A condo owner is facing $500 monthly fines from his homeowners association over flooring that was already installed when he purchased the unit.
The owner explained in a Reddit post that after moving in, a downstairs neighbor complained about noise. The HOA then targeted the flooring, claiming it must be the issue. The flooring had been installed by a restoration company after a previous fire, under the previous owner and with HOA oversight at the time.
The HOA has no management company. The board consists of three people, but the owner wrote that it is "basically being run by one person," with the other two described as "largely inactive."
That active board member attempted to enter the unit alone to remove flooring for testing, despite not being a licensed or insured contractor. The owner refused.
Fines of $500 per month began soon after that refusal. They will continue until the owner "fixes" the flooring. An HOA rule states wood or simulated wood flooring on the second and third floors is not permitted unless the owner demonstrates it meets a Sound Transmission Class rating of 60 or above.
The owner was not involved in the installation. When asked to prove compliance, he contacted the restoration company. They said they switched systems since the rebuild and no longer have the information. The previous management company also had no records.
The HOA has issued a formal agreement. The owner must hire a licensed contractor to remove portions of flooring in at least two rooms and hand over materials for sound testing. He must pay all costs for demolition, testing, and reinstallation. A board member may observe the process. The HOA is not paying for testing or accepting responsibility for the floor's condition.
"This whole thing feels less like enforcement and more like retaliation mixed with incompetence," the post said. "I'm honestly at my breaking point with my HOA."
Commenters on the post expressed frustration. One suggested telling the HOA it is their responsibility. Others questioned the testing method, noting removing floors would not prove a sound rating. Several pointed to potential legal issues, suggesting if the HOA knew of the flooring before the sale and did not disclose it, it could constitute fraud.
The owner said he consulted two HOA lawyers, with quotes around $30,000 to $40,000 to take the case. Fixing the floor might cost closer to $10,000.
Commenters noted the absurdity of the owner being blamed for something he did not install after the unit was approved and sold. One suggested suing in small claims court before fines accumulate.
The owner referred to the active board member as the "board tyrant," who claimed the unit was loud after visiting downstairs. The owner remains unsure how removing floors and sending them to a lab verifies a sound rating.
Monthly fines continue. Unless he can prove the flooring meets a rule he had no part in breaking, he may have to tear it out.