Emergency Access

[MP98052]

Washington State

Our by-laws require our condos be accessible for emergency access and our general rules require a neighbor have a key for this purpose. There are no master keys or property managers. Most of the condos share attic and crawlspaces.

1. Is requiring a key in this manner legal?
2. If someone refuse to provide a key, can they be made liable for any and all repairs required to gain emergency access (verse filing an insurance claim with the HOA master policy), and any subsequent damage sustained by no having immediate access for an emergency (water damage for example).

Thanks!

[You Are Guilty]

Yes and yes.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by MP98052

Washington State

Our by-laws require our condos be accessible for emergency access and our general rules require a neighbor have a key for this purpose. There are no master keys or property managers. Most of the condos share attic and crawlspaces.

1. Is requiring a key in this manner legal?


**A: yes but stupid. You can challenge that.

******
2. If someone refuse to provide a key, can they be made liable for any and all repairs required to gain emergency access (verse filing an insurance claim with the HOA master policy), and any subsequent damage sustained by no having immediate access for an emergency (water damage for example).

Thanks!

**A: I say no since the HOA is allowed to break down the door in the event of an emergency.

[You Are Guilty]

Isn't a broken door (and lock) "subsequent damage"? (And metal exterior doors aren't cheap - with the frame, they run upwards of $1200 here!)

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by You Are Guilty

Isn't a broken door (and lock) "subsequent damage"? (And metal exterior doors aren't cheap - with the frame, they run upwards of $1200 here!)

**A: yes and yes.