Help with pet fees/Condo HOA board (plumber, property, contractor)

[shonshon]

I own a condo in East Orange, NJ for a year now, pets were allowed and there were no fees. Yesterday, I received a notice in the mail that the Board is instituting an annual pet policy fee effective this month. My question is can they do this? This wasnt effective when I bought the property, and I own not rent. Can they enforce this?

[middle-aged mom]

Depends on the by-laws. This document will spell out the protocol for changes in rules.

Owners who do not attend association meetings and/ or read the minutes of same, tend to get surprised when changes occur.

It is not uncommon for associations to " grandfather" owners who bought before a new rule. This most likely happens when there is a sufficient number of owners who take an active interest in the association and oppose the rule.

It might be interesting to find out why this charge was imposed. Is the association attempting to discourage pets or perhaps it reflects the cost of cleaning up after pets.

[crazyma]

ditto

[kevinm]

The HOA did not arbitrarily decide to add this new rule regarding pets. Aparently, a number of the more active homeowners lobbied the board and got it on the calender for a vote. All homeowners should have been notified in writing that this was on the agenda to allow the opposition to mount a defense to this new rule.

[shonshon]

Thanks, it's not in the by laws and they said they are doing this due to the cost of cleaning up after pets. I'm trying to find out if this is enforceable.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by shonshon

Thanks, it's not in the by laws and they said they are doing this due to the cost of cleaning up after pets. I'm trying to find out if this is enforceable.

The association implemented a surcharge to cover the cost of removing pet waste and possibly periodic replacemnt of the lawn and/or shrubs damaged by urine.

Your by-laws will likely tell you if the board has the authority to do this or if a majority of owners are, by vote, required to make such a change.

When living within an association, "them" is you. Board members are elected by homeowners to represent the best interests of all homeowners and property values.

If the grounds are mess and/or the landscape is deteriorating because of pet output, it is in the best interests of all homeowners for the board to address it.

[Baka76]

My HOA board has a nepotistic relationship with the local plumbing company. This company has an unsaid contract with the condo association. I have a plumbing leak. What are my rights to secure repair services outside of this company to get fair unbiased assessment and repairs. And if I choose a different company will my HOA still be responsible for payment?

[rational1]

Necropost! And not even in a place that makes sense.

"unsaid contract"??

[GreggT]

Originally Posted by Baka76

My HOA board has a nepotistic relationship with the local plumbing company. This company has an unsaid contract with the condo association. I have a plumbing leak. What are my rights to secure repair services outside of this company to get fair unbiased assessment and repairs. And if I choose a different company will my HOA still be responsible for payment?

What has this got to do with "Pet Fees"??

If you have a leak in YOUR plumbing, you can have what ever licensed plumber fix the problem (at your cost of course). Why would you think the HOA would pick up the tab even if you used their recommended plumber?
If the leak is in the general service lines or drains, even though in might be inside one of your walls, generally that is the HOA's responsibility to fix AND their responsibility to pick the contractor. As been mentioned MANY, MANY times, if you do not like the direction/choices your HOA is making (REMEMBER the HOA is YOU!!) attend the meetings, let your voice be heard.