How to Lower Condo Association Fees (Without Cutting Services)

Condo associations everywhere are facing the same problem: rising costs. Whether it’s insurance, maintenance, landscaping, or utilities—everything is going up. And the usual fix? Raising condo fees.

But what if there was another way – one you most likely that has not been considered?

If you’re part of a condo board looking for smart ways to offset expenses without cutting back, or if you’re faced with no clear solution to be able to pay your condo fees, this guide is for you. There are ways to reduce financial strain—and one of them might actually surprise you.

Can You Fight the HOA Fee Increase?

In most cases, no—if the budget needs more money, fees go up. You can ask questions, propose alternatives, or push for a vote, but the increase usually passes.

The better question is: how can your condo association bring in more money—without raising fees?

What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your HOA Fees?

Delinquent condo fees can lead to late charges, legal action, and in some cases, liens against the unit. So no, refusing to pay isn’t a real option.

But helping the board find new revenue streams? That’s a smart move—and something every owner should want to support.

Why Are My Condo Fees So High?

Let’s break it down. Condo fees typically cover:

• Exterior maintenance and landscaping
• Insurance for shared spaces
• Garbage removal
• Snow plowing or storm cleanup
• Building repairs and reserves

And if your building has shared amenities—like a pool, gym, or security system—those costs stack up fast. The board isn’t padding a bank account; they’re just trying to cover the bills.

Special Assessments Are the Real Budget Killer

If you think rising monthly fees are bad, wait until your building hits owners with a special assessment.

This happens when there’s a major expense—like a new roof, elevator repair, or legal issue—and the board doesn’t have enough in reserves to cover it. So they divide the cost among all owners. And it’s usually not cheap.

We’ve seen assessments as high as $417/month on top of regular fees. That’s not sustainable for most people. Even worse? You often don’t get a choice. Pay it, or risk legal consequences.

This is why smart condo boards are looking for non-dues revenue before they reach crisis mode. Adding a passive income stream—like affiliate revenue from CUE Broadcast—won’t solve every problem, but it can help build reserves, soften the blow, and delay or even prevent future assessments.

A New Way to Help Cover Costs: CUE Broadcast

This is where a service like CUE Broadcast can help.

CUE is a low-cost live TV and on-demand streaming service that works on any device. It costs subscribers $59.99/month—and the condo association can earn $10/month in recurring income for every unit that signs up through a shared affiliate link.

Here’s how it works:

1. The condo board signs up for a CUE account.
2. They become an affiliate (optional, free).
3. They promote the service to residents (flyers, email, newsletter, etc.).
4. Every time a resident signs up, the condo association earns $10 per month, every month.

💡 Bonus: There’s no cost to the board (they can get a CUE Broadcast membership for the exercise room), and residents that sign up get an awesome streaming option.

For example, if your condo association has 111 unit and you get a bit over half of them to show up (65 let’s say), then the association gets $650/month by being a CUE affiliate. If the span of the special assessment is 5 years, then here’s how it works out:

• $650/month
• $7800/year
• $39,000 over 5 years

Wouldn’t that help? The special assessment fee goes down, people get premium channels, and they probably even save money over what they’re paying now. But wait, it gets even better…

How Residents Can Earn Too (Refer 3, Get It Free)

Here’s another reason to promote CUE Broadcast in your building: residents can get their TV service for free.

CUE’s built-in referral program gives users free service for every three people they refer who sign up. So even if the board doesn’t want to run a full affiliate program, individual owners can offset their streaming costs just by helping friends and neighbors sign up.

Even better: any subscriber can choose to become a full affiliate and earn $10/month for each person they refer—just like the condo board can.

10 Easy Ways to Share and Earn Referrals:

1. Send a group text to friends and family
2. Post a banner to Facebook, Instagram, or X
3. Add a CUE Broadcast link to your email signature
4. Share in condo or HOA Facebook groups
5. Mention it to coworkers or book club friends
6. Print and leave flyers in the mail room or lobby
7. Include a referral link in your Nextdoor profile
8. Offer to help a neighbor cut cable and switch
9. Talk it up at board or community meetings
10. Use the pre-made banners in your CUE dashboard

It’s simple, and the money adds up fast. Whether you’re looking to cover your own bill or help boost your community’s budget, CUE makes it easy to get started.

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More Questions & Answers About Lowering Condo Fees

Is There Any Way Around HOA Fees or Special Assessments?

Not directly—but with something like CUE, you can offset the need for increases. Think of it like a side hustle for your building. Instead of just collecting dues, you’re earning income.

It’s not about dodging fees—it’s about being resourceful.

Can I Refuse to Pay Condo Fees?

No. But here’s a better option: help your building become a CUE Broadcast affiliate. You’ll contribute financially and help other owners save money on TV, especially those looking to cut cable bills.

This kind of solution doesn’t just benefit one unit—it helps everyone.

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Final Thoughts: Think Like a Business, Not Just a Board

Most condo boards don’t think like businesses—but they should. Finding non-dues revenue is a smart, forward-thinking way to protect your community’s finances.

And in this case, it’s easy. CUE Broadcast offers a legit way to earn recurring income, support your residents, and avoid hard decisions about cutting services or raising fees again.

Download the PDF: Share With Your Condo Board

Want to show this idea to your board or fellow residents?

I’ve put together a one-page PDF flyer that explains how CUE can help your condo association earn recurring income and avoid fee hikes.

📄 Download a PDF of This Article