Condominium associations help protect the investments of property owners. They maintain shared spaces and enforce rules about the use of the space. Their services, often offered on a volunteer basis, are generally beneficial for those who live in the community.
However, the people serving on the board managing the property may have a tense relationship with other residents. The need to enforce community standards can lead to conflict. Individual condo owners may also take issue with how the association manages shared spaces.
In some cases, condo owners may blame the facility for damage to their units. They may ask for the association to pay for repairs. Water damage is one of the scenarios in which homeowners might try to claim that the association is responsible for their repair costs.
Associations need to maintain facility infrastructure
Condo associations generally have an obligation to maintain shared spaces and building infrastructure. That may include the plumbing. Generally speaking, the maintenance obligations of individual residents end at their walls.
If a leak in a vacant unit or an upstairs condo causes damage to the ceiling and items in the unit below, the owner may be able to request that the association cover the costs of repairing the space and replacing damaged property. Typically, there is insurance coverage that can help defray some of those expenses.
The association may need to look into the situation carefully to validate the extent of the damage and what caused the leak. In some cases, people may exaggerate their losses for personal gain.
A careful review of the incident and the requested compensation with a skilled legal team can help resolve the situation appropriately. Managing complaints about property damage is just one of many complicated matters that fall to those serving on condominium associations.