horrific new owner

[sandiev]

Illinois

Hi! I am President of a small condo association--12 units. One of our units was just purchased and the new guy completely remodelled the inside of his unit--new kitchen cabinets, sinks, bathroom vanities, showers, etc 2 days later the guy below him is experiencing alot of water damage in his kitchen and his bathroom. Our plumber says it is from the new guy's kitchen and bathroom. Of course he has his own plumber come out and say it is a main pipe therefore the Association is responsible. In our by-laws it states that if a unit owner remodels within his unit and causes damage to another unit, he is responsible. Of course all insurance companies are denying claims--his, the person damaged, and the master policy. There were no problems until he remodelled! There is about $8,000 in damages to the guy below him and all of the residents here are livid and do not beleive we all should have to pay this. The problem still is not fixed. The water had to be shut off in the new guys unit completely since the plumber said that's where its coming from. Legally, who is responsible for these damages???

 

[HomeGuru]

Illinois

Hi! I am President of a small condo association--12 units. One of our units was just purchased and the new guy completely remodelled the inside of his unit--new kitchen cabinets, sinks, bathroom vanities, showers, etc 2 days later the guy below him is experiencing alot of water damage in his kitchen and his bathroom. Our plumber says it is from the new guy's kitchen and bathroom. Of course he has his own plumber come out and say it is a main pipe therefore the Association is responsible. In our by-laws it states that if a unit owner remodels within his unit and causes damage to another unit, he is responsible. Of course all insurance companies are denying claims--his, the person damaged, and the master policy. There were no problems until he remodelled! There is about $8,000 in damages to the guy below him and all of the residents here are livid and do not beleive we all should have to pay this. The problem still is not fixed. The water had to be shut off in the new guys unit completely since the plumber said that's where its coming from. Legally, who is responsible for these damages???

**A: you answered your own question. Now have the HOA attorney take charge.

 

[sandiev]

**A: you answered your own question. Now have the HOA attorney take charge.

We have never had to contact an attorney--things have always been great here, and now some of our senior residents are worried that the lawyer may cost too much. This guy who bought the unit and caused these damages is an investor and is going to try and turn around and sell it right away--no way, you can't even turn the water on in his place--any way he needs the closing documents from me--fat chance! Thanks!

 

[sandiev]

We have never had to contact an attorney--things have always been great here, and now some of our senior residents are worried that the lawyer may cost too much. This guy who bought the unit and caused these damages is an investor and is going to try and turn around and sell it right away--no way, you can't even turn the water on in his place--any way he needs the closing documents from me--fat chance! Thanks!