homeowner rights vs. HOA rights (insurance, apartments, condo)

[MorningStar73]

Does anyone know where I can go to find out about my rights as a homeowner of a condo?

My HOA sent me a "Notice of Intent to Enter" stating that they need access to my home from 9am-3pm on July 25th & July 26th so that some company can come in and replace sprinkler heads in my home. Because they are doing this for the entire community, they say that they can't schedule appointments. Instead, they are giving every building a 2-day timeframe when they might arrive. They expect me to hand over my keys to the property management office (these are condo conversions, so the mgmt office is really for the apartments that are still unsold). Although they promise that an employee of the property management office will accompany the person replacing the sprinklers, I don't like the idea of handing over my keys to someone else. I think it's unfair that they expect me to do so and won't actually schedule an appointment with me. I'd be ok (though not happy) with them stating that they will need access within a 4-hour timeframe on one day....at least I could take some time off from work to do that. But 12 hours over the course of two days?!? I'm definitely not taking that type of time off and I don't think it's fair that they expect that type of access. They are threatening fees of at least $300 if I don't comply and they need to reschedule the visit.

Any guidance would be appreciated...this is scheduled for next week.

[AzDreamer]

Why do you feel you are due special treatment?

[azloafer]

I don't see anything wrong with what they are doing.

[AzDreamer]

If you are friends with any of the neighbors in your complex maybe one of them would stand guard for you.

[twiggy]

That sucks. I would ask if they will be compensating for missed time at work if you have to be home. If not, then see if they can make a time after you get off. My husband (a plumber) deals with these apt/condo managers all the time. They could and should schedule appointments with the condo owners for this, I'm sure you pay monthly dues. They don't because it's a pain in the butt for them, so they'd rather make it your pain in our ***. I wouldn't want somebody (which is most likely some construction worker, in my home, scoping out my crap while I'm at work)! Listen to all you who aren't going to like what I just said, it's the truth whether you like it or not, after owning a plumbing Co. for 10 years I know the kind of guys that work for fire sprinkler Companies, and there the same as low end plumbers and construction workers. I'm not saying all, just 70% of them are not someone you want in your home when your not there! The turn over rate in construction is so high it would make your head spin. Out of the last 10 employees my husband has had there have been 3 honest hard working guys, the rest were addicted to either or all: gambling, drinking, drugs, or crime. What job do you think you can get after you've been in jail? Nothing in a suit that's for sure. They are trained in construction. I know a lot of companies that don't do any checking in this area. 1/2 the guys we know in this business have done time for theft (because of drugs), and one for murder. Their are nice and honest guys, but a lot of them get discouraged in the biz because they too are always getting ripped off.
Everyone should be careful when having work done at there home. Check references for any company first before allowing them a first hand look at your stuff. A lot of them "scope and tell". Then their buddy comes and takes your stuff. There are honest guys out there but I doubt your apt/condo managers picked the most reliable, probably just the one with the lowest bid for the job. This is why your the one having to change your schedule around for them, it's easier and cheaper, FOR THEM!
Be a little stinker-ask if their insurance will pay for any thief on or after the job is completed. At least then your assured that they really will go to your apt. with the workers. Thats another thing, they say they be there, most of the time that means just to let them in and then they go. If you make some noise though they might stick around for your job. Ask for references for the company doing the work. Ask how they picked this company, lowest bid or word of mouth. They might not tell you but they will be extra careful with your condo. The squeaky wheel really does get more grease in this case.

[Bummer]

Personally, MorningStar . . . for something as important as fire sprinklers, I would think you would be ELATED!

A small inconvenience now could save thousands of dollars and possibly your life in the future.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH

! ! ! !

[Bungle]

If you don't want the building management accessing your condo to improve a critical thing such as sprinkler heads then buy a house. Just think if everyone in your complex demanded a set time for this when they could be around...it would never get done. This is the most efficient way for them to accomplish what they need. To me it would be a minor inconvenience. And knowing that my sprinklers are being brought up to code and improved would be well worth it.

Originally Posted by twiggy

Out of the last 10 employees my husband has had there have been 3 honest hard working guys, the rest were addicted to either or all: gambling, drinking, drugs, or crime.

No offense but has your husband heard of drug tests...background checks...or checking references? I'm thinking that if the things you mentioned were really an issue he would be a little more diligent during the hiring process.

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by Bungle

If you don't want the building management accessing your condo to improve a critical thing such as sprinkler heads then buy a house. Just think if everyone in your complex demanded a set time for this when they could be around...it would never get done. This is the most efficient way for them to accomplish what they need. To me it would be a minor inconvenience. And knowing that my sprinklers are being brought up to code and improved would be well worth it.





No offense but has your husband heard of drug tests...background checks...or checking references? I'm thinking that if the things you mentioned were really an issue he would be a little more diligent during the hiring process.

Did all of the above, and if you think they can't get around those things then I guess you'll be the next victim! For god sake man, wake up a take a look around, illegals have better paper work and id's than you, and yes, we checked those to!!!!!!!!! Now if they weren't born here, they don't work here.
As for that apt. complex, it's not that hard to make appointments for the people who request them. Like you Bungle there will be plenty of people who don't care. It just takes a little more effort on the managers side. Which, I conclude is a bit of a problem! At least if Morningstar makes a little noise they'll be sure and be careful with his/hers condo. They will have plenty of people who don't care to screw up on. And P.S. grateful for sprinklers,?, he/she paid for the condo, it's not welfare. I didn't hear " I don't want the sprinklers" all I heard was " a little respect, please" Besides, why weren't the sprinklers brought up to code while vacant. Oh, because we didn't HAVE to do it then. Now we have little time because we are in trouble. Please, I wish they were so kind!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. They could also update those sprinklers, if they planned a little, during vacancies for more than 1/2 of them I'm sure. Believe me, it's their job to do these things. I schedule plenty of appointments for plumbing re-pipes and it gets done. I like it when there happy, some don't really care. Morningstars not happy and probably a few other owners I am sure, especially the woman. I don't know why so many people just suck it up for larger companies. I know that a lot of small companies bust their butt to make their costumers happy. I guess with all this growth, the turn over is so high they can do what ever they want. I know a lot of construction and plumbing companies that work em hard then when they burn and quit they just hire a new. Those employees aren't happy and often bust pipes on purpose for extra $. Not a good thing. You gotta be careful.

[chocolaterie]

When my husband and I were living at Sonterra (an apt complex) they did the same thing to us. Except we had it happen on 3 different occasions. They even told us not to have valuables lying around the house because if they were stolen they wouldn't be held liable!! Good Luck.

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by chocolaterie

When my husband and I were living at Sonterra (an apt complex) they did the same thing to us. Except we had it happen on 3 different occasions. They even told us not to have valuables lying around the house because if they were stolen they wouldn't be held liable!! Good Luck.

Common phrases used to avoid spending extra $ to make sure it won't happen. It's all your fault morning star? Aren't you grateful!!!!!
Oh yeah, thanks for that addition Chocolaterie, because they won't cover anything that is done in the process. Get renters insurance! It's not great but it's cheap to get and covers some things.