Vacant Or Abandoned Properties In The Summertime

When we think about issues with vacant properties, we often think about pipes bursting in the wintertime due to frigid temperatures. However, once the weather warms up again, there as a plethora of problems that Associations face regarding vacant homes or condos.

1) Vandalism- Thieves may want to steal appliances or cooper pipes. Bored teenagers may break windows, start fires or put graffiti on the walls. Keep an eye out for unusual activity—and call the police if there is suspicious activity. A realtor will have no problem producing credentials to the police to explain his/her presence.

2) Mold Formation- The property has been closed up for a year, there may have been burst pipes or a leaky basement. No ventilation in a wet house equals a mold house. Try to get in touch with the bank’s property preservation department to have them take care of ventilation.

3) Landscaping- Now that Spring is upon us, there will be no one to mow that yard unless it is an Association responsibility. Make sure the realtor or the preservation specialist knows that the lawn must be mowed weekly or the owner will be subject to enforcement assessments from the Association. In the same token, weeds will grow rampant and become great hiding places for undesirable animals.

4) Insects- During the winter, insects may have taken refuge in the abandoned property and are now buzzing with excitement for Spring. Make sure that exterminators are sent out to the property if needed to prevent the issue from spreading to nearby properties.

5) Pools, ponds, fountains- There are not many private swimming pools in our area, but when there is one, and the property is abandoned, it becomes a cesspool for organisms. There can be rampant breeding of mosquitoes, and become a quick habitat for water birds, tadpoles, fish, and even snakes. If there are children in the area, this can be even more of a danger if the pool is not properly fenced and/or covered. Again, the Association should try to contact the property preservation company to make them aware of the issue.

5) Plumbing Issues- So a new person has moved into the unit above you that has been vacant for 3 years—good news, right? Maybe not. After laying stagnant for so long, pipes may spring leaks due to non-use. Plumbing seals (such as wax toilet rings) can dry out, rendering them useless to prevent liquid from leaking out.

Overall, keep in mind that there are many routes the Association can take with regard to maintenance issues at vacant properties. Don’t hesitate to contact the city or police department when it is appropriate. The realtor has a contact at the bank who should be notified of violations. Lastly, the association can enforce the governing documents to get the owner to comply with maintenance issues, or bill the owner back for certain maintenance items on some occasions.

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