What action may a condo association take if a condominium owner defaults on maintenance fees?

A condominium association has the legal right to protect its financial interests through the imposition of a lien against the unit when an owner defaults on maintenance fees. This lien serves as a legal claim against the property, allowing the association to secure the amount owed for unpaid fees. It is a common practice in the condominium community because it ensures that the association can recover costs associated with maintaining common areas and facilities that benefit all residents.

Recording a lien offers the association a means to enforce payment and can lead to further actions, such as foreclosure, if the debts remain unpaid for an extended period. This process highlights the importance of maintaining financial responsibilities within the community to ensure overall stability and the upkeep of shared amenities.

Other options, like terminating the owner's lease or evicting the owner immediately, are not within the typical powers of a condo association, as these actions would generally require a legal process that includes a court order. Similarly, reducing the maintenance fee would not address the specific issue of collection for fees already owed. Thus, the proper course of action under the circumstances would be to record a lien.