April 2015 - Ask Mister Condo

Verbal or Written Petition to Call a Special Meeting of Condo Unit Owners?

By Mister Condo | April 30, 2015April 30, 2015 by Mister Condo

K.D. from Litchfield County writes: Dear Mister Condo, To call a special meeting of the unit owners, do the condo owners need to sign a document, or is their verbal agreement enough? Mister Condo replies: K.D., thank you for your question. Special meetings of unit owners are generally called when there is a major problem or issue facing the association. Recall elections are the most common reason for a special meeting. Your by-laws should spell…

Condominium Crime Governance Legal

Condo Video Surveillance of Private Areas

By Mister Condo | April 29, 2015 by Mister Condo

R.H. from outside of Connecticut writes: Dear Mister Condo, Hello! Is it allowed to install a video surveillance system on private areas in a condo? Does someone need to monitor the picture? Can someone request to access the recordings? Thanks a lot! Mister Condo replies: R.H., Many condominium and homeowners associations install and use video surveillance systems in common or public areas of the association. These areas are owned by the association and should be…

Assessments Buying Common Fees Condominium Reserve Fund

First Time Boston Condo Buyer Concerned Over Lack of Reserve Fund

By Mister Condo | April 28, 2015April 29, 2015 by Mister Condo

B.K. from Boston, MA writes: Dear Mister Condo, My wife and I are considering buying our first home just outside of Boston. The market is red hot so we have to move quickly if we are to purchase this unit. We found a condo we can afford in a small (12 unit) association. I was just provided with a copy of the 2014 / 2015 budget and I am a bit concerned that the association…

Architectural Compliance Board Condominium Governance Insurance Windows

Why Can’t I Install Windows At My Condo On My Own?

By Mister Condo | April 27, 2015 by Mister Condo

A.C. from Fairfield County writes: Dear Mister Condo, I would like to replace a window on my unit. According to the association I own the window. I have asked the association and know what kind of window they approve but they also told me that I must use a licensed installer. My uncle offered his help to replace the window and he is fully capable of carry out this job but he is not licensed.…