HOA Questions on maintenance

Started by CarlosL3 • 4 replies • 651 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

CarlosL3 (Texas)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Hello All,

New to the forum, sorry I have some questions, I have HOA at my house but never been involved and never had a problem either, but I bought a condo as a second home, the front of the building common areas are not properly maintained, examples no grass, full of weeds, cracked gutter splashes, need paint on front doors, walls and water coming under the garage walls from the back planters when we have heavy rain, I Complained with my HOA company but I was directed to the HOA board president, I emailed her and I was told that there was not possible to have the common areas in good shape because of trees and also landscape because there was not enough money ( never asked for landscape) just to have a green lawn in the 2 planters that are 4 x12' , no money for paint and they had to look at the water problem.

its been a year now and nothing has been resolve, I decidedI to paint my own door, but at some point I was going to out of pocket the new sod, but decided not to, I was planning to do another formal complaint, just not sure where to start, if the complaint should go again to the board members?

Thanks in advance

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

For whatever reason, some boards are more concerned with keeping dues low than in collecting enough money to properly maintain the common elements, it sounds like yours is one.

Do other owners feel as you do, or are they mostly in the "low dues" camp? If the former, you (collectively) should be attending board meetings and making your opinions known. You should also work to elect directors who feel the same way you do. If most owners value low dues over maintenance, then most likely nothing will change. Do expect dues to increase if the level of maintenance is increased, in most associations the primary (often only) source of income is dues.

Finally, you could in theory sue the association for not abiding by the governing docs, but it would probably be expensive for you, and also for the association, so you would be paying your legal fees and your share of the association's.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

CarlosL3 (Texas)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By DouglasK1 on 09/26/2018 10:41 AM
For whatever reason, some boards are more concerned with keeping dues low than in collecting enough money to properly maintain the common elements, it sounds like yours is one.

Do other owners feel as you do, or are they mostly in the "low dues" camp? If the former, you (collectively) should be attending board meetings and making your opinions known. You should also work to elect directors who feel the same way you do. If most owners value low dues over maintenance, then most likely nothing will change. Do expect dues to increase if the level of maintenance is increased, in most associations the primary (often only) source of income is dues.

Finally, you could in theory sue the association for not abiding by the governing docs, but it would probably be expensive for you, and also for the association, so you would be paying your legal fees and your share of the association's.

Hi DouglasK1,

you are correct, I think some or most condos are leased and owners not there, but I was checking the budget from the company that manages the HOA and everything seems high, thats my frustration we should had enough mone, the landscaping company at those prices be able to get the areas top shape, as all the surrounding buildings are in top excellent shape.
I never see the other owners and looks like we only have a meeting per year

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

Carlos,

Looks like you are going to have to run for a board position and make changes internally.

Or, you could recall some or all of the Board with enough votes from the owners.

Jump in ...

CarlosL3 (Texas)
Posts: 3

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By GeorgeS21 on 09/26/2018 6:43 PM
Carlos,

Looks like you are going to have to run for a board position and make changes internally.

Or, you could recall some or all of the Board with enough votes from the owners.

Jump in ...

Thank you for the help

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here