January 2017 - Ask Mister Condo

Converting Condo Parking from Handicapped to Visitor

By Mister Condo | January 31, 2017January 28, 2017 by Mister Condo

B.S. from Florida writes: Dear Mister Condo, I am a board member of a small Florida condo. There is currently no visitor parking available except for 2 handicap spaces (that were converted from originally planned 4 visitor spaces). The condo does not have any public facilities. Can the association decide to use handicap spaces for visitors if there are no residents with disabilities requiring accommodations? Mister Condo replies: B.S., as long as there are no…

Assessments Board Condominium Financial Governance Legal Reserve Fund

Ups and Downs of Condo Elevator Special Assessment

By Mister Condo | January 30, 2017January 28, 2017 by Mister Condo

S.P. from New Jersey writes: Dear Mister Condo, I just received word that there is a planned assessment being prepared to repair 1 of the 2 elevators in my building. The assessment payment schedule is spread out over 5 months and if you can’t pay it you are being told to finance the loan. The assessment has not been presented to the owners and was approved only by the 4 board members. Can this be…

Communications Condominium Crime Neighbor Issues

Hyper-Local Social Network for Condominiums?

By Mister Condo | January 27, 2017January 22, 2017 by Mister Condo

C.B. from outside of Connecticut writes: Dear Mister Condo, Do you know of any hyper-local social network that’s available for condo buildings? We have NextDoor in this neighborhood, but it’s not possible to concentrate that into just one building, and I don’t think the surrounding area needs to know about our every blocked drain, or squeaky elevator. The ability to post notices, or ask questions of our building-mates would be really beneficial, I think, but so…

Architectural Compliance Board Condominium Governance

Condo Exterior Modification Sought

By Mister Condo | January 26, 2017January 22, 2017 by Mister Condo

J.A. from outside of Connecticut writes: Dear Mister Condo, I serve on the Board of our Condo Association. Recently, an owner has requested approval for exterior remodeling. Our condos are townhouses that are attached. The request entails adding a window to a basement that must provide legal egress. We, as an association, desire to approve the remodel but do not want the resulting remodel to create expenses, now or future, for the Association. We desire…