Hardwood Floors Installed but Not Allowed at this Condo

L.L. from New Haven County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

The owner of the condo unit upstairs from mine has installed a wood floor in violation of the condo rules. The subfloor is also damaged and causes heavy squeaking. Neither the unit owner nor the property manager is interested in remedying this problem.

Mister Condo replies:

L.L., I am sorry that you were not successful in seeking relief from your upstairs neighbor’s flagrant violation of your condo’s policy against hardwood floors. I can imagine the noise created from folks walking around is quite loud in your unit. I can’t imagine why they aren’t willing to enforce the rules but all is not lost. You did not mention what action the Board will take on your behalf but I would write to them and state your case to see if they will order the property manager to take action. If that doesn’t work, you simply need to hire an attorney to seek remedy through the courts. If you cannot afford an attorney or you would prefer to represent yourself, I believe that it is as simple as suing your neighbor for an illegal flooring installation. You will need to provide a copy of your condo bylaws that state that wooden floors are not allowed. The judge will likely order the removal of the floor and/or the repair of the subfloor at your neighbor’s expense. Good luck!