💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

JC3
Posts: 290
Posted:
If someone is aware of possible problems with a house, both interior and exterior, that are not the BOD's to "manage", what is the board's responsibility when that someone asks us to contact the owner before more extensive damage is done to the property (sfd's)? This house is inhabited by rentors, who may or may not have caused some or all of the problems.
The person the floor is wet. He hasn't been inside... He may not know it, but he could actually find the owner as easily as we could.
I will suggest the person put a note on the door, but what beyond that is our responsibility? What would you do?
BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820
Posted:
if I had names, numbers and addresses available in a database that owners provided for emergency contacts, etc., i would give them out. if they were given to the board for HOA business only, then i wouldn't. it all depends on what the owners who provided the numbers agreed to when they gave them.

the board is not the help desk/information desk, unless prior arrangements have been made.
MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491
Posted:
If, as you say, he could find the owner as easily as you could, then point him in the direction that lets him do that.

Also, remind him that he can also report the damage to the local zoning, health, inspection agency who could probably find the homeowner better than any of us.

KarenS11 (Florida)
Posts: 148
Posted:
I agree. If there are compliance issues with the outside of the home, then the HOA would have a responsiblity to follow up. But if it is something inside the home, he should report them to the proper authorities or contact the owner directly.

We had a homeowner who complained to us that her neighbor was not cleaning out the dryer vent! (Yes, she has a long-standing grudge against the neighbor.) We informed her that we had no jurisdiction in that area and then printed the following in our newsletter: "Thanks to resident(her name here)for this safety tip: Dryer lint is a fire hazard! This is a good time of year to clean out dryer vents." That was the last complaint about the neighbor that we heard from her.
TracyT (Maryland)
Posts: 228
Posted:
My name and address are on with the condo assn. (required by law) and my tentants have access to the same info. (via pool passes) which I'd rather they didn't. So I'd really be put out to have some other than the BOD, the tentant or a health/county official contacting me about a protential problem without substantial proof.

From a BOD perspective I'd request the complainant to contact officials or to provide proof and offer to pass it on to the owner.

I would prefer to hear from the tenant, BOD or health/county official rather than making my personal info. available.

Gee, I really I hope don't hear from either!

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491
Posted:
Your personal information is already available. It's part of the public record.

If it's not something that the BOD needs to be inserted into, then you would not be hearing from me (the BOD) you would most likely be hearing directly from the person/resident who feels strongly enough about it to complain to you -- or the health department.

If it is something in which the BOD should be involved, you would be hearing from us and not the resident. But you also might be hearing from the health dept, if it were a serious enough situation.

I'm not saying I would provide the complaining resident with the information, but I would direct her to where she can find the info herself.

JC3
Posts: 290
Posted:
So I sent what I thought was a professional note to the complainant, basically

not a management company or BOD issue. However, it could be a health issue.

The wet ceiling and carpet will possibly grow mold, possibly toxic mold, and the potential for health problems increases. A call to the City (phone number included) will get you to the right office to report these property maintenance items.

You would be a good neighbor to put tape a note to both their garage door and front door so the see it, to let them know.

You can find them through the County assessors office Click the link Search Assessor's Data and go from there. He might appreciate a note from you. Ask the person at the city office for guidance about that.

I just got a nasty letter back. "...Excuse me! Your concern for home owners overwhelms me. I would have contacted the management company but I don't know who they are..." (we are transitioning)

Could I have said something different, better? Where did I go wrong?
How do I respond to his anger?
MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491
Posted:
How about,

"You're most welcome.

Just a reminder, the HOA is not a governing authority like the health department. Our role is limited to enforcing the Deed Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions and maintaining the common elements.

Whenever there is an issue that is outside of our venue, we, regrettably are unable to effect any governance and find that the homeowners directly affected can often get better response from the appropriate agencies.

Again, we appreciate your concern and were happy to provide you with the information we felt might help you resolve your issue and concerns.

Best Regards,

Bob Loblaw"

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491
Posted:
Or, you could just ignore him because he just wants someone to take care of it and doesn't care who it is as long as he gets to pass it along and vent over it.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

  • ✓ Ask follow-up questions
  • ✓ Share your experience
  • ✓ Get expert advice
  • ✓ Access 350,000 discussions
Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here