Exterior Water Pipe Repair Responsibility

Started by RyanK7 • 4 replies • 514 views

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RyanK7 (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

I live in a four unit townhome with two units on the front and two facing the back of the building. There is an irrigation line that is buried under our patio pavers that feeds another unit's irrigation system that has burst. A previous owner has removed the system from our property and disconnected the wires that control the zone that previously ran on our property. Would we be liable for the repairs and damage since it is on our property or would this generally fal under the HOA responsibility. I cannot find any utilities called out in the HOA documents.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

You should start by checking your documents to see who's responsible for what - owner vs. HOA. If the owner is responsible, you may be responsible for this, but if it's the HOA is responsible, I'd wonder if the previous owner asked for permission. If not, that may be a problem and with the previous owner gone, you may be on the hook for repairs.

This sounds like it's going to be involved, so the easier thing to do would be to contact your insurance company and let them duke it out with the HOA insurance. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if you wind up paying for at least some of the repairs, so brave yourself. I hope it works out for you.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

RyanK7 (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Based on the language regarding irrigation in the HOA document attached it sounds to me like it would be HOA responsibility, but it is confusing to me.

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SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

All the more reason you should take this to your insurance company.

Have you even spoken to the HOA about this? If not, why not. If so, what did they say?

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RyanK7 on 03/31/2021 6:17 AM
A previous owner has removed the system from our property and disconnected the wires that control the zone that previously ran on our property.

IMO, this is the person responsible.

If the HOA knew about it and didn't require the previous owner to fix it, then the HOA could bear some responsibility.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

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