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Home Owner’s Association Issue
Ask the HOA Expert
by Richard Thompson
Question: A number of our condo owners have installed hot tubs without permission. We're concerned about damage to the decks and building. Your thoughts?
Answer: Modern hot tubs generally pose fewer problems than early versions in regards to weight and leaking. As long as the deck is structurally sound, the hot tub doesn't exceed a certain weight limit (which can be calculated by a structural engineer) and doesn't leak, they should be permitted.
However, the Board should adopt formal standards and policy which include:
- Details of hot tub (brand, size, weight. etc.)
- Unit owner's agreement to remove it upon either sale or vacating.
- Unit owner's agreement to be fully responsible for any common element damage repair resulting from it.
 Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues.
Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at rich@regenesis.net.
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