Angry Condo Owner Letter (from me)

Blieb

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2000
3,475
0
76
I've been living in this condo for about 9 months, and things are really starting to agitate me. We had a meeting 3 weeks ago and not a sinlge thing that was discussed has been addressed. In addition, there are new things popping up every day. I would like to send the following to the association manager, who gets PAID to do nothing so far, he needs to get off his fat keister, is this firm yet not too aggressive?

Dan,

There are a few issues that need to be addressed, the first of which may be CRITICAL.

1) The side of building 5, unit 501, in the rear corner, where the rear gutter empties, there is a hole forming. This hole is basically the eroding of the side of the ground, and it is ALMOST UNDERNEATH THE FOUNDATION. I cannot stress how important this could be if the dirt begins to erode under the foundation.
2) The ?white rock? resident in 308 still has white rocks, shrubs and flowers out.
3) Apparently in observance of 308, 401 decided to plant various greenery, including rose bushes and elephant ear plants.
4) Apparently in observance of the lack of rules and regulations enforcement, week-long resident 708 has put a brass door knocker up on their front door.
5) On the sidewalk by unit 601, there is a mass of dead tree limbs that needs to be removed. It is going to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
6) In between buildings 2 and 3, there is an extremely large, very dead tree (not to be confused with the little dead ones that need to be replaced). Between the upcoming rainy season, as well as the 2005 hurricane season, this needs to be removed so as not to damage the buildings when it falls.
7) Throughout the development there are weeds over my waist, as there has been no lawn service.
8) In between buildings 2 and 3 there is a temporary electrical box from the contractor. It should be removed.

You may also know that on Saturday, on a whim, several vehicles were towed because [condo president (resident)] called the towing company. While I was not directly affected, at our association meeting it was discussed that alternative parking not normally allowed would be tolerated while the side spots are blocked by the crane and associated materials. The recent action likely angered several people, especially those in building 3 who cannot get their vehicles in the garage. Because of the lack of rule enforcement / rule enforcement favoritism, one could easily make a case against our association, for which in turn, all of the residents would be paying whatever damages it may incur.

Also, something that needs to be addressed at the next meeting is the U shaped road. We need to make sure that when the construction is finished, that the road and sidewalks are taken care of. There has been a damage and leftover concrete from the construction. There are chunks of concrete in places that there shouldn?t be. There are large cracks from cranes and other construction vehicles.

As I stated at the meeting a few weeks ago, I read the covenants and restrictions and agreed to them before I even put a deposit on my unit. I was told that my $162/month fee was to be used for insurance and various exterior upkeep. Condos are supposed to look almost identical from the outside, as is clearly outlined in the covenants and restrictions. The recent exterior changes would suggest otherwise. I feel as though I have been lied to and let down, because it appears as though some of the people who live here and the management do not care about the neighborhood one way or another.

This is my home, I leave every morning, work very hard and come home every evening to a neighborhood that is turning into a dump before it is even finished being built.

Please call me with any questions, I will appreciate your immediate attention,

-Angry Blieb
555-1212

UPDATE:
I haven't sent the letter yet (going to do that tonight) --- but I called code enforcement today because of the grass situation. Maybe I'll wait for the weekend and sent a printed version certified ... yeah, I think I'll do that.

They asked if I wanted to remain anonymous and I said no :) ...

I know, I'm gonna set myself up as a condo commando ... but hell, pay for it, at least mow the damn lawn!
 

Sukhoi

Elite Member
Dec 5, 1999
15,346
106
106
Oh no! Flowers! ;)
rose.gif
 

tami

Lifer
Nov 14, 2004
11,588
3
81
i'm not sure if he's going to go for you nitpicking the details about the various units, but i know it's his job to. good luck.
 

Blieb

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2000
3,475
0
76
Originally posted by: ggavinmoss
By "white rock" resident, I thought you meant someone that looks like Joe Dirt.

-geoff

Oh I guess I should explain. They're like townhouse style ... some guy ripped up all the plants that were put in and put his own stuff down, including white rocks. Everywhere else in the development there is pine straw.
 

Blieb

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2000
3,475
0
76
Originally posted by: Sukhoi
Oh no! Flowers! ;)
rose.gif

My biggest beef is that they need to either enforce the rules that I moved in with, or remove them.

Some guy gets away with a 4'x7' college flag even though it's clearly not allowed by the rules. Either make it not a rule so I can put one out, or get him to take it down!

