Asked and Answered
There is a leak in my apartment and the Resident Manager is not being responsive. Should I call the Board president?Don't make that call precipitously. There is a hierarchy of response in co-ops and condos. Super first, then managing agent, then the Board, then your attorney. As you will need to interact with these folks over and over again, it is best to follow the hierarchy when a problem arises. In most cases, the super will promptly handle a serious problem in an apartment, such as an active leak. If there is a chronic problem and the super is giving you the run around, the next step is the account executive at the managing agent. Put all communications in writing (E-mail is sufficient) and follow up as is appropriate to the problem. Sometimes, contact every day is appropriate if a damage-causing issue is not being properly addressed. If the super or managing agent fails or refuses to address your concerns, a communication directly with the Board is next. In most cases, once the Board is contacted, that will light the appropriate fire under the appropriate person to get the problem resolved. In some cases, you will need to involve your attorney, and that’s unfortunate. The quality of the management of a building is often overlooked when someone makes an offer on an apartment. Once you are living in the place, how the "on site" management or managing agent addresses your issues and problems will dictate the quality of life you experience in your building. For more on solving problems, see "Who Can I Turn To?"
