J.M. from Colorado writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Me and my boyfriend just purchased a condo three years ago in Colorado. The sliding patio door was a hot mess. I mean it wouldn’t even lock and we decided to replace it now only problem now is that we didn’t ask for HOA approval. And I didn’t know we had to it never crossed my mind its white just like the other ones and has not much difference so it matches. My big question to you is will I get fined??
Mister Condo replies:
J.M., welcome to the world of condo living and architectural compliance. I am sorry that you had a hot mess of a sliding door. You should always check with the association manager or Board before making any external changes to your unit. The association has the right to deny any exterior alterations, even if you don’t think they are that different. Their authority to do so is in your governing documents and it is what keeps condominiums in uniform shape and appearance over the years. Will you get fined? Maybe. If the Board is alerted to a new installation that they did not approve, they can issue a fine and even make you replace the door with an approved door. That would be a very expensive lesson in architectural compliance. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. All the best!