In this situation, it’s usually better to keep negotiating directly with the HOA’s attorney rather than going to court, since judges often uphold HOA fee claims (including late fees and legal costs) if they’re allowed by the bylaws.
You should submit a second offer showing you can pay the original past-due amount plus reasonable fees, and highlight your good faith and new financial stability. Settling debt for less than the full amount can be a smart solution.
Carefully review the debt for errors and negotiate a discount for immediate payment — creditors may accept 50–65% of the balance. Be persistent with calls and emails. Hiring a debt relief attorney is an option, but doing it yourself is cheaper.
You can draft your own debt settlement offer to them. I’ve uploaded a template debt settlement document to this site.
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HOA fees turned into litigation.
I’m sorry to hear about the issue with your HOA fees turning into litigation. Have you been in communication with your HOA regarding this matter?
Yes, but the fees being charged are excessive and negotiating has been difficult.
Can you provide more details about the specific reasons why your HOA fees have led to litigation?
Failure to pay due to income loss, which I’ve now rectified, including entering into a loan modification agreement with my mortgage company to make my housing note more affordable.
Is there anything else the real estate lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your HOA fees turning into litigation.
Yes
Hello! My name is Michael, and I'm an attorney ready to help! Your responses matter to me, so I only need a few minutes to review and respond to each of your posts.
Did you get sued in court?
No, I was just served, and I reached out to the attorney to negotiate a settlement.
I'm so sorry about that! What is the status of the settlement matter?
But $1,600 has turned into almost $8,000.
Understood! Now that I have this info, what is your legal question for me?
Still negotiating at this time — they’re waiting for me to submit a second offer since my first one was rejected.
Thanks! Can you clarify your question for me?
My HOA fees are $600 per year. I’m only behind one year. What’s the best strategy to get them to reduce what I owe, or am I better off proceeding in court with a judge?
Ok! Did you need to tell me anything else? If not, I can start with answering your question.
I now have the means to pay both past and present bills, but they’re trying to bill me an additional $6,000, which is excessive and beyond my means.
Ok! I've been working on an answer while we've been chatting, so it'll just be a moment.
I'm so sorry about this situation! I want to address it with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask — this law stuff can get complicated.
In this situation, it’s usually better to keep negotiating directly with the HOA’s attorney rather than going to court, since judges often uphold HOA fee claims (including late fees and legal costs) if they’re allowed by the bylaws.
You should submit a second offer showing you can pay the original past-due amount plus reasonable fees, and highlight your good faith and new financial stability. Settling debt for less than the full amount can be a smart solution.
Carefully review the debt for errors and negotiate a discount for immediate payment — creditors may accept 50–65% of the balance. Be persistent with calls and emails. Hiring a debt relief attorney is an option, but doing it yourself is cheaper.
You can draft your own debt settlement offer to them. I’ve uploaded a template debt settlement document to this site.
Thanks, I’ll try this option.
Ok, you got it!
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