A. While the metaphor “one bad apple can spoil a barrel” applies to some contexts, community association living is desirable for myriad reasons and can be quite rewarding. The most basic rationale is that by living in a community association a board of directors handles the maintenance, repair and replacement of the common elements, which is quite different from owning a single-family home where the homeowner is responsible for those. Also, costs for maintenance and services are shared, and neighbors in the same building become friends. In terms of questions to ask, prospective purchasers of a condominium unit should request answers to the list of disclosures contained in Section 22.1 of the Condominium Act. The disclosures include financial disclosures of anticipated capital expenditures for the current and succeeding two years, as well as other representations about the association and the unit. Additionally, wise prospective purchasers will request many years’ worth of board meeting minutes, and review those minutes, to determine if the board has been discussing particular issues or problems within the association.
Condo Adviser: Who is responsible for water damage caused by a leak in another unit?
