Alabama: Back billing?

Started by KennethC • 5 replies • 1905 views

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KennethC (Alabama)
Posts: 27

Posted:

I am a first time homeowner(1yr+) and not the newly elected president of our HOA. Our HOA had all but died since in 2004 because of a riff all buy one member quit. With this, not all billing was collected in 2004 and ever billed in 2005 or 2006. During our first meeting, it was decided to back bill for all unpaid dues. I am sure the we will get multiple calls regarding the backing billing. I am just looking for how to address the calls when they come.

Any thoughts?

WilliamT (Arizona)
Posts: 489

Posted:

Posted By KennethC on 06/12/2006 10:38 AM

I am a first time homeowner(1yr+) and not the newly elected president of our HOA. Our HOA had all but died since in 2004 because of a riff all buy one member quit. With this, not all billing was collected in 2004 and ever billed in 2005 or 2006. During our first meeting, it was decided to back bill for all unpaid dues. I am sure the we will get multiple calls regarding the backing billing. I am just looking for how to address the calls when they come.

Any thoughts?

Explain that due to oversight, many bills did not get sent out, and after reviewing the records you are having to bill for the past due unpaid dues.

Explain that since the lack of invoices was an error on the boards part, there will be no late fees on the unpaid dues.

If you get static, then you can very nicely explain that everyone knows their dues had to be paid, whether or not they received an invoice.

Some may complain about such a large amount for a full year and partial. However, they should have checked to find out why their invoice didn't arrive, and made the effort to keep themselves current.

Good luck,

Bill

KennethC (Alabama)
Posts: 27

Posted:

Posted By WilliamT on 06/12/2006 11:03 AM
Explain that since the lack of invoices was an error on the boards part, there will be no late fees on the unpaid dues.

Yep, we did not charge late fees on 2005 & 2006, but we are seeking fees on dues from 2004 since bills and late notices were mailed out.

Posted By WilliamT on 06/12/2006 11:03 AM
If you get static, then you can very nicely explain that everyone knows their dues had to be paid, whether or not they received an invoice.

Some may complain about such a large amount for a full year and partial. However, they should have checked to find out why their invoice didn't arrive, and made the effort to keep themselves current.

I hope it will be that easy.

Thanks!

BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

Kenneth:

We had a couple of issues with some homes that for whatever reason never got billed dues. Ours are $120 a year and we had three or four homes that owed over $300. Basically we waived late fees and told them we would give them 12-18 months to catch up on the dues depending on the amount owed. As with any bill, not receiving an invoice is not an excuse to not pay.

Brad

KennethC (Alabama)
Posts: 27

Posted:

Posted By BradP on 06/12/2006 11:16 AM
As with any bill, not receiving an invoice is not an excuse to not pay.

Thanks Brad! I didn't think of it this way.

BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

Ken:

You will get some flack from people, but if you treat everyone the same and cut them some slack to get it paid I think you will find that most people will understand.

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