Florida HOA Lawyer Blog
The firm’s latest “Real Estate Counselor” column, which is featured in the Neighbors section of today’s Miami Herald, was authored by shareholder Roberto C. Blanch and titled “Water-leak Suit at Jacksonville Condo Makes Local Headlines, Reveals Telling Lessons.” Roberto’s article focuses on a recent report that aired on both the ABC and NBC affiliates in Jacksonville that included footage of a severe water leak filmed by a condominium tenant. The owner of the unit terminated the tenant’s lease, and he eventually filed a lawsuit against the association after it allegedly declined coverage for extensive water damage including warped floors of costly imported wood, destroyed light fixtures and dangerous mold. The column reads:
. . . The news report, which can be viewed at tinyurl.com/3un2ktam, illustrates the significant impacts that water leaks can have in condominiums. It is important to note that not all water loss events in condominiums are the result of improper maintenance by the association, as some may result from clogged sinks and toilets, or other owner negligence and causes.
Condominium associations and their property management must periodically inspect and repair their buildings’ common-element pipes and other components. Any leaks that may arise should be quickly and proactively investigated to determine their source and prevent them from causing any further property damage or possible injuries to residents.
Regardless of a leak’s cause or source, an association’s management and directors have an obligation to address and potentially eliminate it.
Associations should work with qualified insurance professionals to maintain adequate coverage against the types of damages that are likely to arise from leaks. They should also have a plan of action in place for the handling of water leaks, including pre-determined arrangements for their immediate remediation and a detailed process for reporting such incidents to the association’s insurance carrier.
