D.M. from Hartford County, Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Our small PUD declaration does not specify many exact situations where the HOA is responsible for related expenses as opposed to the homeowner. Given this situation, would you consider the HOA or the homeowner responsible for the underground water and sewer lines between the mains and the home?
Mister Condo replies:
D.M., I am sorry that your HOA is facing water and sewer issues. Of course, this is not an uncommon situation over time where roots and other items can disturb the flow of water. In some municipalities, the utility supplier has some responsibility but it is more common for the association to be responsible for any item that is shared use for multiple units. Water and Sewer are clearly for the benefit of multiple owners unless an individual unit has a singular connection to either. While it may not be spelled out in the documents as an individual item, it is safe to say that the water and sewer lines are for the benefit of multiple owners and should be treated as a common element and maintained by the association, in my opinion. Realistically, that would benefit all homeowners and would allow the HOA to control the work of the contractors hired for the repair. This is also important because the common grounds will need to be dug up to make the repairs. All the best!