M.S. from New Haven County, Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
We have two lower floors of commercial units with separate entrance. We have the residential
Units in floors 3 to 7. We share one elevator. The commercial unit owners claim that the board should approve and budget monies to wash their windows, repair their glass windows damage or cracks. In this case, wouldn’t the residential units also get window cleaning and glass repairs for free in their units?
Mister Condo replies:
M.S., mixed-use condos like yours are typically very specific in who is responsible for what when it comes to maintenance. In my opinion and experience, it would be quite unlikely that the association has any responsibility for the maintenance of the windows on the ground floor where the commercial unit reside. However, it is not impossible and the governance documents need to be reviewed carefully before any decision is made or money is spent. It is reasonable to assume that the window washing and window repair directly benefits the commercial units. Without properly maintained windows these units would be undesirable for their owners, and, if retail space occupies the first floor, it could easily deter customers of those businesses. Check your governing documents and find out who is responsible. All the best!