In Texas, the HOA can put a lien on the house for unpaid dues and then foreclose to get payment for the lien. But it isn’t just Texas.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/08/us-homeowners-association-insight-idUSBREA0706N20140108
WOwsa. Thanks for the heads up. Note to self - never move into a Homeowner Association mandatory fee area.....ever.