WHY ALL CONDO OWNERS SOMETIMES GET ASSESSED WITHOUTRECEIVING BENEFITS

DEAR BOB: Our condo homeowner's association (HOA) got assessed $6,000 each for replacement of roofs, which we have to pay even if we sell the condo and move out. My roof was replaced last year, but they still want me to pay $6,000. What can I do? --Rita S.

DEAR RITA: Your HOA did not get assessed. Instead, the HOA is assessing the individual condo owners $6,000 each to replace the roofs.

That's the way HOAs work. It's like a mini-democracy. Even when your individual condo unit won't directly benefit, you are subject to special assessments approved by the HOA board of directors, which benefit the entire condo complex but not your specific unit.

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