How do I handle the HOA?

[Arthur Yu]

Hi Everyone,

Big fan here, long time listener to the Bigger Pockets podcast and first time poster. 

My HOA hired a company to assess the level of mold in my rental property after the gutter, just to the side of the roof, was damaged (and eventually caused black molding in my ceiling). Now they are claiming I need to pay this invoice even though I never authorized it as the home owner.

What can I do to fight this? 

From my perspective, they FAILED to maintain the exterior (which they cover per the CC&R) and caused INTERIOR damage to my property. 

Any tips/advice helps :)