Complaining About the Frequent Condo Complainer!

J.J. from New Haven County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

Hi, Mr. Condo! Does a property manager or board have recourse against constant (three-plus weekly) complaints or inquiries from a unit owner?

Mister Condo replies:

J.J., that’s a lot of complaining! I am sorry that this unit owner is so dissatisfied with the condo living experience that they feel they must complain on so regular a basis. Honestly, I am not aware of any rule or regulation that limits the amount of complaints any unit owner can make. However, much like the boy in the Aesop fable who cried “wolf” so many times that the villagers stopped listening, this unit owner is very likely going to find that his or her complaints are falling on deaf ears. The property manager is most likely on the receiving end of these complaints and is tasked with keeping a log. Unfortunately, that is part of the job but they do get paid for it. The Board can simply acknowledge the complaints at their regularly scheduled meeting and take action only if they deem it necessary. Unless the complainer escalates by bringing legal action against the Board, that should be the end of it. If these complaints are baseless or unreasonable then no one has anything to worry about. Of course, if these complaints are legitimate, corrective action should be taken. There needs to be some level of diplomacy practiced so that the unit owner’s complaints are acknowledged even if they are not going to lead to any action. The boy who called “wolf” learned his lesson when the wolf really attacked and ate all of his sheep. Perhaps this unit owner will also learn that complaining about every little thing can lead to not being heard when a true complaint needs to be lodged. All the best!