Article
and Video Courtesy of First Coast News
By Ken Amaro
Published August 15, 2020
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VIDEO
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JACKSONVILLE — The Nottingham Harbor subdivision is
home to Chris Roling and Robin Roling. It is where the Navy Second Class
Petty Officer and husband are raising their seven children.
"This is our home," Robin Roling said. "We are here."
The couple is now engaged in a fight with their
Homeowners Association over dues; it is the picture of David vs.
Goliath.
"My house is worth $270,000 and they're trying to take it for $3,800,"
she said.
Robin Roling said when her husband lost his income, her navy salary was
all they had and they got behind on their annual HOA fees. In fact, the
couple was in such financial dire straits, their home was in foreclosure
but they were able to save it.
"The fees we owe were $760, but they have grown to over $5,000," Robin
Roling said. |
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The HOA filed suit Aug. 4 and, on Monday, the Rolings were served with
the notice.
"I feel like we are in a lonely scary place," Chris Roling said.
The lawsuit claims as of July 15, 2020, the couple owes more than $1,700
in fees accrued interests plus costs and attorney fees.
"I am not looking for charity," Robin Roling said. "I would like them to
work with me and give me a payment plan that would work into my family
budget."
She said they have submitted a repayment plan but it was rejected and
they are not able to pay the debt in full. On Your Side reached out to
the HOA and was told it is in the attorney's hands. We sent the attorney
an email and we are waiting for a response.
"I am not really sure why they won't accept the payment plans that we
have offered," Robin Roling said. "In the end, they will get the money.
I am not really sure if it is the association or the attorneys."
She said the fees are $280 a year and they have made a good faith effort
to be a good neighbor by paying the fees for the past three years.
"I paid 2018, 2019, 2020, but they did not put that toward the dues,"
Robin Roling said. "They put it toward the legal fees."
Zachary Roth with Ansbacher Law Firm said that is pretty standard. He
said homeowners often see their HOA as the entity that takes care of the
entrance, but it is more than that.
"People need to think of their HOA as being more of a government," Roth
said.
It has the power to take property for overdue fees or failing to comply
with other violations.
"I think the HOA in Florida has too much power," Roling said.
Roth said they need to ask the court to allow this case to go to
mediation. The family has 20 days to respond to the lawsuit.
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