Hoarding Leads to Mouse Infestation at Condo

M.L. from Hartford County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

What recourse do I have if my association and Management Company are not addressing the problem of mice in a particular row of units? One unit owner is a hoarder and does not respond to inquiries from the management company.

Mister Condo replies:

M.L., this is a case of unit owner’s rights versus association rights. Your best course of action is to continue to pressure your Board and Property Manager to take action. If they refuse, you might want to check your by-laws or consult with an attorney to see if you can bring suit against the Board for not taking action to protect the association’s common property, in this case, your building. While it can be disgusting and unsettling, hoarding is not a crime. However, blocking access to doors may be a fire code violation. Storing potentially dangerous or flammable items is likely against your bylaws as is allowing the unit to fall into disrepair. These are all grounds by which your association could demand access to the unit for an inspection and take appropriate action once inside. Your Board may also need some legal advice here as well so please recommend that they speak with their association attorney before busting down your neighbor’s doors. Good luck!