is also not possible to tell other families what they should or should not buy.

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   3. 75

      flacoinohioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Again the question asked was not answered.  So you are saying that it is okay to charge additional fees for access to community property even though homeowners already pay dues just so the board can pretend a profit was earned?

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   4. 70

      DreamerMegposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Whether I think it fair or not doesn't matter - that's how it is where you live. If you want change, consult a legal adviser on discrimination or join the board and vote for change. Or you could try publicity to shame them into allowing equal access.

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   5. 75

      flacoinohioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your response, I am not looking for advice I just wanted to know why a secondary fee is charged for access to amenities that home or condo owners should have access to by paying the annual dues.

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