My HOA Will Not Repair or Maintain Common Areas
When an HOA will not repair or maintain common areas, the homeowner may be dealing with leaks, roof problems, exterior walls, windows, balconies, plumbing, landscaping, utilities, lighting, security gates, sidewalks, or other shared property issues. The first step is to identify what is damaged, when it began, and what the governing documents say about responsibility.
If your HOA will not repair or maintain common areas, gather photos, repair requests, inspection reports, contractor estimates, board responses, and the CC&Rs. Prime Attorneys can help connect you with attorneys who may be able to review common-area repair disputes. Call or contact us for a free consult.
Document the condition and the timeline
Take clear photos or videos of the condition over time. Write down when you first noticed the issue, when you reported it, who you contacted, and how the HOA or management company responded.
If the issue affects safety, habitability, water intrusion, mold concerns, utilities, access, or property damage, save any repair estimates, inspection reports, invoices, insurance letters, or contractor notes.
Check what the documents say about responsibility
The CC&Rs and condominium plan may identify what is common area, exclusive use common area, and separate interest property. Those labels can matter when reviewing who may be responsible for repair, replacement, or maintenance.
If the HOA says the issue is your responsibility, save that statement. If your contractor, inspector, or plumber says the issue appears to come from common area components, save that too.
When the issue overlaps with construction defects
Some HOA repair disputes also involve construction defect questions, especially in condominiums or newer developments. A leak, exterior defect, balcony issue, or building-envelope problem may involve the HOA, developer, contractor, insurer, or more than one party.
Mention any construction history, warranty, recent repairs, prior complaints, or similar problems affecting other units during the consultation.
FAQ
Save photos, repair requests, emails, board responses, CC&Rs, inspection reports, contractor estimates, invoices, and a timeline.
Save the HOA’s explanation and the governing documents. An attorney may want to review how the documents define common area, separate interest, and exclusive use common area.
Yes. Some repair disputes may also involve construction defect questions, especially where building components, water intrusion, or shared systems are involved.
Prime Attorneys can help connect homeowners with attorneys who may be able to review HOA repair and maintenance concerns.
Related Articles
- HOA Disputes in California: What Homeowners Should Know Before Speaking With a Lawyer
- Condo Construction Defects and Common Area Repairs: What Owners Should Know
- My HOA Refuses to Give Me Records. What Should I Track?
- What Are CC&Rs and Which Sections Should Homeowners Read First?
- What Questions Should I Ask During a Free HOA Dispute Consultation?
