Q: We just bought a house in a nice neighborhood that we thought didn’t have a homeowners association. One of the neighbors told us there is an association, but all it does is maintain the road. We are being asked to pay a hundred dollars once a year. Is this legit? — Dan

A: Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it can come with surprises — like discovering a homeowners association you did not know existed. Whether you are legally required to pay the annual fee depends on a few key factors.

First, check your property’s deed and any documents you received during the home-buying process. If the HOA is legitimate, there should be recorded covenants, conditions, and restrictions tied to your property. These documents outline the rules of the association and your obligations as a homeowner. If the HOA is officially recorded and your property is part of it, then you will need to pay the annual fee.

If you cannot find a recorded document, the association may be voluntary. Voluntary HOAs do not have the same legal authority as mandatory ones, and act more like a civic association. In this case, you are not legally obligated to pay the fee, but contributing could still be a good idea if it helps maintain shared resources like the road. After all, a well-maintained road benefits everyone in the neighborhood, including you.

To be sure, you might want to contact the title company or attorney who handled your closing. They can help you confirm whether the HOA is mandatory or voluntary. You could also ask the neighbor who mentioned the association if they have any documentation or contact information for the HOA.

Finally, if you do find out the HOA is mandatory, make sure you understand your obligations. Even small associations can have rules about things like property appearance or shared responsibilities, so it’s good to know what you’re signing up for. If it’s voluntary, the decision to pay is ultimately up to you, but contributing to the upkeep of shared resources can help foster goodwill with your neighbors.

In short, do a little digging to confirm the HOA’s status. If it’s mandatory, you’ll need to pay the fee. If it’s voluntary, it’s your choice — but maintaining good neighborly relations and a well-kept road might make it worth the small cost.

©2025 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.