We live in 15 unit condominium in Washington State. Our association is considering changing our bylaws so the outside windows in each unit are considered part of the individual unit owner’s responsibility instead of being considered a “common area”. This is so the cost of the replacement or repair of each unit’s windows would be the unit’s owner’s responsibility and not part of the assoc. reserve assessment. We do not expect any replacement of window to be necessary for another 20+ years. I would like to receive input from other associations on your experience on this subject so we can consider all the advantages and disadvantages if we make this change. I know our Bylaws would have to state that architectural standards for replacement windows would have to be followed. Specifically, my questions are: how would the association force a homeowner to replace their windows when the association determines it is necessary? If a homeowner replaces a window – who pays to repair/replace the siding that needs to come off during the window replacement? We are interested in making sure we are not opening a “can of worms” by changing this.
