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ballengerb1 · Oct 14, 2007, 11:12 AM

A friend of mine recently bought a condo and sent me the attached message regarding what they found on their recent visit. I answered them with my advice but I'd appreciate the advice of some of our other folks here at the desk.

"We do really like it there, but are happy we bought the condo here, although when we arrived Thurs. night here we were greatly dismayed! Apparently there had been a leak in the last 2 1/2 months from the condo above and the ceiling is bulging in the hallway about ready to fall. There's mold growing on the ceiling and the tile floor and door to the hot water tank closet. The one wall has water damage and also had mold. We have no idea when it happened, but it's a mess. We also don't know exactly what happened, as the ceiling is now dry! The condo management co. came in to take photos and check it out. They're calling the owners above us, but that condo is rented out. The whole ceiling in the hallway will have to come down as will the one wall. I spent 4 hours cleaning everything I could with bleach water to get rid of the mold. It was disgusting!"

Thanks for any usuful advice you folks can give,
Bob

ac101 · Oct 14, 2007, 07:01 PM

Sounds like they are already on the right track getting rid of the mold as far as actual repairs I would want whoever is responsible for the unit above to pay for pro repairs. Without seeing the damage its hard to say to what extent repairs will have to be made but If it were me that drywall would be the first thing to go just to get rid of any hidden mold issues and to dry the place out more. Post some pics back if they are available from the sound of it must have been leaking pretty good. I would also make sure that any insulation affected was changed as well. If there are any more questions post back I hope they get worked out. GOOD LUCK

Flying Blue Eagle · Oct 14, 2007, 08:32 PM

Ballengerb1::: I agree with both of you ,I think that the new owners also get the insurance involabled also they will press the issue as to who is at fault and press them to pay for all the damages. Also magers of property usually kind of don't want to push the issue .: Good luck to you and your friends F.B.E.

ballengerb1 · Oct 15, 2007, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the quick response guys. I told them to require the property manager to get the affected drywall and insulation out asap. Since mold already started I also told them to have a pro do mildew and mold remediation. This should all be coverede by the associations insurance or the home owner above them if he did something to cause the leak. In most condo you only own from the surface of the drywall inward.