Introduction
The increasing popularity of townhomes and row homes can be seen in the daily magazines and real estate catalogues. It is clear that townhomes have become a real fixture in many new and developing housing schemes emerging around the world. Townhomes are more than architectural styles of homes and they should receive special treatment or distinction under the law of any country or state. Townhomes condominiums should be created through the condominium. Acts of that country to conserve the owner ship interests to maintenance and repair of Townhomes. This lack of categorical protection under the townhomes laws has led to the unseen treatment of townhomes, row homes or row home’s exteriors.
Detail
For non condominium townhomes in the housing societies, it is important to know and understand what rights and responsibilities they hold with respect to the maintenance, repair and replacement of various elements of the townhomes in their communities. Often the Home Owners Association (HOA) is responsible for maintaining and repairing the townhomes exteriors and interiors and ensures that water does not penetrate into the individual units. It is the potential liability of the HOA and its members to provide maintenance and repairs to these townhomes. HOA should be clear about what rights HOA has to pursue others who caused problems in the areas in which the HOA is responsible for maintaining and repairing. Normally it is seen that in a community groups of townhomes are attached together with common wall line, common roof and party walls separating the adjacent units. So it is the responsibility of HOA to provide maintenance and repairs to these homes. At this line has to be drawn here to differentiate between the responsibilities of HOA and owners. Below mentioned are a few townhomes building responsibilities.
Features
Roof:
- Roof shakes; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
- Roof Flashing; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
- Eaves/gutter/downspouts; cleaning, repair and replace are the responsibility of the HOA.
Exterior wall surface:
- Wood or composition; paint/ repair and replace are the responsibility of the HOA.
- Masonry sealing; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
- Cracked mortar/masonry; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
Exterior chimney:
- Wood/brick/composition; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
- Masonry sealing; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
- Flue caps; repair and replace is the responsibility of the owner.
Comments
Exterior windows:
- Wood trim; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
- Glass window; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
- Caulking; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
Entry door:
- Frames; paint/repair and replace are the responsibility of the HOA.
- Glass window; repair and replace is the responsibility of the owner.
- Hardware lock; repair and replace is the responsibility of the owner.
Streets/sidewalks; repair and replace is the responsibility of the HOA.
Pest control; routine care responsibility of the owner.
