Nebraska lawmakers vote to give homeowners associations power to file liens for unpaid dues

Neb. lawmakers give homeowners associations power

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraskans who belong to homeowners associations soon will likely have another reason to pay dues.

Lawmakers on Thursday gave final-round approval (LB736) to a bill that would allow associations to file financial liens on homes for unpaid association dues and fines. Association liens could lead to home foreclosure so the unpaid dues could be collected.

Liens for unpaid property taxes and mortgages would take priority over homeowner association liens.

Sen. Pete Pirsch of Omaha has said a similar law is in place for condominium associations and that courts have ruled that liens can be used by other types of homeowners associations.

If the bill is signed by Gov. Dave Heineman, it would go into effect immediately.