ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/WCCO) – Minnesota lawmakers are taking aim at Homeowner’s Associations after hearing complaints from across the state.
82% of new homes in Minnesota are part of Home Owners Associations, but DFL State Representative Kristin Bahner of Maple Grove says the laws have not kept up pace, leaving home owners in a world of hurt.
“The reality of many is one of escalating costs for monthly dues, special assessments for repairs, outrageous restrictions by boards run amok, escalating fines and fees, often for minor infractions leading to foreclosure,” Bahner says. “Or residents forced to sell when their affordable housing is no longer affordable.”
The bill has bipartisan support, with Republican State Representative Shane Mekeland of Clear Lake sharing one of the horror stories he’s heard.
“When people simply will send an email, make a phone call, send a letter asking questions for clarification, and sometimes it takes more than one attempt,” Mekeland explains. “What they get in return is a bill from an attorney for $2,000 that they’re then assessed with.”
Republican State Senator Eric Lucero of St. Michael is a Real Estate agent, and the lead on the Senate Housing committee. He shared some outrageous stories about complaints he’s gotten from constituents, including a woman who left her garbage bin at the end of her driveway and was gone on business. She returned to find a fine.
“There was a fine assessed and it escalated to a whopping total of $56, and with that $56 the HOA board decided to initiate the foreclosure process,” Lucero explains.
The bill and others came out of a task force set up last year to address the problem.
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