Roof Leak, HOA Dragging Feet To Fix

Roof Leak, HOA Dragging Feet To Fix

Member since 2021 · 12 posts · 4 votes

A tenant in one of my townhouses - which are all connected in a condo style within the community - advised my property manager of a leak which is coming from the roof.

These are 3 floor units and on the highest floor, there is water leaking through the bathroom light, above the shower, whenever it rains.

It barely ever rains in Las Vegas, but lately - with my luck - it's been raining here at least once per week.

The HOA is responsible for maintaining the roofs.

I quickly advised them of the issue, as did my property manager.

They sent a work order to a roofer. He sent one of his workers there to examine the roof, issues were found and he sent them his recommended fixes.

However, it's been two weeks and no fixes have been done.

I called the owner of the roofing company and he claims that he can't begin the work until the HOA gives him the green light to begin repairs and they have not gotten back to him.

I called the HOA, they are closed until January 3 - AND, there is rain scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

The tenant is really being nice about it, because it's not creating major issues right now - but with the water coming through a light area it could create a fire hazard and might even create ceiling damage eventually.

I have spoken to the HOA more than once in the last 2 weeks - and I have several emails, including three sent today to various reps in the HOA, to create a long paper trail.

From what one of the HOA reps told, the community has a problem with roof leaks and they are looking to replacing every roof in the whole community (they raised our dues twice in the last two years, with the claim being it needed was to change the roofs).

If something goes sideways here, I don't want the legal liability to land on me because the HOA is taking their sweet time in handling this.

At some point should I get a lawyer involved? I know it's only been 2 weeks, but I can't allow this play out until the ceiling needs to be replaced or the electrical wires are damaged or something worse.

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    This is clearly on your HOA and you may have some recourse later with them. But for now, I would hire your own roofer to go and patch the leak temporarily. Don't ask permission, just do it...water can cause serious damage...

  • Member since 2021 · 12 posts · 4 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

    This is clearly on your HOA and you may have some recourse later with them. But for now, I would hire your own roofer to go and patch the leak temporarily. Don't ask permission, just do it...water can cause serious damage...

    Bruce, my property manager called 6 different roofers. All of them are backed up until mid-January. Earliest appointment one of them has is January 9. Between COVID and widespread roof issues - we had a very bad rain storm 2 weeks back when my problem began - the roofers in town are overwhelmed.

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Jimmy Vance:
    Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

    This is clearly on your HOA and you may have some recourse later with them. But for now, I would hire your own roofer to go and patch the leak temporarily. Don't ask permission, just do it...water can cause serious damage...

    Bruce, my property manager called 6 different roofers. All of them are backed up until mid-January. Earliest appointment one of them has is January 9. Between COVID and widespread roof issues - we had a very bad rain storm 2 weeks back when my problem began - the roofers in town are overwhelmed.

    Can you get on the roof? Don't if it's dangerous but if there is a safe way to do it, you may be able to find the issue yourself, it's usually really obvious......

  • Member since 2021 · 12 posts · 4 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:
    Originally posted by @Jimmy Vance:
    Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

    This is clearly on your HOA and you may have some recourse later with them. But for now, I would hire your own roofer to go and patch the leak temporarily. Don't ask permission, just do it...water can cause serious damage...

    Bruce, my property manager called 6 different roofers. All of them are backed up until mid-January. Earliest appointment one of them has is January 9. Between COVID and widespread roof issues - we had a very bad rain storm 2 weeks back when my problem began - the roofers in town are overwhelmed.

    Can you get on the roof? Don't if it's dangerous but if there is a safe way to do it, you may be able to find the issue yourself, it's usually really obvious......

    It looks too dangerous and it's high up there. From what the roofer told me, there are a few areas that need attention. I wouldn't have the expertise to determine where the leak is that's causing that exact issue. 

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    Ok, but don't get anyone to do it that doesn't have Workers Comp (see other thread about this)

  • Member since 2021 · 12 posts · 4 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

    Ok, but don't get anyone to do it that doesn't have Workers Comp (see other thread about this)

     My property manager is Berkshire Hathaway, I can guarantee they won't use anyone not licensed and bonded.

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    Can they tarp it as a short term measure? If the HOA doesn't get back to you by Thursday, leave them a message that you are getting a lawyer involved.

  • Member since 2021 · 12 posts · 4 votes
    4y
    Originally posted by @Theresa Harris:

    Can they tarp it as a short term measure? If the HOA doesn't get back to you by Thursday, leave them a message that you are getting a lawyer involved.

    They are closed until January 3. I doubt anyone will be calling until next Monday at least.

  • Property Manager · Henderson, NV · Member since 2018 · 501 posts · 317 votes
    4y

    @Jimmy Vance I would continue to keep documentation (work order requests, etc..) but in particular take a lot of pictures between now and each time it rains. Even videos of the active leak would be beneficial. I think the main focus on your maintenance request to the HOA is if they have scheduled a roofer and are they making best efforts to repair the leak. If best efforts are not being made then tell them your next call is to the NV real estate division. The HOA certainly has direct contact with the board members to get things moving.

  • Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    HOA's are the worst!

  • Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    Threaten a lawsuit. They will move quicker!

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