Q: I live in a gated community in which all homes have a two-car garage. Owners were granted gate-opener bar codes for two vehicles per household. Recently, the board replaced the gate-control system and issued only one new bar code per household, charging $10 for each additional sticker. Can our association arbitrarily alter the original policy and charge residents to gain access to their properties?
_ Rick
A: Yes _ unless your governing documents specifically state that all households get two stickers at no charge. Community associations often charge fees for replacement stickers, rental applications and even detailed requests for information.
Owners pay for everything that the association does. Most bills are budgeted and paid for from the monthly maintenance dues. When there is an expense that overwhelms the budget, such as storm damage, the board will pass a special assessment to spread the cost out among all the owners. The association also can charge fees for certain expenses that affect certain owners more than others.
When you elect a board of directors, you endow them with certain rights to make decisions such as this for the community as a whole. If you are not in agreement with the way things are being run, attend meetings and make your viewpoint known. You might also consider running for a board seat.