I would like to plant some things in this one area, everyone has a 10 foot strip that would be a perfect flower bed. But we're not allowed. So I don't. Meanwhile, other people are just doing what they want, and no one is enforcing it! It's a fvcking joke.
 

1) The side of building 5, unit 501, in the rear corner, where the rear gutter empties, there is a hole forming. This hole is basically the eroding of the side of the ground, and it is ALMOST UNDERNEATH THE FOUNDATION. I cannot stress how important this could be if the dirt begins to erode under the foundation.
2) The ?white rock? resident in 308 still has white rocks, shrubs and flowers out.
3) Apparently in observance of 308, 401 decided to plant various greenery, including rose bushes and elephant ear plants.
4) Apparently in observance of the lack of rules and regulations enforcement, week-long resident 708 has put a brass door knocker up on their front door.
5) On the sidewalk by unit 601, there is a mass of dead tree limbs that needs to be removed. It is going to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
6) In between buildings 2 and 3, there is an extremely large, very dead tree (not to be confused with the little dead ones that need to be replaced). Between the upcoming rainy season, as well as the 2005 hurricane season, this needs to be removed so as not to damage the buildings when it falls.
7) Throughout the development there are weeds over my waist, as there has been no lawn service.
8) In between buildings 2 and 3 there is a temporary electrical box from the contractor. It should be removed.
1. I'm guessing you don't know much about foundations.
2-4. Can you be any more anal? You're the type of asshole EVERYONE hates.
5-7. You're definatly right.
8. You really arn't qualified to determine the utilization of said electrical box.

You have some good points that the management needs to address. There are others that you just need to drop. You also have to consider that the place is still under construction, do not expect a mint condition common area when there is construction going on. Usually site clean-up is part of the building contract and is taken care of after construction is complete.

edit:
Some guy gets away with a 4'x7' college flag even though it's clearly not allowed by the rules. Either make it not a rule so I can put one out, or get him to take it down!

I would like to plant some things in this one area, everyone has a 10 foot strip that would be a perfect flower bed. But we're not allowed. So I don't. Meanwhile, other people are just doing what they want, and no one is enforcing it! It's a fvcking joke.
You REALLY need to relax.
 

Maetryx

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2001
4,849
1
81
If you could find a way to praise the guy for whatever it is that he does that deserves praise, you should start your letter that way. Maybe something like, "Thanks for hosting the recent condo association meeting. You did a good job organizing the meeting and we raised a lot of important issues. I kept some notes about that meeting and have found several other issues that I believe will interest you. After all, we're all in this together."
 

Blieb

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2000
3,475
0
76
Originally posted by: Maetryx
If you could find a way to praise the guy for whatever it is that he does that deserves praise, you should start your letter that way. Maybe something like, "Thanks for hosting the recent condo association meeting. You did a good job organizing the meeting and we raised a lot of important issues. I kept some notes about that meeting and have found several other issues that I believe will interest you. After all, we're all in this together."


I wish I could. This guy is a complete dolt. He probably has never even been to the site. He usually responds with "I don't know" or "that's not enforceable" ... he's a complete fvcktard, seriously.

edit:
"that's not enforceable" is the response for stuff that is clearly written in black and white. Problem is that there are no penalties, so all they can do is "ask" you to abide. It's a freakin' nightmare this situation ...

They need to get things under control before the rest of the residents come in and take advantage of the anarchy.
 

no0b

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2001
3,804
1
0
<<2-4. Can you be any more anal? You're the type of asshole EVERYONE hates.>>

QFT
 

Blieb

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2000
3,475
0
76
Originally posted by: SuperSix
People like you are the reason I will never live in a condo.

I don't sit at the window watching. I walk my dog around the neighborhood 3-5 times a day. I see things. I moved here for a reason, and people shouldn't move in if they can't handle it. If I can't plant shit, you can't either. That's my view.
 

Maetryx

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2001
4,849
1
81
I see. Nevertheless, vinegar vs. honey and all that. I just think you will get better results if you don't rub his nose in it, even though you really want to. I think it was a good exercise for you to vent your frustration by writing the first letter in the OP, but you should consider making a nicey nice letter to actually send.

OTOH, if you think this is headed for litigation, I would state in the letter that you would like a written response within 30 days, but do NOT mention anything about litigation because that always sounds trashy and would probably be implied anyway by asking for a written response. Then send it certified.
 

