How can a condo association enforce maintenance fee collection?

A condo association can enforce maintenance fee collection effectively by recording a lien on the unit. This method provides a legal claim against the owner's property, ensuring that if the fees remain unpaid, the association can seek to recover the debt through a foreclosure process. This is a powerful tool that serves as a strong incentive for unit owners to pay their dues promptly, as a lien can affect their ability to sell or refinance their property.

Recording a lien makes the debt official and public, putting future purchasers on notice of the outstanding obligation. Additionally, it prioritizes the association's claim over other debts should the unit be sold or foreclosed, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining current payments.

Other methods, such as issuing warnings or assessing fines, may encourage compliance but typically do not create a direct financial obligation attached to the property itself. While reducing services might impact unit owners, it doesn't create a formal enforcement mechanism for collecting unpaid fees. Therefore, the most effective and legally recognized approach is the recording of a lien.