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StephanieW5 (Texas)
Posts: 1
Posted:
HOA in Dallas,TX states that it is not their responsibility to repair the above because it is "normal wear and tear". It is my understanding that it is the HOA's responsibility for maintenance of the property anything that is "walls out". "Walls in" are my personal responsibility. Who is correct?

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
What do your documents say? That's where you always start.

You don't say whether you live in a hign rise condo, townhouse or detached home, bug iv it's #2 or 3, I suspect you're responsible.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299
Posted:
"Walls out" and "walls in" are generalizations. They're mostly accurate, but they miss important details and can be misleading.

Your CC&Rs should spell out what items are considered part of the Unit, which are Common Elements, and who is responsible for maintaining what. Windows and exterior doors are often considered part of the Unit and therefore the owner's responsibility. But you need to know how your community defines these things - what happens in other communities doesn't matter.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
When you ask the HOA to pay for something you are asking ALL members pay for it. That means part of everyone's dues goes towards it. That is why things like this can take votes, approval, license and insured contractors, and other paperwork for a HOA paying.

Would a majority of owners agree this is an expense worthy of spending HOA money on or say it is personal? How would you feel if asked to pay for this from a neighbor?

Former HOA President
GregoryT1
Posts: 315
Posted:
I am in a similar dilemma where in the appendix has a replacement reserves for doors of the common areas. Nothing for the windows of the common area. The main document calls out various items but the doors and windows are missing for condo association responsibility. I interpret that as my unit windows and doors is my responsibility and the common areas windows and doors is the association responsibility. In any case I will read everyone response and if needed I will open a separate thread not to detract the OP thread.
CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By GregoryT1 on 05/07/2024 2:39 PM
I am in a similar dilemma where in the appendix has a replacement reserves for doors of the common areas. Nothing for the windows of the common area. The main document calls out various items but the doors and windows are missing for condo association responsibility. I interpret that as my unit windows and doors is my responsibility and the common areas windows and doors is the association responsibility. In any case I will read everyone response and if needed I will open a separate thread not to detract the OP thread.

Yes, you might want to start a different thread. I think the OP is talking about windows in her own unit since she referred to "walls in", which is a typical generalization describing maintenance responsibilities for condo owners.

If you want to talk about windows and doors in common areas, that's nearly always the responsibility of the association. In fact, I've never heard of individual owners being responsible for common area, with the exceptions of limited/exclusive use common areas (may or may not be owner responsibility) and common area that has been damaged by a particular owner (costs of repair are often assessed to the individual owner). Anything beyond this will probably get more responses if it's in its own thread.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
"Walls out"/"bare walls" is usually lingo for insurance coverage responsilbiity.

Your CC&Rs, will tell you if the windows that serve only your unit are your responsibility, no matter what the cause of the needed repair or replacement. In my multi story condo bldg., owners are obligated to repair replace their own windows/tracks.

Do check our HOA's reserve study, Steph, to see if anything about unit windows is on it. If, not, that's very good sign they're owners' obligation. You wrote your "HOA states...." but "HOAs" state nothing. Persons do-- who? A property manger? A board member? Anyhoo, insist they show you in your governing document where it's states that owners are responsible (even tho' likely))

If, Gregory, the window you note solely are common area windows and serve no individual unit, the HOA needs to repair/replace them. I can't think of a different method. These sound like they need to be added to your reserve study.
JulieH4
Posts: 75
Posted:
All HOA's have their own by-laws and declaration. Here, the HOA is responsible for the frame around the windows but not anything to do with the windows themselves. That is the responsibility of the homeowner.
I'm in Houston and your documents could say something different.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Exterior frame, right, Julie?
JulieH4
Posts: 75
Posted:
Hi Kerry,

Yes, exterior frame.

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