Originally posted by: Blieb
Originally posted by: SuperSix
People like you are the reason I will never live in a condo.

I don't sit at the window watching. I walk my dog around the neighborhood 3-5 times a day. I see things. I moved here for a reason, and people shouldn't move in if they can't handle it. If I can't plant shit, you can't either. That's my view.
ps. It's ok to break the rules sometimes. Daddy won't spank you anymore!
 

Sphexi

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2005
7,280
0
0
Originally posted by: SampSon
1) The side of building 5, unit 501, in the rear corner, where the rear gutter empties, there is a hole forming. This hole is basically the eroding of the side of the ground, and it is ALMOST UNDERNEATH THE FOUNDATION. I cannot stress how important this could be if the dirt begins to erode under the foundation.
2) The ?white rock? resident in 308 still has white rocks, shrubs and flowers out.
3) Apparently in observance of 308, 401 decided to plant various greenery, including rose bushes and elephant ear plants.
4) Apparently in observance of the lack of rules and regulations enforcement, week-long resident 708 has put a brass door knocker up on their front door.
5) On the sidewalk by unit 601, there is a mass of dead tree limbs that needs to be removed. It is going to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
6) In between buildings 2 and 3, there is an extremely large, very dead tree (not to be confused with the little dead ones that need to be replaced). Between the upcoming rainy season, as well as the 2005 hurricane season, this needs to be removed so as not to damage the buildings when it falls.
7) Throughout the development there are weeds over my waist, as there has been no lawn service.
8) In between buildings 2 and 3 there is a temporary electrical box from the contractor. It should be removed.
1. I'm guessing you don't know much about foundations.
2-4. Can you be any more anal? You're the type of asshole EVERYONE hates.
5-7. You're definatly right.
8. You really arn't qualified to determine the utilization of said electrical box.

You have some good points that the management needs to address. There are others that you just need to drop. You also have to consider that the place is still under construction, do not expect a mint condition common area when there is construction going on. Usually site clean-up is part of the building contract and is taken care of after construction is complete.

edit:
Some guy gets away with a 4'x7' college flag even though it's clearly not allowed by the rules. Either make it not a rule so I can put one out, or get him to take it down!

I would like to plant some things in this one area, everyone has a 10 foot strip that would be a perfect flower bed. But we're not allowed. So I don't. Meanwhile, other people are just doing what they want, and no one is enforcing it! It's a fvcking joke.
You REALLY need to relax.

As he said, there are rules to living there, everybody is supposed to follow. I have similar rules for the duplex I live in, I'm required to keep up the exterior (mowing and whatnot), otherwise my rent gets jacked up to pay for someone to come do it for me. I'm not allowed to alter the building in any way not approved by my landlord, etc. etc...I don't violate those rules, and neither do my neighbors. They tried once, and found themselves looking for a new home (hence how I was able to move in).

I agree that some of it is minor stuff that would normally not matter, but it's obvious that either the president doesn't have the nuts to deal with these people and tell them not to violate rules that they are legally required to oblige by to live there, or he simply doesn't care.
 

Blieb

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2000
3,475
0
76
Originally posted by: SampSon
1) The side of building 5, unit 501, in the rear corner, where the rear gutter empties, there is a hole forming. This hole is basically the eroding of the side of the ground, and it is ALMOST UNDERNEATH THE FOUNDATION. I cannot stress how important this could be if the dirt begins to erode under the foundation.
2) The ?white rock? resident in 308 still has white rocks, shrubs and flowers out.
3) Apparently in observance of 308, 401 decided to plant various greenery, including rose bushes and elephant ear plants.
4) Apparently in observance of the lack of rules and regulations enforcement, week-long resident 708 has put a brass door knocker up on their front door.
5) On the sidewalk by unit 601, there is a mass of dead tree limbs that needs to be removed. It is going to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
6) In between buildings 2 and 3, there is an extremely large, very dead tree (not to be confused with the little dead ones that need to be replaced). Between the upcoming rainy season, as well as the 2005 hurricane season, this needs to be removed so as not to damage the buildings when it falls.
7) Throughout the development there are weeds over my waist, as there has been no lawn service.
8) In between buildings 2 and 3 there is a temporary electrical box from the contractor. It should be removed.
1. I'm guessing you don't know much about foundations.
2-4. Can you be any more anal? You're the type of asshole EVERYONE hates.
5-7. You're definatly right.
8. You really arn't qualified to determine the utilization of said electrical box.

