Which term describes the mandatory lien-based assessments used to operate and maintain a community?

• A. Special assessments.
• B. General assessments.
• C. Maintenance fees.
• D. Capital charges.

Answer: (C)

Maintenance fees are the ongoing, mandatory charges a community levies to cover the day-to-day operate-and-maintain costs of the association. They’re typically billed regularly and are enforceable by a lien if payments fall behind, which ensures the association can sustain regular services like management, utilities for common areas, repairs, landscaping, insurance for common facilities, and reserves. This fits the idea of funding normal operations and upkeep.

Special assessments, by contrast, are for a specific, usually larger project or unexpected expense and aren’t the ongoing charges used to run the community. General assessments can be broader but don’t specifically emphasize routine maintenance, and capital charges relate to funds for major improvements rather than everyday operations.