DEALING WITH THE HOA
6 Replies
Shayne Escobar
from Charlotte, North Carolina
posted 6 months ago
My rental is in a small town in NC. The HOA and the property mgt company are also small. Everything is informal, meaning they make up their own rules. The HOA have not had a meeting in the past year and I have never seen an annual budget. In March I noticed wood rot on the exterior of my unit. I've reached out to them seven times via phone and email requesting the wood be repaired. To this day, I have not received a reply. I'm looking for the path of least resistance because of my race and limited time. Any suggestions?
Russell Brazil
(Moderator) -
Real Estate Agent from Washington, D.C.
replied 6 months ago
Is this a condo, single family or townhouse?
Uneeq Khan
from Bound Brook, NJ
replied 6 months ago
Go to the city code official. They will fine them. That'll make them repair it very quick or avoid repeat fines.
As an owner, you have the right to view the budget and they must produce one when asked. Most bylaws mandate the frequency of meetings. Some bylaws also have rules where you can call your own special meeting if a percentage of the homeowners are in agreement. Usually more than 50%. Review your governing documents. You'll find a lot of strategies to get what you want.
Document ALL communication with them.
They might also be under funded, which is why they are avoiding it till they have enough funds. If you push them, they'll raise the monthly fees, or do a special assessment, and get the funds for repairs.
another option is to work out a deal, involving a lawyer, where you pay for the repairs now, and they can pay you back in monthly payments.
Shayne Escobar
from Charlotte, North Carolina
replied 6 months ago
Sorry, the property is a townhouse.
Shayne Escobar
from Charlotte, North Carolina
replied 6 months ago
Thanks Uneeq. I've always lived in properties with HOAs so I know to expect an annual budget, meeting, voting for the board, etc. I have started documenting all my communication with them, I just wish they would respond. Even if the response is they cannot do the repairs until 2021, I would be satisfied. But to hear NO RESPONSE angers me. I think I'm going to send a certified letter and if that doesn't get their attention, I will follow your advice and speak to my attorney.
Uneeq Khan
from Bound Brook, NJ
replied 6 months ago
They usually are townhouses. And it doesn't matter strategy would be the same.
Quickest way is to notify the town about the code violation.
Bandu Khote
replied 5 months ago
In my case, I recently bought this condo in MA. I managed to get email of one trustee. After several attempts, she is not providing me phone number or contact information of other trustees. I need some information for my home refinance and I am stuck. What could I do?
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