common expense liens; foreclosure; amount

Homeowners get stronger lien protections

An association may foreclose over unpaid assessments only after two years of delinquency or when the amount owed reaches $10,000, whichever comes first. The amount and delinquency are measured when the foreclosure action is filed. Before filing, the board must make reasonable efforts to contact the member and offer a reasonable payment plan. Member expenses cannot be collected through a common expense lien; the association must first get and record a court judgment, and that lien cannot be foreclosed and takes effect only when an interest in the property is conveyed.