J.T. from Milwaukee, Wisconsin writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I am the Administrative Assistant with a self-managed home owner’s association (HOA). We have a unit owner that is a nuisance to his neighbors, especially above him. He will be up all night, yelling, clapping, talking to another person that is not there, walking up and down the halls, going out on his balcony yelling. His neighbors can’t sleep. We have told his neighbors to call the police. A couple of our Board members have had a meeting with him, his mother and a neighbor. These things help for a while then he is back at it. Is there anything we can do to get him help? Apparently, his mother is not helping him. We believe he has a mental illness. He is not a bad person. Help.
Mister Condo replies:
J.T., mental illness is a serious problem to be sure. However, assisting this unit owner is not something the Board can do. All the Board can do is enforce its bylaws, which likely include peaceable enjoyment for all unit owners. Clearly, this owner is not allowing for peaceable enjoyment for his neighbors and should be cited each and every time there is a problem. Have you spoken with your association attorney about the matter? I am not familiar with the laws in your state but if this person is a potential danger to himself or others, there may be some legal steps the association can take to protect itself. If this unit owner is violating any rules or provisions of his ownership and occupancy of his unit, the Board should act accordingly. Hopefully, this person will get the help they need. At the very least, keep the noise down so others can enjoy their units. All the best!