Question:
We are a gated community. As such, the roads are considered private rather than public. I just learned that we have to “rent” the street lights within our community – and pay for the associated electricity to the local electric Company. I also learned that if these lights need to be painted, cleaned or any other maintenance associated with the way the lights look- we have to pay for that too. Our community is in Tamoa, Florida. Is this correct?
Thank you for your help.
– Amy
Answer:
Hi Amy,
Yes, it’s possible that your community is responsible for maintaining and paying for streetlights, including their installation, electricity costs, and upkeep. This can happen in gated communities where the roads and infrastructure are considered private property rather than public property. This would mean that the costs associated with maintenance, electricity, and upkeep would fall on the homeowners by way of your HOA dues or fees.
The “renting” of streetlights is a common practice where the electric utility company leases the streetlights to the community or HOA. This arrangement means the HOA pays a monthly fee to the electric company for the use and maintenance of the streetlight fixtures, even though the HOA or private entity owns and is responsible for the upkeep of the actual lights.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers. The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice.
