Short answer
Often yes. Section 5315 of the Uniform Planned Community Act treats late charges, fines and interest as enforceable assessments, and says a judgment or decree includes costs and reasonable attorney fees for the prevailing party. Ask for an itemized payoff before closing.
What can be added
Section 5315(a) of the Pennsylvania Uniform Planned Community Act allows late charges, fines and interest to be enforceable like assessments. That means the number on the lien can be bigger than the original unpaid dues. A small unpaid amount from a few years ago can grow if the association charged late fees every month.
Attorney fees
Section 5315(g) says a judgment or decree in an action brought under the section shall include costs and reasonable attorney fees for the prevailing party. A homeowner who wins a dispute may recover fees, and an association that wins can add its fees. That makes it worth reading the association's demand letters closely.
Priority at a judicial sale
Section 5315(b) says unpaid assessments that come due during the six months immediately preceding a judicial sale receive priority treatment, and the lien is divested by a judicial sale only to the extent the statute provides. The statute is detailed, so ask an attorney how it applies to your lien.
Challenge or pay?
If the amounts look wrong, ask for an accounting and the governing documents. If you need to close quickly, pay under protest and keep records. This page is general information and not legal advice. A Pennsylvania attorney can help you contest charges. Keep every letter from the association and its lawyer in one folder. If you ever dispute the balance, the dates on those letters will matter.
Selling for cash instead
Fees and fines on top of a mortgage payoff can eat most of a small equity cushion. Kaizen Home Buyers is one option to compare. We pay cash, buy as-is and charge no agent commission, so you do not fix anything first. We can send an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on your schedule. Call 267-329-0084.