Condo ownership and unit renovation questions (to rent, buy, contractors)

[vindication15]

Hi All,

I wanted to ask the condo owners out there a few questions about ownership and renovations within your unit:

1) If you live in a 2 br/2ba (one being a master bedroom) and they are in the opposite sides of the unit, can you add a door to the second bedroom to turn it into 2nd master bedroom if the door does not interfere with the structural integrity of the unit and building?

2) Do you have to fill in any paperwork with the condo association if you want to rent half the unit (the other person who lives in the unit would be the owner)?

3) Are common amenities also available to the individuals living with you in the unit - ie. gym, courtyard, etc.

Thanks for any and all answers

[JCK7778]

All of the answers depend on your commumities specific rules and regulations as well as the master deed.

In my community, we are able to do any renovations as well as tear down walls as long as does not interfear with the structural integrity of the building or involve any of the common areas. We do not need to notify the association or property manager unless permits are required but we are responsbile for ensuring the contractors we use are licensed and insured. If I as a homeowner choose to use someone that is not licensed or insured and they cause damage to any of the commmon areas or parts of the building that the association is reponsible, it will be my responsibility to pay for any and all repairs.

As far as the amenities such as the gym, in my community any residents of the household are able to use the pool as long as they have a NJ license showing the community address. If they do not have a license that has that address they are not issued a pool pass and would be considered a visitor. It is the same for passes for the gate in the front of the community.

[sas0814]

Every condo complex is going to be different. The best thing to do is to not buy a condo because you don't really have freedom even though you own it.