Surprise lien on her condo

Published: Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 3:52 am

Condo Owner Hit with Surprise Lien Before Sale

A South Florida woman faced a significant setback when preparing to sell her condo. Just days before the closing, she discovered a $1,250 lien on her unit, a surprise that threatened the sale. The lien, affecting all units in the Cypress Club, stemmed from fines imposed by the city due to the building's failure to complete necessary repairs for its 40-year recertification.

The homeowner, Melanie Chojnacki, was unaware of the lien until the last minute. She stated that neither the homeowners association (HOA) board nor the property management company had informed her or other residents about the issue. This lack of communication prompted her to confront the board during a Zoom meeting, expressing her frustration. Despite the board's apology, Chojnacki was forced to pay the lien to finalize the sale of her condo.

Legal experts confirm that the HOA board has a fiduciary duty to inform owners of any issues impacting their property, including liens. However, the legal recourse for owners who are not informed is limited, with the primary option being a potentially costly lawsuit. The situation highlights the importance of proactive communication from HOA boards and the need for condo owners to stay informed about their property's status. The board's absence at the hearing where the fines and lien were imposed raises further questions about their handling of the situation.

BNN's Perspective: This case underscores the critical need for transparency and proactive communication between HOA boards and condo owners. While the legal system may offer limited remedies for owners in such situations, the responsibility lies with the board to act in the best interests of its residents. This incident serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of diligent oversight and open dialogue within condo communities.

Keywords: condo lien, HOA, property sale, 40-year recertification, homeowner rights, condo board, fiduciary duty, property management, South Florida, Cypress Club, Melanie Chojnacki, legal recourse, condo ownership, real estate, fines

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