M.M. from Fairfield County, Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I own a condo in a mid-rise condominium building built in 1972 on the 2nd floor above an open space garage. Due to this, during the winter months, the floor of the condo is extremely cold and no matter how high I maintain my heat (which runs 24/7), the unit temperature does not go above 62 degrees. The hallways have no carpeting or heat. I have had to install extra thick padding and carpeting plus additional storm windows over existing storm window in an effort for the unit to retain heat. I have asked for additional insulation to put in the garage ceiling to no avail. The majority of the 2nd floor owners are either senior citizens and disabled on a fixed income. I have written the Association several times to which their only reply is the 2nd floor is always cold. It has gotten to the point where I wear a hat and gloves to bed in order to stay warm. Yet, year after year our fees are increased and the 2nd floor owners are always neglected. Do we have any recourse to have this corrected?
Mister Condo replies:
M.M., that is a terrible situation you have described. The need to keep your living space warm is a necessity. You may need to sue the association if they won’t listen to reason. Insulating a section of floor that abuts to the garage ceiling is not an unreasonable request. I don’t know who owns what but whoever owns the garage ceiling should insulate it to protect the 2nd floor units. You might want to contact the Connecticut office of HUD and inquire about your housing rights under federal law: https://www.hud.gov/states/connecticut/offices. Make noise, a lot of noise, until the Board addresses the problem and provides a proper insulation solution. Simply telling you that the 2nd floor is always cold is not a solution. All the best!