S.W. from Pasco County, Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Roof leaks are causing damage to my ceiling. Who is responsible? Also, they’re taking forever to fix it.
Mister Condo replies:
S.W., I am sorry that you have a leaky roof causing you damage and that the repairs are not as fast as you would care for. Unless your governing documents state otherwise, the roof of a condominium building is typically association-owned property. As such, it is the responsibility of the association to repair the roof. If you live in a single-family detached home, as many HOA residents do, then the roof is likely your responsibility. I will assume you live in a condo for the purposes of this question. While the association has the responsibility to repair the roof, there really isn’t any way to force them to do so other than at their own pace. Keep in mind there are many things for them to do, including filing an insurance claim, which requires inspection and or mediation, selecting a contractor for the repair, which should include a bidding process, and so on and so on. This can take a maddeningly long time when all you want is the roof repaired and the damage remediated. Keep in mind that the damage inside of your unit will most likely not be covered on the association’s policy. If you haven’t done so already, you should be putting in acclaim on your own policy for the damage to the interior of your unit and any belongings that were damaged. It may take a while but the process does work. Keep on top of the association if they seem to drag their heels too much. At the very least, ask to be kept informed of the process and any progress that is made. All the best!