Condo Board Unresponsive to Owner

S.J. from New Haven County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

The Board is not responding to my requests like putting windows on the garage door as other units in our complex have.

Mister Condo replies:

S.J., if the board has agreed to a change in an architectural style for an item like a garage door for one unit owner, they very likely have opened themselves up to the possibility of other unit owners, like yourself, wishing to implement the same change. That being said, you are wise to seek approval before installing the garage door because you don’t want to find yourself at odds with the board over an architectural compliance issue that could end up costing you extra expense if you install a garage door that isn’t approved. Your condo documents likely spell out the procedure for requesting the new garage door. My guess is that you need to submit, in writing, the request along with the specifications (size, material, photos, etc.) and the license and insurance information of the contractor you will hire to complete the work. Once the board receives the request, it should be placed on the agenda for the next board meeting where they should take action or request more information if they require it. If they deny your request where they have granted others, ask why. If you are not satisfied with their reason or feel you were discriminated against, you are free to pursue legal remedy in the form of a lawsuit. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Good luck!