Hoa Collection Fee Dispute

Summary

If you paid your HOA fee late and incurred a collection fee, review your HOAs governing documents and Californias Davis-Stirling Act for notification requirements. You may dispute the fee if proper procedures werent followed. Consider writing a formal dispute letter to the collection agency and explore small claims court if informal resolution fails.

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I need help with a shitty situation, so basically, I paid my HOA fee late and my balance was sent to Allied Trustee collection company, and I ended up paying around $* more than my original balance. They said the collection fee is non-negotiable. My HOA is switched provider recently, I received the bill late, and I need to create an account online to pay my balance, it took a while, and I didn't have a chance to set up an auto pay yet. I called the provider company, Manorinc, and I was told that there is no deadline for the HOA fee, but my balance got transfered to Allied Trustee (on */*/*) just a few days before I tried to pay back HOA fee, I didn't receive and reminder, or notice of this deadline. I am seeking a way that can appeal and get my money back. Maybe taking legal action to sue Manorinc or something else? Is it worth to hire a lawyer in this case? I am low income and that amount is too much for me. I feel like I got robbed.
Hey Matthew, that sounds really frustrating. In California, HOAs must follow specific rules about notifying homeowners before sending accounts to collections. You might have grounds to dispute the collection fee if proper procedures weren't followed. Here's what you can consider:
- Review your HOA's governing documents and California's Davis-Stirling Act for notification requirements.
- Write a formal dispute letter to the collection agency explaining your situation.
- Consider small claims court if informal resolution fails.
Would you like to know more about any of these steps?