How Can I Get My Association to Spend Money on Needed Items?
I recently spoke with a co-owner who was complaining because her board of directors continually chooses the cheapest contractors who tend to not do a very good job. She was looking for some advice on how to approach her board to not be afraid to spend a little bit of money for a job well done.
My reply is simple. While the Board has a certain amount of discretion in regard to whom they contract and when to make the repairs, that discretion can not be abused when the community is left in a state of disrepair. Co-owners who feel that their association board is being penny wise and pound foolish should contact the Association Board and point out their fiduciary responsibilities in operating the Association in the physically sound manner which results in an improvement of the capitol structure including adequate maintenance and capitol improvements, if necessary.
Absent their favorable response, I would retain an experienced community association lawyer and threaten them with legal action and, if necessary, take such legal action. By trying to save a few dollars by skimping on work being performed, the association board may very well be hurting the longevity and overall well being of the community association. This also applies, of course, to legal and accounting professionals.