Largo, FL asked in Real Estate Law and Business Law for Florida

Q: There is water/mold damage inside my condo unit from a leak above me, what are my chances taking the HOA to court?

The leak is from a common element pipe. The HOA has fixed the pipe but refused to pay for mold treatment inside my unit, citing demarcation at the drywall. The Bylaw says "all incidental damage caused to an Apartment by the maintenance, repair, or replacement work done by the Association shall be promptly repaired at the expense of the Association," but it is not clear if the incidental damage here include damages caused by wear and tear, or only incidental damage as a direct result of the work initiated by HOA.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer

A: That's impossible to say without reading your condo documents. Generally, the HOA is only liable for putting back the bare drywall but it's possible your documents do not require that. It is also crucial to know if the pipe services just one unit or multiple units. If the pipe services just one unit that unit owner is liable for your damages.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.