Is it legal for my condo association to charge me a penalty or fee for something without a warning?

Question

The bylaws say nothing about fee assessment unless it's related to someone not paying the dues. I was charged a fine for "storage of a car seat in the hallway". They charged $25 without asking me to just move it.

Answer 1

It isn't just about fee assessment ... it's about what you are allowed (and not allowed) to do - like potentially blocking a hallway with a car seat.

If there are strictures in the condo rules/code about things like that (even if it's not the specific incident that occurred to you) ... then yes, fees/fines can be legally assigned.

After all - using fees and fines is just about the only way the condo board can impose punishment for infringement of the rules.

Now - to be perfectly honest, if all you did was drop the seat in the hall for the ten minutes it took you to open the door and bring your groceries in, they're being a little excessive. If you stored it out there for several hours or even days ... they have a point and you're out of luck.

Answer 2

Read the by laws for your association. All rules should be spelled out.

Answer 3

of course, everything that rules the condo is clearly delineated in your contract already. Why would they need to warn you about what you already know?

Answer 4

Not if it is written in the Condo Association rules.

Answer 5

yes...

chances are, it is written in your handbook the association gave you when you moved in. Many people simply do not fully read the guidelines.

Check your handbook and call the association if you have any questions for them.

Answer 6

Depends on the contract you have with them. If the contract does not require notice not only is it legal, it's enforceable.

Answer 7

when you got your condo you were given a list of rules, that list was your warning.