washing machine in Unit

Started by JosephM27 • 5 replies • 125 views

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JosephM27 (Florida)
Posts: 3

Posted:

A realtor purchased a unit in my condo Complex. He decided that it was his right to install a washing machine. He had a plumber come and make changes to the structural integrity of existing plumbing in a condo complex built in the 70's. No permit for this work. He did not ask the HOA if he could install a washer in his unit, nor does he seem to care that he should ask first. He would have been told that in our contract with our laundry service the Association Warrants zero washing machines in any unit. As on owner does he have to abide by the contracts and covenants of the HOA?

MichaelS56 (Minnesota)
Posts: 858

Posted:

Nothing is ever simple, but I believe that the Board of Directors should look into this issue.

JosephM27 (Florida)
Posts: 3

Posted:

We are. I am trying to find out if owners in a condominium association have to follow contracts that the HOA has entered into. It's been in place for 5 yrs now.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

The contract is with the Association. The Board votes as whole to enter into contracts with vendors. All owners must abide by these contracts, e.g., use the. HOA's contracted trash pickup and perhaps cable service, etc.

More important, what do your covenants say about architectural changes? Are there rules and guidelines? I'm in a condo too, and as is typical, any change that requires penetration beyond the sheetrock must be approved by our Arch. Comm. (in some HOAs, by the Board) Do your covenants even possibly forbid washing machines?? So must any plumping changes. And where the hell does his drainage water from the washer go?? Into your common area?? His toilet?

Did he also install a dryer with its venting system etc.? Or did he strong a clothesline his balcony?

Frankly, I'm baffled, how he got away with this in the first place. Delivery of construction materials and a washing machine wasn't some kind of red flag?? Constructiion noise itself?

So I'm not sure why your Board isn't following procedures to call Owners to hearings or whatever and direct him to remove the washer (and dryer?) If you have none, sigh.

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JosephM27 on 03/22/2025 2:59 PM
A realtor purchased a unit in my condo Complex. He decided that it was his right to install a washing machine. He had a plumber come and make changes to the structural integrity of existing plumbing in a condo complex built in the 70's. No permit for this work. He did not ask the HOA if he could install a washer in his unit, nor does he seem to care that he should ask first. He would have been told that in our contract with our laundry service the Association Warrants zero washing machines in any unit. As on owner does he have to abide by the contracts and covenants of the HOA?

1. How was structural integrity of the plumbing was changed?
2. Was the plumbing common property or the owner’s property?
3. Was a permit required by a govt. agency?
4. Were any interior walls altered and does the HOA require an improvement application if walls are disturbed?
5. Does the HOA require an improvement application to change any plumbing? Ie. New toilet, facet, dishwasher, rain shower head, instant hot water, water softener ect.
6. Does a contract between a vendor and the HOA make an owner a party to the contract? Could your HOA sign a contract stating all TVs had to come from Best Buy?

JosephM27 (Florida)
Posts: 3

Posted:

1. The plumbing was changed to attach direct water to the washer and a drain.
2.It is the owners to the wall, after that it is the assoc. property.
3. There is a requirement for permits for any plumbing work in the city including the condo property.
4 No interior walls were changed however the kitchen counters were to facilitate the install. The plumbing in the walls cannot handle the excess water form a washing machine.
5 Please don't compare tv's to a contract for the entire complex, that's just foolish.

UPDATE: As of today the washing machine has been removed.

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