D.H. from Pinellas County, Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Our by-laws or declaration does not provide for the association to provide cable service for all condo residents and now the board wants to subscribe to cable and adding it to the maintenance fee without a vote. The property management says it is just like a utility and does not need to be voted on. I disagree since it was not in our by-laws, rules or regulations. and I think that this needs to be voted on by the unit owners.
Mister Condo replies:
D.H., unless your documents specifically prohibit the Board from entering into a contract for such provision, it is likely that they are well within their rights to do so. Many condominiums and HOAs purchase bulk contracts from cable providers and then issue service to residents for TV, phone, and high-speed internet. This is a common practice and it does offer savings compared to regular rates and an income source for the association. However, there are always going to be some residents who are not happy with the decision. As is usually the case, the only way to change what the association does is to vote folks onto the Board who feel the same as you do. All the best!