G.K. from Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Can neighbors on my floor leave their doors open to the community hallway, which I must pass often? I do not know the purpose if it is to try to receive free A/C or to watch neighbors walk past. It is uncomfortable for women on the floor.
Mister Condo replies:
G.K., that is certainly an unusual and potentially uncomfortable situation for all involved. I am not aware of any typical rule or regulation that would require owners to keep their doors closed but you could certainly petition the Board to pass such a rule. I would cite the safety factor for yourself and other owners who are forced to use the common entrance. You have the right to feel safe and comfortable in your own unit. That right should extend to the common areas as well. All the best!
There may be a fire code in FL where a building 3-family or more with shared hallways and exits (ie not townhouse style with no shared hallways or exits), that doors to the shared hallway are to be self-closing and latch. The local fire marshal can advise about any residents keeping their unit door held open to the hallway and can provide guidance to the property manager if this is deemed unacceptable. Unit doors being left open, if there is a fire in the unit, can cause a fire to escape into the hallway, and people can be trapped. Many fire codes are to help keep a fire that has started, to be contained, so people can safely escape.
I don’t believe it would be legal to require owners to keep their door shut. That same owner has the right to sit in the common area if they choose. If the neighbor has done anything improper to cause the uncomfortable feelings, trust should be addressed, but keeping your door open is an owners right.