I paid the $300 + lawyer's fees totaling &1000 (paid in full) and they never removed it. I'm in court now. Everyday, researching Selective Enforcement.
Selective enforcement doesn't apply in the situation in which you appear to be engulfed.
You should research how to remove a lien.
Here, allow me to jump start you, mate.
NOTICE REQUIRED BEFORE HOA CAN FILE THE LIEN
No fewer than 15 days prior to filing the lien, an HOA or COA must mail a statement of the assessment amount due to the property owner by first-class mail (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47F-3-116(b), § 47C-3-116(b)).
Notice of Lien Is Also Required
Before the HOA or COA files the actual claim of lien, it must serve (or attempt to serve) a copy of the claim of lien to the owner of the property by personal service or first-class mail (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47F-3-116(c), § 47C-3-116(c)).
In North Carolina, an HOA or COA is entitled to a lien for unpaid assessments and related charges once the amount due is 30 days late.
The lien becomes effective when the HOA or COA files a claim of lien with the clerk of the superior court in the county where the property is located (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47F-3-116(a), § 47C-3-116(a)).
State law and the HOA or COA's governing documents, such as the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and bylaws, will often set out the type of charges that may be included in the lien. In North Carolina, an HOA or COA is permitted to include the following in its lien (unless the governing documents say otherwise):
* past-due assessments
* late charges (not to exceed the greater of $20 per month or 10% of any unpaid assessment) (N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 47F-3-102(11), § 47C-3-102 (11))
* fines for violations of the CC&Rs
* interest on past-due common expense assessments (not to exceed
18% per year) (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47F-3-115(b), § 47C-3-115(b)),
* other charges (such as those connected with the preparation and recordation of documents,
including amendments to the declaration or statements of unpaid assessments). (N.C. Gen. Stat. §
47F-3-116(a), § 47C-3-116(a)).
Bottom line, mate:
To get the lien released the HOA has to make another filing with the county recorder (or whatever person records deeds).
Of course, the recorder wants MORE money which adds fees for the release.
The HOA should have included the lien release fees in the original filing that you paid.
Heck, the lawyer got his/her $1K.
Make it easy, mate, get the HOA to complete the lien release form and file it yourself.
In most cases this can be done for under fifty bucks, maybe even twenty bucks.
The register of deed in Mecklenburg County is the right place for Charlotte:
Register of Deeds
EMAIL:
ROD@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
PHONE = Register of Deeds = 704-336-2443
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
Register of Deeds
720 East Fourth Street
Charlotte, NC 28202