H.R. from Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
What percentage of residents would be needed to pass a resolution? Some residents want to have shutters installed but many don’t in our complex. The board isn’t willing to pay for them and wants the decision to be 100% in favor.
Mister Condo replies:
H.R., your governing documents should spell out the voting requirements for capital improvements that exceed a certain dollar amount. Typically, the Board can make such a decision but if a certain dollar threshold is involved, it may require a vote of the membership. There can be many different requirements for such a vote. For instance, a simple majority may be enough, a supermajority (66% or higher) may be required, or it may even require the “100% in favor” that the Board seeks. Another option is for the Board to consider the motion passed unless a certain majority vote against the motion. The bottom line is that your Board doesn’t sound like they are all that interested having the shutters paid for by the association. Without Board support, it is unlikely the motion will pass. All the best!