Be wary of HOA restrictions on major interior repairs

Buyer beware!

Many people are attracted to the maintenance-free lifestyle that duplexes, condos and townhome owners enjoy. It is attractive to have the homeowners association be responsible for the outside maintenance of your building and property, especially if you only live here part time.

There is a serious problem associated with this arrangement. These HOAs are governed by bylaws and generally speaking these bylaws limit maintenance and repair to the outside of the building. The homeowner is responsible for the inside.

How is that a problem, you may ask?

Termites, yes, drywood termites!

Drywood termites can only be effectively exterminated by covering the entire building in a tent (not just a single unit) and releasing a gas that permeates everything and kills all the termites.

We have a unit in Bridgewater Townhomes in Point Pleasant in downtown Bradenton. The units are quite new, built in 2001. About five years ago we noticed the evidence of drywood termites (swarming and fecal matter).

We have spot-treated them for years as they reappear, but the only way to eradicate them is to tent the entire building and fumigate. The HOA board refuses to consider this option. One would think that responsible homeowners would want to protect their investment and tent the building.

If you are in the market for a duplex, condo or townhome, be certain to review all of the HOA documents and ask if any units have evidence of termites.

If the paperwork says the homeowner is responsible for the interior and no exceptions, such as termite fumigation, are referenced, this would be the time to have it revised.

Your leverage to bring about change comes before you purchase, not after. Don't let a Realtor or seller convince you that this is a non-problem.

Dave Clouse

Bradenton

This story was originally published April 3, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Be wary of HOA restrictions on major interior repairs ."