I have a situation – my radiator heater valve is leaking and need to be fixed. Our super is a nasty two-faced individual. He, the board and the management office have made our coop building a living hell. With that situation, he would not fix the leak for me as coop proprietary lease states the heater maintenance is shareholder’s responsibility. I have no problem hiring a plumber to fix it. The... [more]
I have a situation – my radiator heater valve is leaking and need to be fixed. Our super is a nasty two-faced individual. He, the board and the management office have made our coop building a living hell. With that situation, he would not fix the leak for me as coop proprietary lease states the heater maintenance is shareholder’s responsibility. I have no problem hiring a plumber to fix it. The problem is that the boiler needs to be shut down while the plumber works on the fix. Based on my experience on many and every situation when the super was involved, he will not cooperate and make it easy. I am wondering if I can have someone fix it when the boiler is in between feeding the pumps. Is it safe to do so?
Another option is to hope the leak won’t get worse until spring time when the heater is not needed. Then I can have someone fix it. The problem with this option is that I won’t know if the leak is fixed or not until next winter.
The 3rd way is to have someone fix it assuming the person can fix it without going through the management office that is always on the super’s side. Are shareholders allowed to fix things in their apartment by themselves assuming that "someone" is myself?
I don’t see a winner from the above. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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Response by JR1
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 184
Member since: Jun 2015
I would definitely recommend against touching or fixing anything without a signed alteration agreement or written consent from your managing agent / coop board.
Easy way to get fined.
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Response by Squid
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 1399
Member since: Sep 2008
Send a letter to mgmt ccing the board (via email and mail). Let them know that you have an active leak that needs immediate attention and repair. Tell them you are concerned the leak may cause damage to other units if left untreated and allowed to worsen. Say that you understand the repair itself is your responsibility but that you'll need mgmt to coordinate with the super to shut down the boiler during the work, as you've been informed that you cannot conduct the repair while the boiler is running. Ask them to kindly arrange the shutdown at their earliest convenience.
By documenting this in writing you put mgmt and the board on notice and if they fail to respond and there is further damage or damage to another unit you will be able to provide written proof of your attempt to have the problem addressed.
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Response by front_porch
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 5316
Member since: Mar 2008
go squid go
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Response by JSM31
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 34
Member since: May 2017
Another thing to add: If the management company (and board) does not act quickly, and your unit sustains damage as a result of their negligence, you will need to document this behavior to your insurance company should a claim be opened. As a result, you want to have proof of written correspondence with the management company outlining the issue. Be sure to stress that this is an urgent request and that failure to act will result in damage to your unit.
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Response by Squid
almost 8 years ago
Posts: 1399
Member since: Sep 2008
Adding to what JSM said, you may want to send your letter to mgmt via registered mail
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I would definitely recommend against touching or fixing anything without a signed alteration agreement or written consent from your managing agent / coop board.
Easy way to get fined.
Send a letter to mgmt ccing the board (via email and mail). Let them know that you have an active leak that needs immediate attention and repair. Tell them you are concerned the leak may cause damage to other units if left untreated and allowed to worsen. Say that you understand the repair itself is your responsibility but that you'll need mgmt to coordinate with the super to shut down the boiler during the work, as you've been informed that you cannot conduct the repair while the boiler is running. Ask them to kindly arrange the shutdown at their earliest convenience.
By documenting this in writing you put mgmt and the board on notice and if they fail to respond and there is further damage or damage to another unit you will be able to provide written proof of your attempt to have the problem addressed.
go squid go
Another thing to add: If the management company (and board) does not act quickly, and your unit sustains damage as a result of their negligence, you will need to document this behavior to your insurance company should a claim be opened. As a result, you want to have proof of written correspondence with the management company outlining the issue. Be sure to stress that this is an urgent request and that failure to act will result in damage to your unit.
Adding to what JSM said, you may want to send your letter to mgmt via registered mail