Mediation:
Mediation is a process in which a trained neutral person, a "mediator," helps people in a dispute to communicate with one another, to understand each other, and if possible, to reach agreements that satisfy everyone's needs. If you do not sign a written agreement in mediation, and you decide to take your dispute to court, neither the mediator nor the participants can testify in court about what happened during the mediation. The mediation process in Maryland is called MACRO and is partially supported by the state resulting in very low fees.
For more information about MACRO (Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office) click on the following link: MACRO
Complaints:
If you are concerned that your condominium or homeowner's association is violating the law, you can file a complaint with the Office of Maryland Attorney General (OAG) by calling the AG Hotline at:
1-410-528-8662
Mon-Fri at 9am to 3pm
Complaint forms can be filed on line or can be downloaded from the OAG website at:
http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/complaint.htm
However, complaints are accepted in letter form.
The OAG attempts to mediate complaints to the satisfaction of both parties. An easy-to-understand publication, The Consumer's Edge, Issue #132, which explains OAG HOA and Condo homeowner services is available by clicking here, going to the Home section and clicking on Common Ownership Communities (COCs).
If you live in Prince George's County, you can contact the Office on Common Ownership Communities. This office offers training sessions, assists during transition periods, offers mediation services and provides needed information.
Call 301-952-4729 or go to the Office of Community Relations web site and choose Common Ownership Communities. The e-mail address is COC@co.pg.md.us.
If you live in Montgomery County and are concerned about arbitrary or illegal actions by your Board, you can contact the Commission on Common Ownership Communities at:
1-240-777-3636
For Commission information, click on the link below:
Commission on Common Ownership Communities
Note from MHA: Never withhold either a fine or your condominium fee even if you think the fine is illegal and/or services are not being provided. There are cases across the country where failure to pay was used to run up legal costs and force homeowners into foreclosure. However, if you have been fined illegally, it is possible you can file a complaint against your Board in Small Claims Court. There are cases where a Board did not follow proper procedures and a judgement against the Board was awarded. Further, some owners have been able to recover fees paid to an attorney when that is what it took to get a Board to act within the law or honor the governing documents. For a link to Maryland Small Claims Court (District Court), see below.
For Information on Small Claims Court, click on:
Maryland Small Claims Court (District Court)