Are landowners obliged to pay association dues?
Dear Nanay,
My question is regarding real estate investments. It seems that some subdivisions have association dues, which we need to pay monthly even if we are not living there. Is this legal? Is there a way out of this? What will happen if we don’t pay, do they have the right to kick us out?
Jo
Dear Jo,
It is really a standard operating procedure for subdivisions to charge the lot owners association dues. The association in turn uses these funds to pay for the security guards, the upkeep of the subdivision, salaries and other administrative expenses. Kung hindi magbabayad ang mga landowners ng dues, saan kukunin ng association yung pambayad nila sa expenses nila? (If landowners won’t pay the dues, where will the association get the money to pay for expenses?)
If you have a problem with your association, I suggest you consult a lawyer. The regulations vary in every subdivision. But as a rule, whether you stay in your property or not, you will likely have to pay the dues.
But don’t feel too bad because all those dues you are paying are also for the benefit of the landowners. You all share in the common overhead expenses like security and street cleaning. These would be far more expensive if everyone would try to undertake them individually.
Sincerely,
Nanay
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Surprising a Stingy Husband
Dear Nanay,
It has always been my dream to take my family on a trip to Europe. I have now saved up enough money to do it and I want to surprise my husband and treat him and our two kids. But he is medyo barat (a cheapskate) and I am afraid he might get mad at me if I will spend too much. But I really want to surprise him. Do you think I should go ahead with my plan or not?
MTF
Dear MTF,
Aside from being a vacation, traveling to other countries can also be very educational. It is a chance for you to see how other people live and how others do things. It is an opportunity for you to learn and perhaps you can bring some of those ideas back here to the Philippines to help improve our country.
And you should not wait till you are very old before you travel. Go while you are still young and full of energy. Take advantage while you can still enjoy the sites and walk, walk, walk! Naku, lalo na diyan sa Europe, puro lakad ang mga tao diyan! (Especially in Europe, where people really walk.)
You did not mention how old your children are. If they are already in high school or college, they will surely and especially appreciate the chance to experience the history of Europe.
Having said that, I think it would be okay for you to surprise your husband. Maybe you can surprise him on a special occasion and then you can tell him that his gift to you is keeping you company while you fulfill your dreams.
Sincerely,
Nanay
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If you have a question, e-mail us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.
