N.F. from Horry county, South Carolina writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Pulled-up carpet in closet area to install vinyl on top 3rd floor condo. Subfloor in a small area is reading moisture. Not sure what is under there probably pipes and 2nd floor celling. Is association responsible to open subfloor and see what’s causing moisture reading? Also, who is responsible for mold and dirty walls, painting on outside balcony?
Mister Condo replies:
N.F., moisture in your condo is never a good thing. Buildings should be dry to prevent deterioration as well as must and mildew. Your answer lies in your deed and your governing documents. Some condos are described from the studs inward; some are described as from the walls and the floors inward. Without knowing how your condo is defined, I’d only guessing. I will say that the association isn’t likely going to be too interested in what you found under your subfloor seeing as you did the remodeling and there wasn’t a “problem” until you tore up your carpet. Your outside balcony is another story. Again, maintenance of the common elements is typically an association responsibility. However, in the case of a limited use common element, like a balcony, maintenance is often the responsibility for the owner who has the limited use. Look at your governing documents and see if you can’t find more definitive answers. All the best!