J.L. from Greenville County, South Carolina writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I’m the president of an 8-unit condo and there are two other Board Members who are not very willing to do much. Our HOA dues are $175/month and we have one delinquent owner. In other words, we are only able to meet monthly expenses. I tried to raise the dues w/ no success. Naturally, having no money and no support, the maintenance and repairs have mounted to a lot of money. Now I’m trying to pass an assessment or get a line of credit, but the other two Board Members are not in favor of it. Simply put, most owners are investors and the few that live there just don’t care. What can I do? The building must be maintained!
Mister Condo replies:
J.L., I feel your pain! From what you have shared with me, this is a very bad situation. If you are unable to sway the other Board members you will have to either stand by while the property deteriorates further or until there is an emergent repair that simply cannot be avoided. Honestly, if I were living in such a condo, I would be looking to sell before the shoe dropped! Whether the majority of units are owned by investors or not, the decision to not maintain the property is foolish and may even lead to a unit owner suing the association for neglecting to fulfill its duties. Perhaps, you will need to be that owner. Resign from the Board and sue the association! Realistically, you’d have more luck getting blood from a stone! I think it is time to get out of this association and put your money in a condo association that understands it has a duty to maintain and protect the assets of the association. This group of owners clearly has no interest in the long-term well-being of their property. It is sad and shameful but I would get out while I could still sell my unit. Good luck!