HOAs are responsible for plumbing lines that serve any type of common area. If there is plumbing that serves more than one unit or both units and common areas, the governing documents should be clear on who is responsible for repairs. If the documents do not provide guidance on the matter, disputes can arise.
What are the HOA's Plumbing Responsibilities in California? Most of the time, the HOA is responsible for shared pipes. Main water lines and sewage lines, which connect to multiple units, will need to be paid for and repaired by the HOA.
Generally, HOA fees cover the maintenance and repair of common areas. This includes things like landscaping, exterior paint, pool maintenance and snow removal. It's also common for HOA dues to pay for liability and property insurance for common areas and shared amenities.
In some cases, the HOA may be responsible for water damage in a separate interest if it resulted from the association's negligence or if it started from a common area the HOA covers. However, this situation can be tricky, so it is best to tackle such issues on a case-by-case basis.
However, there are provisions in the California Civil Code that state HOAs are responsible for repairs and maintenance to common areas and exclusive use common areas, which can include exterior doors, hardware, and door frames (unless the HOA governance docs state otherwise).
Unless otherwise provided in the declaration of a common interest development, the association is responsible for repairing, replacing, or maintaining the common area, other than exclusive use common area, and the owner of each separate interest is responsible for maintaining that separate interest and any exclusive ...
You may lose amenity rights.
Across many communities, those who are delinquent or fail to pay HOA dues may be restricted from using the amenities. The association may only allow access to shared areas, including the swimming pool, fitness center, and clubhouse, once you're caught up with your HOA fees.
Clogged drains within individual units are typically the responsibility of the unit owner . Clogs in common areas or those affecting multiple units are usually the HOA's responsibility . Main sewer lines and shared plumbing infrastructure fall under the HOA's purview .
HOAs generally provide civic amenities such as trash removal, water and wastewater management and security. These services are often included in your HOA fees, which means you'll have fewer monthly bills to keep track of.
Source of damage
If the source of the damage comes from inside your home, such as a water leak from plumbing , a broken pipe or overflowing appliance, you'll likely be covered by your homeowners insurance.
The HOA typically uses the money it collects to help maintain or improve the quality of life in the community. These fees are paid on top of your mortgage, property tax and homeowners insurance payments. Even if your mortgage is paid off, you'll still have to continue paying HOA fees.
If you live in an HOA community, you do not have the option to opt-out.
The power of HOAs. An HOA has the authority to enforce the rules and regulations of the community using the community rules, or “bylaws and covenants.” These rules are considered “agreed upon” since homeowners approve them through board-elected representatives.
In California, tenants do not have to pay for plumbing problems in rental properties unless the issue is a result of their negligence or is specifically outlined in the lease agreement. Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining and repairing plumbing systems to provide habitable living conditions for tenants.
Homeowners insurance will generally pay for damage due to sudden, accidental plumbing issues. Standard home insurance typically does not cover damage caused by sump pump failure, flooding or negligence. Add-ons like water backup and equipment breakdown coverage can help fill gaps in standard home insurance policies.
Most homeowners associations may be responsible for HOA storm water drainage if considered part of the common elements. The community's governing documents may also have provisions outlining the HOA's responsibility regarding drainage and sewer lines.
If the issue is addressed, the governing documents will usually specify that any interior damage due to water is the responsibility of the homeowner. Alternatively, any water damage affecting the exterior of the home, such as shingles or paint, is the responsibility of the HOA.
HOA Fees. If the home you inherited is part of a homeowner's association, you'll need to set aside money for the monthly dues.
The homeowner is responsible for maintaining any water pipes located on private property up to the boundary of the road where the company's water main is laid. If there is a shared pipe serving more than one property, it becomes the joint responsibility of all property owners that are connected to it.
Does your community have at least one Owner who exhibits consistently toxic behavior? For purposes of this article “toxic” means aggressive, abusive, annoying behavior exhibited towards Board Members and/or other homeowners within a community.
Rules (California CC&Rs) say if a pipe is not shared with another homeowner then that homeowner is responsible for repairs.
The short answer is that it depends. Yes, you can refuse to join a homeowners association if you buy a home in a community without a mandatory HOA. However, if the community has a mandatory HOA, you must join as part of the purchase agreement.
Homeowners may be tempted to ignore a fine for an HOA violation. This is especially true when they feel the rule is silly or unnecessary. However, ignoring fines is a bad idea. This is because fines can escalate.