August 2017 - Ask Mister Condo

What’s the Law on Allowing Solar Panels in the HOA?

By Mister Condo | August 31, 2017August 29, 2017 by Mister Condo

R.G. from Hartford County writes: Dear Mister Condo, Are there any laws regarding solar panels in CT regarding HOA from not allowing installation of same? Mister Condo replies: R.G., there are no laws in Connecticut that require an HOA to allow solar panels. Generally speaking, HOAs are autonomous on this matter and the folks running the HOA make the decisions on whether or not the solar panels are architecturally correct for the community. That being…

Board Buying Condominium FHA Financial Governance Mortgage Selling

Condo Let Lapse FHA and VA Certification

By Mister Condo | August 30, 2017August 29, 2017 by Mister Condo

C.W. from New Haven County writes: Dear Mister Condo, Our complex has always maintained FHA/VA certification. This certification certainly can be viewed as either a positive or negative by some. As I understand it, last fall the government separated the two, requiring two separate certifications. My complex let the certification lapse and then chose only to renew the FHA certification. Now, the FHA cert costs about $1800 with attorney’s fees and is only good for…

Board Condominium Damage Financial Governance Insurance Legal

Condo Insurance Payment Made to Unit Owner for Building Damage

By Mister Condo | August 29, 2017August 28, 2017 by Mister Condo

S.V. from outside of Connecticut writes: Dear Mister Condo, There was damage to the outside of our building. Insurance check was made payable in the name of a condo owner, who is the brother of president of condo association, in the amount of $6,000.00. I could not get an answer from either party and the insurance company why this was not made out to the condo association. Was this legal? I don’t know how the…

Board Condominium Financial Governance Legal Selling

Lack of Certificate Prevents Condo From Closing

By Mister Condo | August 28, 2017August 26, 2017 by Mister Condo

J.V. from Manhattan, NY writes: Dear Mister Condo, My condo is in contract small 4-unit Brownstone in Manhattan. We are all on the Board, one man is the president that we all elected solely based on gender. Had I known that he was a very difficult person I never would have agreed. My issue is our management company whom has since been terminated never renewed our temporary c/o (that’s another horror story). I cannot close without…