Condo Association Management Blog

Our by laws specifcally spell out that the owner is responsible for the windows except that the association is responsible for the window sills. Glass is the owners responsibilty and the replacement of window must be approved by the board.

The owner can change the glass but all in all the unit must match the overall appearance of the entire complex. Does your POS or Master Deed offer additional information? If the board is responsible for all externals and no modifications than the owner should be prohibited from this action.

Bot Bob and rie are correct. It depends on the by laws and other governing docs. Most installed windows are builder grade - single pane non-insulated. I replaced mine with double pane, energy efficient with similar style and matching trim. Matching trim can be found. And all others in our complex who replaced windows have done the same thing. When asked by owners before they get a bid we position it as an energy improvement AND an aesthetic issue. Let's keep the look we've had for 30 years, but upgrade the performance. We do require the owners to submit and request, but we tell them, as long as the color and style matches, it's going to be approved. By working cooperatively and showing support for the homeowners, we've not had anyone yet replace windows that don't match. Hope that helps.

I am the only English speaking owner in a Hispanic 79 unit condo. They hold the meeting in Spanish. What are my options. I have been here for 35 years. 
 
The state language is English but we are considered a Private corporatin.

Windows are a resbonsibility of the owner and the owner must make their board aware of the renovation regardless (permits, etc.). On top of that, if the windows are installed without board approval and the windows don't properly match the existing windows in the building, the BOT can request that the windows be removed, which adds additional expenses to the work.

Our complex in MI has it spelled out in the bylaws that co owners are responsible for windows and must submit modification request to conform as well as make sure we are not using a contractor that could damage the building that then would be responsibility of the HOA.

Whether or not he has the authority to change the windows is only one part of the issue. The other part is: do homeowners have the authority to make changes to the exterior of their unit w/o approval of the architectural committee, including changes to portions they own? 
 
Take a good look at your architectural guidelines for the answer. In most HOAs (whether condos or planned communities) a homeowner must obtain prior approval for any changes to the exterior of their unit. I live in a planned community and if I wanted to put new windows on my home I would have to first obtain approval of the A/C committee.

Ours says that the homeowner is responsible for the windows. The Board gives approval after receiving a written request showing window literature description and pictures and name and address of seller. After approval, we find out the install date and time so that maintenance can be there to check on the work being done. The window sill is indoors and belongs to the owner. The outdoor window trim is removed by the installers and if new trim is needed it and paint is provided by the condo to the seller who has to install so it is as it was found originally. We had a homeowner whose installer wrapped the trim because it was easier and it looked nothing like the rest of the units. We made the owner call and have the wrap removed both in the front and back of the unit. They weren't happy but they had no choice.

You need to read the provisions of your state condominium act.Most states laws provide that a unit owner has the right to alter,modify or upgrade any part of his unit unless it impacts the structural integrity of the building and does not change the outward appearance of the building.In any event the unit owner must obtain written approval for any changes from his Board of Directors or the chair of his covenants committee.

Private corporations are not exempt from conformiong to stgate law. The poster who offered this comment is wrong.

From personal experience in our community, I needed approval from the board when I changed the windows in my condo but it was just to make sure the new windows were the same from the outside as the ones removed, however, we have contracted with another management company who has given everyone a hard time and is responsible for changing 7 roofs in our community and when doing so decided to change the color of the roofs. The board said they voted on the roof change and the color but does the board on their own have the right to vote a new roof project that cost $70,000 and does a board have the right to change the color of 7 roofs without a vote from the condo owners? The 7 condo owners have seen what the board and the PM do to others who have spoke up against them and are actually afraid to do so.  

I am in a condo in Clrwtr, Fl. We do need approval for window replacement. I choose to have double-hung in liv-rm which matches the kitchen. To replace the single-slider by builder would cost an 'addition' $1,000. I prefered the double-hung also was priced less. My argument even though these are IMPACT-Windows, they made me WAIT ONE_MONTH. I don't think anyone should be made to wait more than 3-days. Again this is a personal PREJUDICE board-members hold over owners. I beleive that you don't have to keep a condo looking how it was built in the 70's when it is now 2011. Thank You