J.T. from Virginia writes: Dear Mister Condo, I’m looking to make an investment, and a condo I visited recently has an unfortunate feature: a very strong musty “old library” kind of smell. How often does that smell mean MOLD, and is it the condo associations job to take care of the mold if it’s throughout…
Month: September 2020
Condo Owner Has No Say in Repair Contractor Selection
K.J. from Fairfax County, Virginia writes: Dear Mister Condo, I have water damage to my unit (and my downstairs neighbor’s unit) caused by a leak behind my shower wall. My downstairs neighbor noticed it and her plumber identified the problem. My home warranty covered the repair. When I filed a claim with my insurance for…
Paying Interest for Prepaid HOA Dues?
D.M. from Hartford County, Connecticut writes: Dear Mister Condo, Must an HOA (PUD) pay interest, for monies held, to any homeowner who prepays HOA fees for the entire year? Mister Condo replies: D.M., I can honestly say I have never heard of an HOA paying interest to a homeowner for prepaid dues. There is no…
Conversion to Smoke-Free Condo is Possible
M.H. from Fairfield County, Connecticut writes: Dear Mister Condo, Our condo association was incorporated 2005. We never thought to ban smoking back then. Now we want to alter declarations / bylaws to ban smoking to future owners and tolerate present smokers. We’re told we need 100% compliance to do this. We’re looking for guidance. Thank you…