Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

In a 15 unit condominium, seven owners have illegally installed washers and dryers in the subterrean parking garage. This causes noise, bad smell and there are no vents on the dryers and originally the rest of us pay to use the machines in the approved laundry room and each month a portion of that money is returned to the association to help pay for the use of using extra water when washing - the illegallly installed machines pay nothing and the other owners will have to pay for extra cost when there is sewer problems caused by the illegally installed machines. What is my remedy? Any help appreciated. Thank you Toney


Asked on 9/12/09, 8:45 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

I recall that, when I owned a condo unit, I was required to vent the dryer -- especially because it was gas-fired. Even if these are gas dryers, they certainly should vent the escaping steam. You might check with the building & safety department of your municipality and/or county to determine the regulations. If there's a bad smell, they might be able to do something about it.

I think the HOA board should be made aware of this, and perhaps a rules change to handle the financial burden should be implemented. Some condo associations might surcharge things like this to make up the difference for sewer and extra water use. If the board is not responsive, then you might look into finding ways to replace board members.

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Answered on 9/13/09, 8:33 pm
Scott Linden Scott H. Linden, Esq.

The building and safety department should cite the owners, (unfortunately they may also cite the HOA) for allowing these because they are not to code (at least not here in Los Angeles). This should force the HOA to order them removed.

If you would like to discuss this matter further in a more private forum, please feel free to contact me directly at the email address provided by LawGuru or through our firm�s website located at PasadenaEstatePlanning.com

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Answered on 9/14/09, 12:59 pm


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