A neighbour is not paying their dues: what you can do, step by step

Arrears are problem number one in small communities. The good news: the law provides effective tools. The better news: most arrears are settled before you ever need them.

First, the human approach

A direct reminder, given without an audience, settles half of all cases: sometimes it is an oversight, sometimes a rough patch. Document the reminder (a message or a letter) and offer instalments if there is willingness.

If there is no response: the formal route

1. A resolution of the meeting: approve at the meeting the settlement of the debtor's debt (with the exact amount) and authorise the chair to claim it.
2. Formal notification: a registered notice stating the debt and the deadline for payment.
3. The payment order procedure: it is fast, needs no lawyer below €2,000, and the court issues a demand for payment. The community usually recovers both the debt and the costs.

In the meantime

The debtor loses their vote at meetings (although they still count towards the quorum) until they are up to date or have deposited the sum owed.

Prevention is worth more

Clear dues, issued every month, with a visible record of who has paid: when the state of the accounts is on view, social pressure does half the work.