Court Says Owner Must Pay Maintenance Fees But Has Claim for Damages against Homeowners Association

New Jersey Appellate Court decision (June 6, 2017)

This case involved a dispute between a homeowners association (“Association”) and an individual condominium owner /member of Association (“Owner”) over Owner’s refusal to pay monthly assessments because of a dispute over the lack of maintenance being performed by Association.

Specifically, Owner took issue with Association over the growth of roots in the front and back yards of his unit, the manner in which the grass was being cut, and a failure to power wash mildew from the exterior of the roof. Owner further contended that, in retaliation for Owner’s non-payment of his assessments, Association purposefully did not provide, treat and remove snow and ice from his driveway and walkway in the manner it did for other unit owners.

Association initiated the court action seeking unpaid maintenance fees, late fees, and attorney fees based on Owner’s breach of Association’s governing documents. Owner then filed a counterclaim against Association seeking damages for Association’s failure to provide the services and maintenance required under the governing documents. The trial court found in favor of Association and awarded Association a judgment for the unpaid assessments plus attorney fees. The trial court also dismissed Owner’s counterclaim against Association. Thereafter, Owner appealed the trial court’s judgment.

Subscription Required to Continue Reading

To view the full HOA Featured Article, you must have a Subscription with HOA Member Services

Become a Member

Personal Monthly

$ 12.70 /month
  • Access to over 600 Articles & Case Decisions
  • Access to hundreds of Resources
  • HOA Newsletter
  • Free Copy of HOA LIVING
  • 25% OFF Download Forms
  • 1 User

Personal

$ 97 Annual
  • Access to over 600 Articles & Case Decisions
  • Access to hundreds of Resources
  • HOA Newsletter
  • Free Copy of HOA LIVING
  • 25% OFF Download Forms
  • 1 User

Pro

$ 297 Annual
  • Access to over 600 Articles & Case Decisions
  • Access to hundreds of Resources
  • HOA Newsletter
  • Free Copy of HOA LIVING
  • Free Unlimited Access to Download Forms (save $1000s!)
  • Unlimited Personal Support from HOA Attorney
  • 1 User

HOA Team

$ 347 Annual
  • Access to over 600 Articles & Case Decisions
  • Access to hundreds of Resources
  • HOA Newsletter
  • Free Copy of HOA LIVING
  • Free Unlimited Access to Download Forms (save $1000s!)
  • Unlimited Personal Support from HOA Attorney
  • Up to 10 Users
Shopping Cart

Get Your FREE
HOA Living Guide

 Get ready to level up your community! Dive into our guide for homeowners and management personnel in neighborhoods run by homeowners associations. Download now for essential tips and exclusive resources— improve your community with one click! 

Success, check your email for your guide!

Scroll to Top