This is actually an enormous problem for the HOA and you could successfully press this, including through a law suit. Do not just withhold money from your next HOA payment, though. That will lead to enormous problems for you even if you’re right about this.
All that said:
Convenience fees are usually a percentage not a flat fee. So someone probably screwed up the website.
it’s very possible the convenience fee is paid to the bank or payment processor, not withheld by the HOA. So they might not be stealing from you.
In theory, the HOA is a non-profit coalition of your neighbors. So you should give some leeway for honest mistakes.
So, what I would do is figure out whether they keep the convenience fee or pay it to a third party. Just ask them—you’re entitled to know as an HOA member.
If it’s paid to a third party, I’d advise them to update the website and eat the 3% if you can afford to., or ask for a discount on next months fees if you can not (don’t just unilaterally deduct it—that can cause YOU lots of problems). If they keep the fee, then I would ask for a discount in next month’s fees regardless.
Also keep in mind that many HOAs, especially for larger communities, have a hired manager (who often sucks) and a board of homeowner directors (who often but not always suck less). If you don’t get anywhere with the manager, go to a board meeting and talk to the directors. That’s what the meetings are for.
wildlywell t1_j2dzyrm wrote
Reply to Website for HOA payments clearly states a $3.25 fee, but has been charging me 3.25%. Is this worth fighting over? by Melodic_Language_890
This is actually an enormous problem for the HOA and you could successfully press this, including through a law suit. Do not just withhold money from your next HOA payment, though. That will lead to enormous problems for you even if you’re right about this.
All that said:
Convenience fees are usually a percentage not a flat fee. So someone probably screwed up the website.
it’s very possible the convenience fee is paid to the bank or payment processor, not withheld by the HOA. So they might not be stealing from you.
In theory, the HOA is a non-profit coalition of your neighbors. So you should give some leeway for honest mistakes.
So, what I would do is figure out whether they keep the convenience fee or pay it to a third party. Just ask them—you’re entitled to know as an HOA member.
If it’s paid to a third party, I’d advise them to update the website and eat the 3% if you can afford to., or ask for a discount on next months fees if you can not (don’t just unilaterally deduct it—that can cause YOU lots of problems). If they keep the fee, then I would ask for a discount in next month’s fees regardless.
Also keep in mind that many HOAs, especially for larger communities, have a hired manager (who often sucks) and a board of homeowner directors (who often but not always suck less). If you don’t get anywhere with the manager, go to a board meeting and talk to the directors. That’s what the meetings are for.