D.S. from outside of Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Are hot tubs allowed in a lanai that is limited common area?
Mister Condo replies:
D.S., it depends on the rules for use of limited common areas at your association. If the documents specifically state that unit owners may not modify any limited common area, then my answer would be “no”. However, since limited common areas are for the exclusive use of the assigned unit owner, I can see where an association might allow it. Additionally, there should be an agreement between the association and the unit owner about the ownership, style, and upkeep of the hot tub. After all, the association shouldn’t face any liability from an owner added amenity. On the flip side, the association could ban hot tubs or any other owner added amenities which would prevent a unit owner from installing a hot tub on a limited common element. It all comes down to the governing documents and the Board’s interpretation of the documents and attitude about allowing owner added amenities. All the best!
What’s left out of the dialog above is the weight of a full hot tub and how the weight is proposed to be supported. As well, the electricity and water expenses therefor. Finally, what insurance is required of an owner who installs a hot tub with the possibility that the water could run into other owners’ units, other limited common areas and common areas.
At our condominium we finally had to prohibit dishes because they could not be installed without trespassing on general common elements. Plus, we tried to put one per building and have multiple units connect, but the dish installers would just do whatever they wanted and refused to comply. Then, the carriers would deny any responsibility for the “individual contractors. The federal law is a joke; it only emboldens the installers to think they can do whatever they want. I actually had to call the cops once.