From what we can tell this is true. I have no idea how this makes sense but surrendering the property in the bankruptcy would have settled the mortgage
only. Collateral fees like the HOA would have been a separate debt and each month he missed would have been considered a new, non-dischargeable one. I noticed he didn't whine about the property tax (which is normally withheld as part of your mortgage payment in America) but again, the laws here make no sense.
EDIT: Ninja'd by
@actually
This is also a friendly reminder to all Kiwis listening that Phil spent about $733 in mortgage + $400 in HOA fees a month
for almost five years after moving to Renton. That's just under $68,000 before accounting for things like fees for being connected to utilities; even if you say his gout aunt lived there half that time and covered the expenses in full he paid over $30,000 for literally nothing.