M.F. from outside of Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Our Board passed an assessment of $2,460 for replacement of (2) individual Air Conditioning wall units per condo.
QUESTIONS:
1) Can the association mandate the type of AC unit that is installed inside the condos? – in particular, mandate the purchase of specific AC model, which is priced higher than other comparable AC units, and from a specific vendor?
2) Can unit owners purchase their own AC units according to their financial abilities, as long as the AC unit cover, which becomes part of the common area since it is visible to all, remains consistent with the one mandated by the association?
Mister Condo replies:
M.F., the short answer is “yes”, the Board can mandate the replacement model and type of wall air conditioners used by exercising their rights under your governing documents rules on architectural compliance. These particular models have been approved by the Board and may also meet other requirements such as noise and energy efficiency (if the association pays for electricity, which isn’t all that common). I can understand your desire to save money by purchasing a less expensive model but you should abide by the Board’s decision and play nicely here. I am guessing that there isn’t a tremendous savings by switching models (a few hundred dollars) but if there is, you may request the Board approve other models for future replacements. That won’t help this time but may give you options when they need replacing again, presumably in seven to ten years. Keep cool!