Waiving association fees (homeowners association, landscaping, new home)

[Owner]

I was just informed that there is a homeowners association in my neighborhood. I am going to be billed for the past 12 years according to the treasurer. Isn't there a rule about how far they are allowed to go back?
Apparently my home never got put on the invoice listing when I purchased the new home 12 years ago.

No one ever told me about an association. Although I benefited from some cutting of gras in the common area, I never had the opportunity to vote on increasing rates, taking a position on the board, making changes to the assocation, etc.

When I was told, I agreed to pay the dues going forward but don't think I should have to pay back dues for that long.

Any suggestions or comments?

[OceansVII]

Not sure what the regs are in Iowa, Owner, but typically if there is a home owners' assc, documents called CC&R's ("Convenants, Conditions and Restrictions") are included with the documents to be signed at the time of closing. These detail the rules of the association, fees, any restrictions re your property (like landscaping or painting colors), etc. You might want to chk your original closing documents to see if that information was included and if you signed any form acknowledging receipt of those docs. In some states, even if you do not receive an invoice, you may still be liable for the fee. Hope that's not the case for you. If you are liable, you may be able to negotiate down to a percentage of the total for pymt since it would be cheaper for the association to get something rather than nothing. Good luck!