Photo by PoPville Flickr user Lorie Shaull
“Dear PoPville,
I am well aware of the rights that renters have when it comes to issues like entitlement to heat. But is there any equivalent for condo owners?
I live in a small building (two floors, about 20 units), with a completely incompetent condo board. They have not turned the heat on for the year. This is an ongoing issue, for example, they decided to turn it off in the first few days of April last year.
The heat needs to be on. Even during this recent 60 degree day, I was working at home and only able to do so by using a space heater. I am worried about pets in the building, and the potential fire risks if everyone is using alternative heating sources.
I just learned that they think they might turn it on by November 15th, which is unacceptable (and a month after the legal renters in the building and across the city are entitled to heat).
This isn’t the only case where our board is incapable of making rational decisions on behalf of the community. We are financially healthy, so it doesn’t make much sense.
I realize there might be legal options, but I know that I will ultimately pay a portion of any legal fees the board accrues.
There is no interest in the building for getting involved to make democracy work. Currently, the Board can’t even get quorum (three Board members) for their meetings. I joined the Board last year because I felt obligated out of civic duty, but resigned a month later after I was personally attacked twice over email (once by a Board member) and the Board refused to acknowledge it was a problem.
Please help!”