What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
The tenants in a condo I own in southern california found drywood termites on the interior of an exterior wall (wall is shared with outside patio/front door etc). the termites were found on the interior of the patio/living room window, the interior ground and the ceiling along this living room exterior wall.
contacted hoa and they had it inspected and since termites were on the interior they said its home owners responsibility.
the hoa bylaws are pretty non detailed and state:
a) bees, rodents, pests (interior/interior walls or within balcony or patio ares) = home owner (notice no mention of termites)
b) termites/bees/wasps/pests (exterior) = HOA
my argument is that since its an exterior wall, the termites obviously didn't start inside the unit, they came from the outside and ate their way in. they obviously won't stay outside since its stucko, they will make their way inside where there's wood. there's no termites on any other walls or rooms, just the one wall that is considered an exterior wall since its shared with the outside patio.
there have been no precautionary exterior termite inspections or preventions done by the hoa in recent memory or years on my entire building.
i've heard varying arguments on the web but nothing clear cut
any help would be appreciated.
The tenants in a condo I own in southern california found drywood termites on the interior of an exterior wall (wall is shared with outside patio/front door etc). the termites were found on the interior of the patio/living room window, the interior ground and the ceiling along this living room exterior wall.
contacted hoa and they had it inspected and since termites were on the interior they said its home owners responsibility.
the hoa bylaws are pretty non detailed and state:
a) bees, rodents, pests (interior/interior walls or within balcony or patio ares) = home owner (notice no mention of termites)
b) termites/bees/wasps/pests (exterior) = HOA
my argument is that since its an exterior wall, the termites obviously didn't start inside the unit, they came from the outside and ate their way in. they obviously won't stay outside since its stucko, they will make their way inside where there's wood. there's no termites on any other walls or rooms, just the one wall that is considered an exterior wall since its shared with the outside patio.
there have been no precautionary exterior termite inspections or preventions done by the hoa in recent memory or years on my entire building.
i've heard varying arguments on the web but nothing clear cut
any help would be appreciated.