Hi there,

I empathize with your situation. I know a bit about this area. I'll give you some suggestions.

First off, is the association run by an official property management company? That's where the association hires out for a professional company to run condo matters. This is usually the best route, IMO, because you typically get better service. And you are paying for a service. Your monthly fee, as you know!

I suspect that your association elected to not hire a professional management company because ... the association is being so unprofessional. It's not ideal but if the officers running the association do their jobs and in the best interest of the community - that's great.

From my experience, associations are often handled in-house because it saves the community from having to pay an outside company to handle issues - and this is where problems crop up like yours. If it is an outside management company, you call the management company during business hours and the repairman is scheduled and the work gets done. Good stuff.

If it's in-house, there often are certain property owners who have their properties well maintained. They have the nice flower annuals. The perfect grass. Etc. Chances are 99% their maintenance and service calls are handled ASAP. The rest of the neighborhood comes second...or whenever.

I think those people at the association you contacted are in the first group. That lady that screamed at you? She has the pretty yard and servicemen on speed dial.

You're in the second group. You see where this is going.

What can you do? Here's what my opinion/experience is if your association is run inhouse by fellow property owners:

You can go one of two ways. Both are fine - you personally will know what's best for you.

1. You go the easy but get less service/benefit from that darned monthly fee.

2. You get involved. This isn't easy. I'll repeat. This is not easy lol. But, you can turn things around. This will involve commitment, stress, and sheer determination.

If you need that repair done yesterday ... I suppose paying a vendor of your choosing to repair it is an option. That's pretty much #1 and hopefully the association will do its job in the future. Doubtful. Maybe moving is a future idea if the market is good? Or stay. Regardless, keep that repair paperwork including your payment receipt.

Second option. Do option one but get involved in the association and community. A few things that are very important: document all the calls you make to the assoc., keep emails, all assoc letters to property owners (usually posted on your door...we will be resurfacing asphalt on x dates so move your cars), when maintenance DOES come out, etc.

Be NICE to the people on the board. Those jerks? Yep. Don't alienate them. These folks may likely become your worst enemy. Who are these board members? Usually people with ALOT of time and who crave power. Is this a stereotype? It sure is. However, chances are high the top assoc dogs are of this ilk. I'm just saying from personal and professional experience (note this is LAYPERSON advice, not legal).

If there is an association office and they have a person there during office hours? They hold the keys to the kingdom. Be extra nice. They are your conduit to getting those work orders in, etc. If there is no such office/secretary, fine. Now here's what you do.

Start attending every meeting. Notices are likely posted in the elevator, near the mailboxes or mailed out. Take notes. Schedule ahead time to voice your concerns, as you mentioned. Keep your concerns very specific, i.e., my _____ needs looked at.

Stay involved this way. Maybe try and get on the board if there is an opening.

Request a copy of the bylaws. You are entitled to these. Read them. They are your bible.
Bylaw changes are voted and decided on at meetings. And info on those special assessments (repaint the building, replace the elevators, etc.)

The above will likely improve your future maintenance and care of your property.

You will learn about how the association is managing the funds. If they don't have a good reserve, your next special assessment to spray wash all the balconies will be shockingly high. If well-managed accounting, not so high. Also depends on age and building condition. New buildings have warranties and new paint, etc.

Awful case scenario is the association is extorting money for personal use like international vacations. Don't fret because you can't change that. But a lawyer can. You'll have to hire one out of your own pocket. Make sure they are well-versed in homeowners/condo assoc law.

Hiring a lawyer may be worth it if the finances seem ok (who does the internal audit? Inhouse or hire independent accountant). Hiring to get your darn money's worth out of your fee every month. That's where your documentation comes in.

If the assoc is sued, you can get your money on those repairs you had to handle. And maybe more. But a lawyer needs to advise you. This is layperson advice.

If you sue the assoc don't expect them to be your friends. That is ok. They never were anyway. If they are extorting money they likely will move away! Prison stinks. But you'll need a lawyer if you're getting this deep.

This is way more than you wanted to know. I'd do the repair by hiring yourself, document, get politely involved. Go from there.

Take care