Question:
I am struggling with getting the doorbell fixed in my condominium. I have contacted the management multiple times about it since February of this year. The previous owners of the place also contacted them about this issue in August of 2022 before we purchased the place from them. Each time I contact them, the management writes me that they reached out to the service provider but I never get a response about the progress of the request. The farthest I got was a response to provide my availability for the service provider to check the issue. I emailed the management a list of days I am home but I never heard back from them (that was in April). I recently emailed 3 people about it and got the same answer that they will contact the service provider. What should I do to get this doorbell fixed? I have packages coming that require signature and whenever I am home waiting for one I miss it by the doorbell.
– Anna
Answer:
Hi Anna,
Make sure to exhaust all forms of communication first. If they are unresponsive through email, try visiting their office to follow up on your request. Talk to your HOA board as well. Attend board meetings and raise your concern there. Inform your board that your manager has been giving you the same response without any updates.
Check your governing documents, too. Some associations are required to respond to an owner’s request within a specified timeframe, depending on the provisions of their bylaws and CC&Rs. If it is the HOA’s responsibility to maintain or repair doorbells, delaying or refusing to repair yours may be in breach of its duties.
If possible, negotiate with your HOA. You can propose to have the doorbell fixed at your own expense for now, and then have the HOA reimburse you later on. Make sure to get your HOA’s permission (in writing) to do this so that you can leave a paper trail.
While it may seem tempting, don’t stop paying your dues. Failing to pay your dues will only result in other problems.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers. The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice.
