三个月失效是道听途说的过于简单的概括,实际上:
The board should serve its notice of lien correctly. Otherwise, it could have trouble enforcing the lien. Ten days after it serves the notice of lien, the board may register a certificate of lien. If the board fails to register the certificate of lien within three months from the date of the default that gave rise to the lien occurred, the right to exercise a lien expires. However, this doesn't affect the board's right to enforce the unit owner to fulfill her obligation through regular court proceedings.
http://juliekinnear.com/blogs/be-careful-not-to-fall-behind-on-your-condo-fees?
失效的lien还是lien,还挂在你的房子上,失效的lien只是说他们不能靠这个lien来没收你的房子,但是如果你想卖房,你还需要把那个lien给拿掉。如何拿掉,要么交罚款请人家拿,要么去告人家lien失效求法院拿。你一动不动,失效的lien对你也有影响。
这个问题,如果想不花钱解决,就需要自己学习当地的法规,各地大同小异,无法直接帮忙,而且加拿大法院组织和美国不太一样,请自己自助,或者找律师解决。
我建议把罚款交了。吃一堑长一智。