Responsibilities of Condo Residents and Fire Insurance

by Rosie Esplana

September 16, 2021

There are numerous advantages to downsizing to a condominium if you want to simplify your living. While there are numerous varieties of condominiums to choose from, they are all generally less expensive than single family homes.

Condos are low maintenance and frequently have amenities that make life easier by removing the need for maintenance. Condo complexes frequently have amenities such as parking garages, exercise centers, elevators, and concierge services.

Condos can provide these advantages since you are normally a member of a condominium organization that is responsible for providing certain services and amenities to its members. The condo association is made up of all of the condo owners who elect a board to carry out obligations for the condo buildings and the inhabitants’ benefit.

The board is also in charge of determining and collecting dues to cover condo expenses. Each condo association has its own set of bylaws, and an owner’s responsibilities may range from one to the next.

Yet, one thing that all condo organizations have in common is that you are usually only responsible for the maintenance and repairs of objects in your unit. Outside of your unit, such as landscaping and exterior maintenance, the condo association is responsible for maintenance and repair. Here’s some more information to help you figure out who’s liable for what when it comes to condo living.

Responsibilities of Owner

Repair and upkeep of your exclusive condo home. This includes any issues that arise in your condominium. This could also contain any attached porches or balconies.
Dues for condo association membership must be paid. Dues are usually assessed on a monthly basis. If you fail to pay your dues on a regular basis, your unit may be encumbered with a lien for the amount owed.
In addition to regular membership dues, you must pay any special assessments imposed by the condo association to cover unexpected expenses.
Property taxes are calculated based on the valuation of your unit.
Getting property insurance for your personal belongings in your unit, as well as personal liability insurance for any injury that may occur to anyone inside your unit.

Responsibilities of the Condo Association

Maintenance, maintenance, and care of the condo building’s common areas as well as the exteriors of individual units.
Garages, corridors, elevators, lobbies, outdoor spaces, and any other location accessible to all condo association members are included.
Outdoor gardening and snow removal, interior and exterior care such as painting, and maintenance of electrical fixtures in common spaces are all examples of maintenance and repair.
Individual condo unit’s outside doors and windows. Despite the fact that doors and windows are connected to the unit, condo organizations are normally responsible for their upkeep and repair.
Having insurance for the condo building’s common facilities and outside elements.
Maintaining a reserve fund to cover any expenses not accounted for in the association’s annual budget, as well as collecting and accounting for membership dues.
Contracting with service personnel to handle common-area maintenance and repairs, as well as employing any of the association employees.
Any other services or functions specified in the condo association rules.

Condo Fires Aren’t a Rare Occurrence. Are You Prepared for the Fallout?

Even after the fire is out and the damage is controlled, dealing with a fire in your house or on property that you are responsible for maybe a nightmare. Although no one wants to consider what they will need to do in the aftermath of a fire, it is critical for unit owners and condominium associations to be prepared. Condominium fires are surprisingly common, and being prepared for the insurance paperwork, legal questions, and repairs that follow can really pay off.

Recent Condominium Fire Insurance Claims and Property Damage: All too real examples!

Do you believe a major fire will never occur in your condo? Several serious condominium fires have been recorded across the United States in the recent month, including the following incidents:

A condominium fire in Magna, Utah, on Monday, August 11, 2014, affected 18 units. A fire at Copper Tree Condos displaced eighteen people, destroying two units and causing damage to four others, as well as disrupting the complex’s main water supply.
On Monday, August 11, a frightening condominium fire broke out in Littleton, Colorado. Four units were severely damaged, and one tenant had to be rescued from the flaming condo. According to witnesses on the site, the fire broke out via the windows.
A fire broke out on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, in a three-story condominium complex in Raleigh, North Carolina, causing major damage. The building’s top level was destroyed, and the fire and smoke, as well as the water used to put out the fire, caused damage to the other floors. The building’s 12 units were all damaged, and it’s expected that inhabitants won’t be able to return for several months.

The lesson of the story is that serious fires can occur anywhere, at any time, and having fire insurance isn’t always enough to protect you from losses, but it does help to mitigate the projected damages.

Condominium insurance claims that are denied are difficult for unit owners and condo associations to deal with.

Despite the fact that most unit owners and condominium associations have fire insurance, many are unprepared for the reality of having to file a fire damage claim. When it comes to determining who is responsible for specific damages, especially when the damages are significant, complications frequently occur. Residents or property managers may be unfairly burdened with responsibilities, and delays or denials are usual in the midst of the chaos.

If you have any questions about your property insurance coverage or would like to speak with one of our fire insurance claim agents about how to handle complicated damage claims, please contact us right away. Our team has helped individuals and businesses all around the country get the most out of their insurance policies, and we’re only a phone call or click away if you need assistance.