You have some good points that the management needs to address. There are others that you just need to drop. You also have to consider that the place is still under construction, do not expect a mint condition common area when there is construction going on. Usually site clean-up is part of the building contract and is taken care of after construction is complete.

edit:
Some guy gets away with a 4'x7' college flag even though it's clearly not allowed by the rules. Either make it not a rule so I can put one out, or get him to take it down!

I would like to plant some things in this one area, everyone has a 10 foot strip that would be a perfect flower bed. But we're not allowed. So I don't. Meanwhile, other people are just doing what they want, and no one is enforcing it! It's a fvcking joke.
You REALLY need to relax.

1) The ground erodes under the foundation and I'm stuck paying to fix it when it cracks?
2-4) It just needs to be addressed before everyone changes the landscape and screws everything up. Give me the $160/mo back ...
5-7) Thanks
8) It used to have a meter, it was removed, it was the construction power while they were doing buildings 2 & 3. It hasn't been used in about 6 months. It's like a stick with 8 outlets on it.

I'd love to relax, but this is stressful. I paid a crapload of $$$$, I may as well have sunk LESS into a house. My exterior wouldn't look like this. I moved here so everyone's place would look the same, and nice. It's just not ending up that way and it's making me flip out like a ninja.
 

Maetryx

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2001
4,849
1
81
I think the OP has a legitimate complaint. He pays his homeowner assocation fees and therefore expects representation and enforcement of clearly written rules of conduct for which all association members are signatory.
 

As he said, there are rules to living there, everybody is supposed to follow. I have similar rules for the duplex I live in, I'm required to keep up the exterior (mowing and whatnot), otherwise my rent gets jacked up to pay for someone to come do it for me. I'm not allowed to alter the building in any way not approved by my landlord, etc. etc...I don't violate those rules, and neither do my neighbors. They tried once, and found themselves looking for a new home (hence how I was able to move in).

I agree that some of it is minor stuff that would normally not matter, but it's obvious that either the president doesn't have the nuts to deal with these people and tell them not to violate rules that they are legally required to oblige by to live there, or he simply doesn't care.
Trust me, I know all about condo and hoa rules and fees.

The OP is just looking for reasons to bitch. Sure he has some legitimate concerns, but most of thoes are easily remedied or will be when phase construction is complete.
Bitching about a college flag, whining about a brass knocker and complaining about white rocks, flowers and shrubs is just ridiculous.
 

Blieb

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2000
3,475
0
76
Originally posted by: Maetryx
I see. Nevertheless, vinegar vs. honey and all that. I just think you will get better results if you don't rub his nose in it, even though you really want to. I think it was a good exercise for you to vent your frustration by writing the first letter in the OP, but you should consider making a nicey nice letter to actually send.

OTOH, if you think this is headed for litigation, I would state in the letter that you would like a written response within 30 days, but do NOT mention anything about litigation because that always sounds trashy and would probably be implied anyway by asking for a written response. Then send it certified.

You're totally right. I'm not sure how to write something more subtle. I'm the type that tends to hold things in until the boiling point ... :\ ... maybe I should cool down and try to rewrite later.

-----------

HELL, I didnt' even mention the guy who put a JACUZZI on his deck!!! I think you can put them on the patios, but the wooden decks aren't weight rated for a JACUZZI!!! The developer was at the last meeting andn almost fell out of his chair when he heard that. He sent a liability release like the next morning ....
 

Sex Smurf

Golden Member
Oct 13, 2004
1,384
2
0
When I look at the plantings around my condo, I sometimes think the former owners planted them, or the designers must have been on crack! Nothing really matches from condo to condo anymore and I would love to see my monthly association dues go to replanting to achieve some kind of consistant look.

In the meantime, I'm breaking the rules by cutting back the dead roses (the gardeners do not do this for some reason) that were planted by the mystery person.

Blieb, you pay your dues, so you have every right to gripe! Fight on bro!
 

Black88GTA

Diamond Member
Sep 9, 2003
3,430
0
0
Originally posted by: no0b
<<2-4. Can you be any more anal? You're the type of asshole EVERYONE hates.>>

QFT

QFTx2

Honestly, does that stuff *really* bother you that much? Does it affect you in any way? Who f*cking cares? Let them have their brass door knockers + flowers. Christ. :roll:

The other stuff is definitely worth mentioning and making a fuss over. Looks like you really need to choose your battles.