T.F. from Cook County, Illinois writes: Dear Mister Condo, My condo has a $25.00 lockout fee if an owner needs keys from the office to enter their unit. Can they legally charge me this fee when my cat sitter comes to access my home to care for my pets while the office is unstaffed and the…
Category: Condominium
Preventing Frozen Pipes in Unoccupied Condo
J.M. from Hudson County, New Jersey writes: Dear Mister Condo, What can I do to prevent frozen pipes in a condo left unoccupied throughout winter? I know that pipes can be drained in free-standing homes. Is this possible in condos? Sorry, if this seems like a basic question, but I have no idea. Thanks! Mister Condo…
Cracked Condo Balcony Roof Repair Responsibility
E.F. from Florida writes: Dear Mister Condo, Who is responsible for cracks in balcony roof (owner or board)? Mister Condo replies: E.F., without reviewing your governing documents it would be impossible for me to give you a definitive answer. The roof itself is likely owned by the association as a common element. However, if this…
Condo Deck Post Precariously Placed
B.L. from Lenawee County, Michigan writes: Dear Mister Condo, We have a deck rail post blocking a bedroom window exactly in the middle. Firefighter would not be able to access this room through that window because of the post that blocks the entry. There is another window in the room 24-26″ wide and much higher…