The Green Industry's Resource Center

cutman2000 · #1 05-10-2012, 10:08 PM

I made arrangements to do a pro bono job, plus a money job(lot clearing), for a woman that is spoke person of the HOA. We discuss this over numerous emails in detail. She mentioned the price she'd pay for the money job in the emails and asked that I get started right away. Well, after I completed the money job(lot clearing) and the pro bono job, she stopped responding to my emails. There is no contract. She sent a contract via email earlier, but I made a few changes and she agreed. I signed it, and emailed the new contract back to her, she said she'd send it back signed. I went ahead and started the jobs before getting the contract back, and she never sent it back. But I do have the emails of her asking me to start with a promised amount. Can I do anything?

ReddensLawnCare · #2 05-10-2012, 10:14 PM

Yes. They will hold up in court. Ask yourself though in the busiest time of the year is it really worth it
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Dr.NewEarth · #3 05-11-2012, 11:54 AM

Some property managers are such narcissistic jerks. They search out smaller and newer companies that aren't aware of the laws and rip them off continually.

This happens alot at the beginning of the season when the landscaper has little or no extra money or time to throw away on court costs.

They expect that most of us will walk away. Then the manager looks like they are doing a fantastic job, and saving the HOA money.

Dr.NewEarth · #4 05-11-2012, 11:57 AM

By the way, Please Don't do Pro Bono Work.

cutman2000 · #5 05-11-2012, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.NewEarth

By the way, Please Don't do Pro Bono Work.

Should I walk away?

Weekend cut easymoney · #6 05-11-2012, 01:41 PM

don't give up

-bill them via a certified letter and get a return reciept and make sure to include your payments terms and late fees that will apply if not paid by a certian date-
also include a short letter on your letterhead telling them that you completed the work as discussed (state what was agreed to be done) and agreed to on (whatever date) by (state the person's name).
-bill them each week with a certified letter and on the second attempt tell them that you will be turning the collection over to an attorney and they will be liable for the attorney's fees as well as the invoiced amounts and late fees-

Many people will also tell you to go file a 'mechanics lien' right away-your county courthouse can help with this-

LindblomRJ · #7 05-11-2012, 07:51 PM

Get your money. Until you're paid no work. And I'd walk away anyway. No pay, no service.

Bunton Guy · #8 05-13-2012, 09:43 PM

If someone is taking money out of my families mouth I would have no problem walking up to her door step at 5:00PM and knocking on the door to ask if I can trade her my invoice for one of her checks!

Landscape Poet · #9 05-13-2012, 10:14 PM

Attend the next HOA meeting with emails in hand if nothing else works. I have a feeling the threat of being "exposed" may make this type of person pay up so they do not lose the perception of their control in the community. Not many would want someone who fails to pay bills in charge of their HOA.