asked to leave my condo for 2 weeks its now been 10 months

Hi all
I was having slab leaks for over 2 years and every time they happened it would flood my condo. After shotty work for two years, the association decided to re-pipe the condo in april 2016 mean while the condo grew mold all over the unit was making me very sick. So after they need re-piped the unit april 10th 2016 the association asked me to move out for two weeks and they also moved out all of my belongings. Well it has been 10 months now and they haven't touched my condo. The president of the board is a bully he chased all the good people off of the board. Went to new home owners and conned them into believing things. The association is paying for the hotel only but I have to pay to eat out every night laundry ect. Also I am paying for my mortgage association dues and utilities at condo. He just keeps raising dues on the rest of the homeowners to pay for various the hotel. I don't have the money for a lawyer and they no that.
PLEASE HELP ME if anyone can. Thanks
[email protected]

This is a tough situation. Have you spoken to the property manager to see if the contractors have a date when the problem will be fixed and you can move back in? It may be they still haven’t figured out what the problem is – or the association is having money problems and can’t afford to fix it. If you get a move in date, get that in writing. Whether you get one or not, you need to be talking with an attorney to see what your options are – contact your local bar association for a referral. They may be able to refer you to someone who will do a consultation for an affordable price if that’s an issue. I hope this won’t come to legal action, but you might want to start saving your money in case it comes to that.

It would seem to me your condo insurance should be picking up some of these costs – some have coverage to pay your expenses if you have to move out while it’s being repaired (e.g. if damaged from a tornado). If not, that’s coverage you should consider getting once this is resolved, although it won’t help you right now. In the meantime, if you aren’t living in the home, is there a reason the utilities have to stay on? If not, talk to the utility companies about shutting those off until you return. A plumber can drain the pipes and if you don’t live in a cold area like I do, you may not need the heat.

As far as your other expenses go, is there an extended stay hotel the association can send you to? Those often have small kitchenettes and perhaps some pots and pans, so you can cook your own meals instead of eating out. They may even have washing/drying machines in the room. Is there a friend you can stay with – the money the association’s using to pay for the hotel could be used to pay your friend.

By the way, if you’re thinking about not paying your association fees because of this, DON’T DO IT!! As tempting as it is, repairs and paying assessments are separate issues – you don’t want to risk legal action and even more expenses and hits on your credit rating because you didn’t fulfill your legal obligation to pay assessments.

Lawyer up with the meanest lawyer you can find

Find the meanest lawyer who'll work on retainer that you can

I am so, so sad. I don't understand why people won't help. I have emailed the news channels, they won't take it on the news because they only take criminals on the news.
The sad thing in life is that I saved forever to get this condo. Worked two jobs and saved my money. I guess I was cursed at birth lol to have to go through this. I grew up in a orphanage in Pasadena came out of that didn't live off of the system. Worked hard to get something for myself and this is what happens. People are bullies and I don't know how to fight to get back into my condo. Thanks everyone for trying to help me.

I know things are very difficult now, but don’t give up! For now, concentrate on what you can do to reduce your living expenses, such as moving to an extended stay hotel or live with a friend, if they have the room. You should also be attending board meetings and demanding answers as to why this has taken so long and when it will be fixed, insisting on a specific date.

Unfortunately, there’s probably no way to avoid taking legal action – and you should tell the board that’s your next step. Check if there’s a Legal Aid office in your area that may provide legal assistance at a reduced rate or for free (the bar association should be able to give you contact information. And consider filing a complaint with your state’s Consumer Protection Division. It will probably take some more time before this is resolved, but keep at it and the best of luck to you! .

Why have you not gotten estimates for the repairs? What is stopping you from doing some kind of actions besides depending your HOA? I'd already be contacting my insurance company or some contractors to fix it. If the HOA is truly responsible for the repairs, I'd hand them 3 estimates and fixes your willing to live with.

It's time to take your own action. Your option maybe to pay for the repairs yourself or make an insurance claim. The costs out of pocket then should able to sue for in court for. It will prove your damages. Depending the amount it takes this may just require small claims court and no lawyer at all. Just proof of damages (receipt of repairs/estimates) and filing fees should get the job done.