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MichelleS19 (Maryland)
Posts: 1
Posted:
The dryer in my Maryland condo unit is vented indoors. I started experiencing moisture issues after my son and his family stayed with me temporarily. This led me to find out it is a violation of building code. HOA deems it my fault because its within my wall, yet I'm not allowed to make the changes that would allow it to be vented properly. Other units are vented to the outside. I'm trying to find out who is responsible. I've looked everywhere I can think of but can't pin down where to get the correct solution. Would this situation fall under implied warranty (which does state building code violations) Who is responsible for correcting this/for damages/for HOA's contractor bill? I'm looking for answers but would also appreciate resources or agency names that could give them to me.
WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522
Posted:
just get a heat pump dryer, the infaltion reduction act has rebates for them starting in 2024. they take longer to dry, but the moisture is contained and you just empty out the condensate tank every time you dry clothes.

vis ta vie
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
If you are the original owner, you may have options to remedy.
If you are not the original owner, options are likely limited to, perhaps, a home warranty.

Until you open the wall (at your expense, you will have no idea if there is a vent pipe nearby.

Question: Is your washer/dryer in the same location as similar units?

It's possible that a previous owner wanted it in a different location then originally planned which may be the reason your dryer is not properly connected.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Did the washer/dryer convey with the unit?

As Wendy pointed out, there are ventless dryers.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
Question is was Washer/Dryers ever approved for the building? This isn't unusual. People are known to add "illegal" connections over the year. The "new" owners not knowing that the hook ups were never approved.

You can apply to do the work with the HOA. Put in a request for what work you will be doing and permissions you need from the HOA. Will you need to cut a hole in siding or brick?

Otherwise may want to find another way to route your venting internally. Your stove may or may not vented to the outside.

Former HOA President
LizD3 (California)
Posts: 200
Posted:
If it helps, I have a ventless dryer. It’s not great, but it (slowly and not perfectly) does not job. And is better than going to a laundromat any day.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
In my condo budding, dryers vent from the dryer through a duct to the exterior that's about 30 feet away. Every dryer has its own vent and Owners are responsible for their own. If your dryer did have vent, would it run from the dryer to an exterior wall or possibly (deck) ceiling? How do the others vent from the dryer to the exterior?

Is the dryer in an enclosed closet or little room? Are there openable windows?

Next, how old is your condo building? If the City requires a vent, the building inspectors should have caught this violation before they approved the bld. for occupancy. If the bld is fewer than 10 years old, you MIGHT be able to get the developer to install & pay for this obvious construction defect.

When did you buy your condo? Does the real estate listing for this condo state the purchases include the water/dryer? Were any violations or problems stated in the listing? Did you buy the condo "as is?" You MIGHT have recourse with the seller

Did you not have home inspection of your condo before you closed escrow?

If the city requires your dryer be vented, then the HOA may not deny your architectural change app to install one.

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