Complaint Review: Clagett Enterprises Inc - Frederick Maryland

 I purchased a home in a HOA run by Clagett Enterprises, Inc. back in October 2012.  Everyone knew that we were in the community long beforewe settled on the house.  We rented the home from July 2012 to October 2012 when we signed the documents to purchase the home. 

In March we received a bill from Clagett for the HOA dues.  I was expecting the to be around this time frame and prompty sent the check tn to pay for the dues.  However, I noticed my name was not on teh bill so I wrote on teh bill to please change the name to my name.  This is when things got messy. 

I then got a letter stating they want a copy of my HUD form from settlement and this was obtained from the previous owner.  Then what I got was shocking.  I received a bill for transfer fee of 90.00 to change my name over, a resale package fee of 100.00 and dpending who you talked to it was for the cost of obtaining documents of HOA bylaws and other various documents.  So I called and notifed Clagett of my dissatisfaction and was told that they are not responsible of not knowing that I was in the community and they were interested in collecting their fees. 

I called their office and clarified a few items on the bill and was told this would cover everything and the next bill I would get would be next year when the next yearly dues are sent out.  So I paid everything thinking I was good until then because I had paid the yearly dues, transfer fee and the resale fee.  Well I get another bill for another 100.00 dollars for a recap fee.  At this point I am furious because they added another fee that I was not aware, again no one claims any responsibility. 

I then notified the BBB of this activity and once Clagett received noticed of this complaint I was notified by Clagett that they would respond back to BBB that I do not want to give the association money, meaning the homeowners of the community would view me as not supporting their HOA.  Their was a meeting in my community the week before this and heard that the community manager from Clagett viewing me as the person against the association.  I paid the other 100.00 dollars to Clagett to ensure that my account was in good standing not because Clagett is known to put leins on homes without little notice but to maintain that I was making a good faith efforts through this complaint.  Some homeowners have mentioned that they have not had to pay these fees as discussed when they moved in. 

I also notified Clagett that payment did not mean I have settled with them in regards to this issue.  I had email repeatedly that no one should have to go through what I had to.  Again they stated it is not their respnsibility.  I asked them there should be measures in place when homes are for sale that people are made aware of all the costs that are associated with Clagett.  Again no response.  I have been warning others to stay away from Clagett Enterprises and what I have been dealing with since March. 

Clagetts other response to me since I notified BBB was that my emails to them were negative and threatening.  This is a common response from Clagett to other people when they have issues they do not want to deal with.  Not at one poing did I threaten physical harm and used fowl language.  I have made it clear that I did ot want to deal with the community manager and they are welcome to use another agent of their business to contact me.  I realize that I will loose this complaint since Clagett has vast legal and political resources. 

If I can help others to avoid the pitfalls of Clagett I woudl feel like I have done my part.