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SusanO3 (California)
Posts: 163
Posted:
we are a 95 units, townhome community. Our CCRs from 2017 state exterior painting is paid for HOA but wood rot is levied as Special Assessment against homeowner. Our Reserve Study has our painting cycle at 12yr stucco/6 yr wood. Last stucco and wood paint was 2014. Wood was not painted 2020 due to Covid, nor again in 2021. Then two original and key members of our Board left and now finally this year 2024 we are about to place contract for wood/stucco painting. Board are worried that homeowners will refuse to pay for wood rot because we are 4 years over the due date, and the bills they will get will be higher because of Board inaction.

Should the Board be working with their attorney to see if a special deal can be done this year to give the homeowners some relief from the higher costs. Or should we just say that's what the CCRs say, and here's your bill. You have until June 30, 2025 to pay it!

Is this painting & wood rot split of responsibilities usual in townhome HOAs? BTW Relevant part of CCRs are below.

Thanks for any input in advance. Sue

[7.2] Association Maintenance Responsibility With Respect to Lot Improvements. Except to the extent that an Owner may be obligated to maintain and repair hereinafter provided, and without limiting the generality of the statement of duties and powers contained in the Association Management Documents, the Association acting through its Board and its officers shall have the duty to accomplish the following upon the Lots or other land in such manner and at such times as the Board shall prescribe:
(a) Maintain the exterior (defined to mean the side fronting on public right-of-way or Association Property) of those lot perimeter walls or fences identified on Exhibit A attached hereto;
(b) Maintain exterior surfaces of all Duplexes located upon the Lots. Such exterior maintenance shall specifically not include glass surfaces;
(c) Maintain, repair, restore, replace and make necessary Improvements to the Duplexes occasioned by the presence of wood-destroying pests or organisms;

The costs of any maintenance described in Section 7.2(c) shall be levied as a Special Assessment against the Owner whose Dwelling Unit is affected. The costs of any other such maintenance and repair pursuant to the Section shall be a Common Expense except as otherwise specified in the Declaration.
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By SusanO3 on 08/01/2024 12:14 PM
we are a 95 units, townhome community. Our CCRs from 2017 state exterior painting is paid for HOA but wood rot is levied as Special Assessment against homeowner. Our Reserve Study has our painting cycle at 12yr stucco/6 yr wood. Last stucco and wood paint was 2014. Wood was not painted 2020 due to Covid, nor again in 2021. Then two original and key members of our Board left and now finally this year 2024 we are about to place contract for wood/stucco painting. Board are worried that homeowners will refuse to pay for wood rot because we are 4 years over the due date, and the bills they will get will be higher because of Board inaction.

Should the Board be working with their attorney to see if a special deal can be done this year to give the homeowners some relief from the higher costs. Or should we just say that's what the CCRs say, and here's your bill. You have until June 30, 2025 to pay it!

Is this painting & wood rot split of responsibilities usual in townhome HOAs? BTW Relevant part of CCRs are below.

Thanks for any input in advance. Sue

[7.2] Association Maintenance Responsibility With Respect to Lot Improvements. Except to the extent that an Owner may be obligated to maintain and repair hereinafter provided, and without limiting the generality of the statement of duties and powers contained in the Association Management Documents, the Association acting through its Board and its officers shall have the duty to accomplish the following upon the Lots or other land in such manner and at such times as the Board shall prescribe:
(a) Maintain the exterior (defined to mean the side fronting on public right-of-way or Association Property) of those lot perimeter walls or fences identified on Exhibit A attached hereto;
(b) Maintain exterior surfaces of all Duplexes located upon the Lots. Such exterior maintenance shall specifically not include glass surfaces;
(c) Maintain, repair, restore, replace and make necessary Improvements to the Duplexes occasioned by the presence of wood-destroying pests or organisms;

The costs of any maintenance described in Section 7.2(c) shall be levied as a Special Assessment against the Owner whose Dwelling Unit is affected. The costs of any other such maintenance and repair pursuant to the Section shall be a Common Expense except as otherwise specified in the Declaration.

Be fair on the cost but it it what it is and is payable by each owner. Be firm.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Is the wood rot from termites or other organisms? Or...from something else ?
SusanO3 (California)
Posts: 163
Posted:
Good question, I don't know, will have to find out from favored vendor. Nothing was mentioned in the bid for work. Sue
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
So, yes, find out from the vendor since your (c) above only applies, basically, to termite damage. If it's dry rot from moisture penetration, or? the last sentence of your citation says the HOA pays to repair.
AidylP1 (California)
Posts: 108
Posted:
Based on what I see in E2(c), the Association pays for the wood rot on the exterior surface of the Common Area.
WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522
Posted:
switch wood over to pvc board which does not need painting or maintenance if possible

vis ta vie
TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284
Posted:
Dry rot is caused by fungi....organisms.
JeffT2 (Iowa)
Posts: 880
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By SusanO3 on 08/01/2024 12:14 PM
... Board are worried that homeowners will refuse to pay for wood rot because we are 4 years over the due date, and the bills they will get will be higher because of Board inaction.

Should the Board be working with their attorney to see if a special deal can be done this year to give the homeowners some relief from the higher costs.

I think your board is right to be worried, the owners do have reason to question the cost, and you certainly can work with your attorney to give them a break.

Wood rot is typically fixed as part of painting the building, and made considerably worse by failing to paint the building.

In years when you don't paint, the wood and paint should be inspected, and any rot, caulk (sealant) and other issues should be repaired. It's called maintenance. Small amounts of rot or gaps in caulk allow water penetration that makes the rot worse and more expensive to repair. Yearly repairs and touch ups also extend the life of the paint job, which can reduce costs in the long run.

Since your association neglected to paint the building, and presumably neglected to inspect/maintain the building, then for that reason alone the association is partly (maybe wholly) responsible for repairing the rot.

Negligence includes acts and failure to act, which includes failure (presumably) to properly maintain the building, which is the association's responsibility per your docs.

I would just pay for the repairs to the rot. In this case, the neglect and fault overrules your documents. It sounds like the owners would have a very good case in small claims court.

A reserve study is a financial tool developed by accountants. We all need a maintenance plan in addition to the reserve study, and support for it in the annual budget.
SusanO3 (California)
Posts: 163
Posted:
Thank you, appreciate your response, particularly as it gets to the heart of the issue I originally raised. Sue
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
I'm with Jeff. In Susan's case, it appears the Board/Association has been "negligent" by not engaging in its basic obligation: To protect, maintain & enhance the common areas.. Paint isn't just about aesthetics, but bout protecting the surface lift covers. Regular repainting protects and maintains the covered surface.

SusanO3 (California)
Posts: 163
Posted:
Thanks Kerry

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