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There's no free lunch - or lawn maintenance

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By RICHARD WHITE

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 8, 2009

We are a maintenance-free adult homeowner community. After two years, the developer said the association homeowners are responsible for the irrigation system. The documents say the association is responsible for maintenance. What does "maintenance-free" mean?

G.R.

Winter Haven

There is no such thing as "free." It's sales terminology that means the association will take care of certain maintenance issues, such as cutting the grass, and you will not have to worry about doing those things yourself. But you will pay a fee to the association: You are not getting your grass cut for free.

You should have read your documents, which define the association, before you purchased. But now is a good time to do that. You'll learn what obligations you have to your association and what services you pay to receive.

As an association member, you should volunteer your time and services to the other members; you should review the association's financial and operational records and attend meetings.

Remember that when someone says something is free, you better ask how and who pays.

I am an elderly single lady living alone. Several people from the association entered my home when I was away. They took personal papers and scattered other documents and items on the floor.

Talking to neighbors, I know who entered my home. What should I do and who can I contact?

I.L.

Orlando

Although the board and the association have a right to enter in an emergency, such as to make repairs, they are not allowed to take items such as you describe. In such a situation, call the police immediately. I would also check your credit reports to see whether they are stealing your identification. Get a copy of the police report and notify the credit bureaus and your bank.

Notify the board and ask that it take action to prevent future unauthorized entry, although normally the association is not responsible for any theft or unlawful entry. You should also call a locksmith and change your locks, and you might consider installing an entry alarm system. Living alone, you need to take extra precautions to protect yourself.

Richard White is a licensed community association manager. He does not offer legal opinions; any other questions and comments concerning association operations can be sent to Richard White, 6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd., No. 201, Winter Haven FL 33884-4115;

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