•Amendment to By-Laws and Rules: Responsibilities for Unit Interiors and HOA Obligations
•Section 13.4 – Responsibilities of Unit Owners and the HOA
1.Unit Owner Responsibilities:
All components, systems, and structures within the interior of a condominium unit, from the studs inward, are the sole responsibility of the unit owner. This includes, but is not limited to, the maintenance, repair, and replacement of:
- Plumbing fixtures and lines within the unit
- Electrical fixtures and wiring within the unit
- Interior walls, ceilings, and floors
- Windows and window components (including glass, frames, and screens)
- Any other items that are exclusively part of the individual unit.
2.HOA Responsibilities:
- The HOA is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of common area systems that serve or enter units, such as:
- The sprinkler system and other common safety systems.
- Utility systems up to the point where they enter the unit boundary (e.g., water mains, sewer lines, and electrical feeds before they split off to individual units).
3.Liability for Damage from Common Area Assets:
- If damage to a unit occurs as a direct result of a common area asset (e.g., sprinkler system, roof leak, or shared plumbing) due to HOA negligence or lack of maintenance, the unit owner may petition the HOA Board for reimbursement of up to $2,500.00 to cover their insurance deductible.
- Such reimbursement is at the discretion of the HOA Board and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
4.Responsibility for Negligence or Inaction:
- Unit owners are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their units, particularly in their absence.
- If a unit owner’s failure to monitor or address issues in their unit exacerbates damage, the HOA will not be held liable for resulting additional damages.
5.Petition Process for Reimbursement:
- To petition for deductible reimbursement, the unit owner must:
- Create a ticket in our HOA ticketing system located at https://www.waterford-hoa.com/open-a-ticket/
- Provide documentation demonstrating that the damage was caused by a common area asset.
- Submit a copy of their insurance deductible and proof of payment.
- Attend a hearing before the HOA Board, if required, to present their case.
•Section 13.4 – Additional Clarifications
This amendment does not supersede or replace existing insurance requirements for unit owners or the HOA. All unit owners must carry appropriate homeowner’s insurance as stipulated in the HOA’s governing documents.