<prompt> Human: My mom had to move out of the country due to a family emergency so she rented her house. She informed the HOA about the change of address by phone but apparently this was never updated. In January 2013, they raised the monthly fee by 10. She had automatic bill pay and was unaware of this change so she continued paying the old amount and they continued cashing her check. She only found out about this after calling the HOA last Monday for an unrelated matter. For 19 months, the HOE charged her 10 a 25 late fee since the payment was incomplete and then sent it to a collections attorney. They apparently sent letters to the old address but we never received anything. They did have the right phone number but they never bothered to call. Now they wont discuss it with her, only through the attorney. She called the attorney and they are demanding she pay 1042 in 7 days or she will get an additional 200 tacked on and they will take her to court. They are being very nasty about it.It seems outrageous to charge 852 in fees for a 190 debt, especially under the circumstances. This could have all be resolved if one person had picked up the phone and told her about it. Is there a strategy you recommend to solve this? Im planning on taking care of it as she doesnt speak much English and gets really frightened by these assholes.Ive read about FTC rules for debt collection and the PF FAQs. Im planning on requesting a validation notice from the attorney as so far we have not received anything in writing. The big question I have is if there are specific considerations because this is an HOA in Texas. Could the HOA place a lien on the house or even foreclose? Ive heard some horror stories. Thanks all!  <response>: Hoas are notoriously difficult. I certainly support fighting it... But pay the fine now. Validating the debt isnt really applicable. Learn the bylaws and take them to small claims to win a judgment forcing them to return the fine, plus your costs. You dont want the debt to grow. There are fiduciary laws that could apply... There are also limits to penalties applied to a debt. Good luck...Edit. Yes to both your questions. Also, Donald trump went up against his HOA and lost. There are cases where homeowner prevailed. Pay the fine then fight 