Sick Resident Has Water Supply Cut And A Lien On Property

A sick resident in Cottage Cove Homeowners Association has her water supply cut off because of overdue assessments and other charges. The HOA has also placed a lien on the resident’s property.

Unpaid HOA Fees and Other Charges

Beth Williams, a Cottage Cove Homeowners Association resident in Paulding County who was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, initially thought she owed the HOA only $713 in assessments and $120 in late fees.

However, the HOA had given her account to collections, and the amount grew steadily. Included in the amount was a $2,300 attorney fee and $1,500 in collection fees. When the resident attempted to pay her dues, she claimed she was locked out of the portal. After contacting the HOA, Williams found out she had to make her payments through the collections agency.

Water Supply Cut

The HOA’s covenants state that the community’s water distribution is private. Hence, the HOA owns the system and is responsible for maintaining it as a common element. The governing documents also included an amendment that the HOA has the right to suspend common area use, voting rights, and HOA-provided services to lot owners. According to the HOA, they acted within their legal rights and obligations. They also followed proper notice before taking action.

As a result of the accumulated overdue payments, Williams has had her water supply cut for over 31 days. She has since survived off store-bought gallons of water and a water dispenser. Williams has also had to borrow showers and washing machines from her neighbors. She says she does not believe she can pay off her debts to the homeowners association.

“It’s just never-ending assessments, and fines and fees and interest to the point where you can never get them paid off,” Williams said.

Moreover, a lien has been placed on her property. This means if she attempts to sell the home, a portion of the amount will be given to the HOA to settle her unpaid debts.