CONDOMINIUM LIENS

Condominium associations in Wisconsin have the power to file a lien against a unit owner for a variety of reasons. Liens can be filed as a means of collecting unpaid fees or assessments, or to ensure compliance with the association's governing documents. In this article, we will explore why a condominium association in Wisconsin would create and file a lien against a unit owner, citing specific statutes and which municipal government entities may be involved.

First, it is important to understand what a lien is and how it works. A lien is a legal claim against a property, which allows the creditor to collect any outstanding debts or obligations that the owner may have. In the case of a condominium association, a lien can be filed against a unit owner for non-payment of fees or assessments, or for violating the association's rules and regulations.

Wisconsin law provides specific guidelines for the creation and filing of liens by condominium associations. Under Wis. Stat. § 703.165, a condominium association may create a lien against a unit owner for unpaid assessments or charges, including late fees and interest. The association must first provide written notice to the unit owner, informing them of the delinquency and the intention to create a lien. The notice must also include a statement of the amount owed, including any fees or charges associated with the lien creation.

Once the notice has been given, the association may create and file a lien against the unit owner's property. This lien is recorded with the county register of deeds, and serves as a public notice that the property is encumbered by the association's claim. The lien may be enforced through a foreclosure action, which would allow the association to collect the outstanding debt by selling the property at auction.

In addition to non-payment of assessments or charges, a condominium association may also create and file a lien against a unit owner for violating the association's governing documents. This includes violations of rules and regulations, as well as failure to maintain the property in accordance with the association's standards. Under Wis. Stat. § 703.165, the association may create a lien for the cost of correcting any violations, as well as any costs associated with enforcing the governing documents.

In order to create a lien for a violation of the governing documents, the association must first provide written notice to the unit owner. The notice must identify the violation and provide a deadline for correcting the problem. If the unit owner fails to correct the violation by the deadline, the association may create and file a lien for the costs associated with correcting the violation.

It is important to note that condominium associations in Wisconsin must follow specific procedures when creating and filing liens. Failure to follow these procedures may result in the lien being unenforceable. In addition, unit owners have the right to contest the creation of a lien, and may do so through the court system.

In terms of which municipal government entities may be involved in the creation and filing of liens by condominium associations, it depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Generally speaking, liens created by condominium associations are recorded with the county register of deeds, which is a county-level government entity responsible for maintaining records of property ownership and transactions.

In addition, if the association decides to pursue foreclosure to collect the outstanding debt, the court system will become involved. The foreclosure action would be filed with the circuit court in the county where the property is located, and the court would oversee the foreclosure process. This may involve a sheriff's sale of the property, with the proceeds going towards satisfying the outstanding debt owed to the association.

In conclusion, a condominium association in Wisconsin may create and file a lien against a unit owner for non-payment of assessments or charges, as well as for violations of the association's governing documents. The creation and filing of liens is governed by specific statutes, and must follow specific procedures in order to be enforceable. Liens are recorded with the county register of deeds, and may involve the court system if foreclosure action is pursued.

Liens can be a powerful tool for condominium associations to collect unpaid fees or ensure compliance with governing documents. However, it is important for associations to follow the proper procedures and provide notice to the unit owner before creating and filing a lien. Unit owners also have the right to contest the creation of a lien, and may do so through the court system.

It is also important for condominium associations to seek legal counsel when creating and filing liens. Attorneys can provide guidance on the specific procedures and requirements under Wisconsin law, and can help ensure that the association's actions are legally enforceable.

In addition to creating and filing liens, condominium associations in Wisconsin have other tools at their disposal for collecting unpaid fees or enforcing governing documents. These may include the ability to suspend privileges or services, to file a lawsuit for breach of contract, or to seek arbitration or mediation.

Ultimately, the goal of a condominium association is to maintain the property and ensure that all unit owners are complying with the governing documents. Liens can be an effective tool for achieving this goal, but must be used judiciously and in accordance with Wisconsin law.

In the end, a condominium association in Wisconsin may create and file a lien against a unit owner for non-payment of fees or violations of governing documents. This process is governed by specific statutes and procedures, and may involve the county register of deeds and the court system. It is important for associations to seek legal counsel and follow the proper procedures when creating and filing liens, in order to ensure that the liens are legally enforceable. By doing so, associations can maintain the property and ensure compliance with governing documents, while protecting the rights of unit owners.