November 22, 2025 | Mark Luis Foster
What happens when you move into a home that you were assured to be outside of an HOA, only to get an invoice years later for actually being inside of one the whole time? Turns out this happened to a North Carolina couple, who moved into a High Point, North Carolina, home in 2019 under the valid assumption that the property was not located in an association. The deed said so.
From WFMY-TV in North Carolina:
[Tanisha] Robertson never received a notice, a bill, or any indication an HOA existed. But in October 2023, an unexpected letter landed in her mailbox. “They told me I owed a certain amount, and if I didn’t pay, they would put a lien on the home,” she said.
That would certainly be a surprise, a sort of boomerang HOA. This was their first home, and then the mail brought bad tidings. She contacted her real estate agent and the closing attorney. Confirmation was given that she was definitely not in an HOA.
But in February, everything changed. Robertson was served court papers from the HOA seeking more than $4,000 in dues, fines and legal fees — and the association moved to place a lien on her home.
Understandably the homeowner felt “railroaded” and was pulling money from her retirement accounts to make good on the debt. But the TV station coverage helped in the final resolution.
The pressure forced Robertson to pull emergency funds from her retirement account. But after News 2 intervention, the real estate agents and closing attorney agreed to pay the full amount of the back dues, the lien was lifted and the case resolved.
The story doesn’t really reveal why the inactive HOA suddenly reared its head. Did they charge everyone within its borders? Had others paid in the past? The story does not say. It makes me wonder how many dormant HOAs are out there.
The station’s written column provided some good advice on “avoiding HOA surprises.” You can read the whole story HERE.
CONSUMER TIPS: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HOA SURPRISES
- Always check public records yourself. Do not rely solely on seller disclosures, listings, or what your agent believes. County records and subdivision filings can confirm whether an HOA exists.
- Request HOA documents in writing before closing. Governing documents, dues schedules, meeting minutes and bylaws are public records and should be provided anytime a homeowner asks.
- Ask your closing attorney to verify HOA status formally. A title search should also include confirmation of any association covenants or fees.
- If you receive a surprise bill or lien, respond immediately. Ignoring an HOA legal filing can escalate quickly and lead to court fees and additional penalties.
- Document everything. Keep copies of purchase documents, emails, listing materials and disclosures in case disputes arise later.
