[TX][SFH] HOA Fees Question
I have a habit of being late on my HOA dues.
This is because I tried to put it on Autopay and the fees for that are excessive, and I look for a notice in the mail, and pay each time. For reference, the HOA charges me 5% for CC transaction and 3% (maybe 2%) for ACH transaction- even if they're on autopay. I hate that I have to pay for ACH. Annual dues are $2000- so they add up. $100 for a credit card or $60 for ACH every 6 months. Last time I left ACH on autopay, I sold the house, and they still charged my ach, and it took a while for me to realize and a little more to get the money back.
I do travel for work, and usually, when I check my mail, I pay the fees with a onetime 3% instead of the autopay and forget. Last two times I missed paying the fees due to the job, and I was late by a month or two- I paid in full. But they charged me 25% late fees (late fees + mail fees+ other fees- total was around $400). I was able to talk to them, and they waived it the first time, but this second time around, they are insistent on the $400 fees. I did some basic search on the HOA code in Texas, and it says I can not be docked late fees if I paid the fees before I get the certified mail- and even after I get the certified mail, I have a curing period before I get charged. Is this true? First time, I got normal mail, and I paid "late". This second time, I did get the certified mail, but I paid within a week of getting it. Needless to say, I still have the $400 "late" fees on my account.
I also read that special (late) assessment fees have a cap- but some people say it does not. And I figured I'd reach out to Reddit.
What exactly is the limitation? How much can they legally charge? 25% for a month late seems too high- or is this what your HOA is also doing?
Note- I said 25% late fees, but its late fees + bunch of other fees.