Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced on May 8 that his office has reached court settlements with two Idaho homeowners’ associations and a management company after complaints that homeowners were charged transfer fees not disclosed in governing documents. The action comes after the Attorney General’s Office received reports of fees collected in violation of the Idaho Homeowners Association Act and the Idaho Consumer Protection Act.
The matter is significant for homeowners, as state law requires all HOAs to clearly disclose any transfer fees within their Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions. Under Idaho law, management companies are not permitted to charge such fees independently.
“Idaho families work hard to buy a home, and they deserve to know every cost before they sign,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Hidden fees collected without legal authority violate Idaho law, and we will hold HOAs and the companies that manage them accountable.”
Assurances of Voluntary Compliance were signed by Pristine Springs Homeowners Association of Ada County, Armstrong Park Homeowners Association of Kootenai County, and Park Pointe Management Services of Ada County. According to the announcement, Park Pointe contracts with about 70 HOAs across Idaho. The agreements require ongoing monitoring by the Attorney General’s Office regarding fee practices at all three entities.
Under the terms set out by Labrador’s office, Armstrong Park must refund $195 to any homeowner who was improperly charged a transfer fee within 30 days. Park Pointe Management is required to identify all affected homeowners and issue refunds for improper transfer fee collections within 90 days.
The outcome underscores increased scrutiny on HOA practices in Idaho. Observers expect continued oversight from state authorities as compliance is monitored under these new agreements.
