Condo leaks fall upon owner

     By Barbara Holland, CPM
      Q. I own a condominium that used to be in an apartment complex. It was refurbished by replacing the carpet, repainting and installing a new roof. The problem is this complex was built in 1983, and has major plumbing problems in most of the units.
      About two years ago, my unit started leaking under the water heater. I had it checked out and it was fine. About two months later, the leak started again, but this time in the wall near my dishwasher. Now the leak is under my sink. It is destroying my home.
      Plumbing is shared by all four units in the building, and the leak is suspected to be in a major line. The association said the problem is mine. Shouldn't the association pay for the repairs?
      Also, when I moved in I was told that none of the unit's exterior, including the flower box, was mine. Now the association says it is my problem. They also told us one of the units would be left for a laundry area. Less than one month after I signed the paperwork, this unit was changed into a condominium. Please advise, as I would like to fix the condo and sell it.
      A. You should first review the governing documents, specifically those that pertain to the maintenance responsibilities of the association as well as the individual homeowners.
      Then, find out what the problem is with your plumbing system and why you are experiencing multiple leaks at various times and locations within your unit. There are many plumbing companies with leak detectors that can locate a specific problem.
      If the leaks within your unit come from the plumbing lines that are shared by the other owners within your building, the association has an obligation to make sure that each owner participates in the repairs of the common lines. You would still be responsible for the repairs in your unit.
      As for your other comments, remember that the board of directors elected by the homeowners is not to be confused with the developer who sold the unit to you. Before buying any home, it is imperative for the buyer to have an agreement with the seller that covers all of the buyer's concerns regarding the home purchase.
      Questions for Barbara Holland may be sent to Association Q. & A., P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759.
      Barbara Holland, Certified Property Manager, is president and co-owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. She is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management and is the author of two books on the subject. Holland is a past president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors.

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