In the modern common interest community (the most common forms of which are the condominium, the planned community, and the cooperative), each unit/parcel is subject to an assessment for its proportionate share of the common expenses needed to operate the owners’ association (the “association”) and to maintain, repair, replace, and insure the community’s common elements and amenities. Assessments constitute the primary source of revenue for the community, and the ability to collect assessments is crucial to the association’s ability to provide the maintenance and services expected by community residents. If some owners do not pay their proportionate share of common expenses, the association will be forced to shift the burden of delinquent assessments to the remaining unit owners through increased assessments or reduced services and maintenance, potentially threatening property values within the community.