Westside Estate Agency's (WEA) Realtor, Stavros Mitchelides, Covers Breaking Story for South Florida Real Estate Industry

MIAMI, FL, June 16, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Westside Estate Agency’s (WEA) realtor, Stavros Mitchelides, recently exposed South Florida’s Condominium Boards for ripping off consumers with high application fees.

News broke recently that South Florida condominium boards and associations have been ripping off consumers with high application fees. Florida state law mandates that condo associations cannot charge fees greater than $100 per applicant.

Stavros Mitchelides called the Miami Herald when he realized his clients were being charged illegal condo fees. The Miami Herald then began an ongoing investigation which concluded that condo associations across South Florida are ripping off consumers with high application fees in violation of state law.

Associations are permitted to charge consumers who are applying to buy or rent a unit a maximum of $100 per applicant. These are nonrefundable fees that cover the costs of interviews, background checks, and credit checks. However, many consumers reported paying application fees anywhere between $125 and $625, according to lease and purchase applications reviewed by the Herald.

In response to this breaking story, WEA is emphasizing to condo applicants in South Florida that Florida state law mandates a maximum of a $100 application fee to avoid being ripped off by Florida Condominium Board Associations.

WEA’s Stavros Mitchelides has provided tips for consumers who may fall victim to illegal condo fees. First, inform the condo board that the fee is illegal. Second, file a complaint with the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. Third, file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General. And, fourth, file a civil lawsuit, or join a class-action lawsuit.

About Westside Estate Agency (WEA)

Westside Estate Agency (WEA) is an independent, high-wealth real estate brokerage company with offices located in Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Miami. You can visit Westside Estate Agency on the web at www.weahomes.com.

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Source: Westside Estate Agency