The Mystery of the Ever-Increasing Dues

When Z and W bought their townhouse, the dues were reasonable. But every year, the amount crept up. At first, it was five percent — then ten. One year, it jumped twenty percent with no clear explanation.

When Z and W asked for the budget and board meeting minutes, they were told the information would be sent “soon.” Months passed. They asked again. This time, they were told the documents “weren’t ready.”

Meanwhile, neighbors complained about broken gates, dying landscaping, and an unusable clubhouse that was supposedly being “updated” — but never reopened.

Rumors spread that reserve funds were empty. But no one really knew — because no one could see the books.