Letter: Boards can hinder fixes

Wednesday, May 31, 2000 | 9:08 a.m.

It was evident that construction defects were rampant in our association's complex. However, the president of the association would choose to not share these problems with the builder. (There had been suspicions of "you help me -- I'll help you" agreements).

Now we are in the midst of a class-action lawsuit against the builder that could readily have been avoided had the board and its president not shielded the builder from day one. It was also apparent that favoritism existed in that board allies would get help for repairs but not so for the nonallies.

As a member of a national organization, Homeowners Association for Defective Dwellings, I am so aware of favoritisms, denials on the part of builders and some -- only some -- lawyers taking sides ... not the ones of the homeowners.

Until builders decide that it is better to build it well at the beginning, this problem will never be solved. Too many owners are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation by the board. I know this happens because it did where I lived when a lawsuit against the board was filed several years ago.

Most interesting was that our then-attorney stated that when you are suing the board, you are suing yourself and your neighbor.

Really? It was only the board who chose to pick and choose their own ways of doing things, not my neighbors or myself. Something is wrong with this attitude.

JUDI ROOT

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