By: Michael DeSantis, Attorney
Gardi & Haught, Ltd.
Schaumburg, IL
Question: "Is a crack in a garage floor the responsibility of the Association or unit owner? We are assuming, as based on reading our Declarations, that the unit owner is. Garage floors are not specifically mentioned, just "...foundations, structural parts of the Building....", (unless the floor is considered part of the foundation)."
Answer: In this response, I am assuming you are referring to a crack in your garage foundation. You are correct to assume that your answer lies in your community’s covenants, conditions and restrictions (“CC&Rs”). CC&Rs detail what responsibilities belong to the Association and what responsibilities belong to you, the individual homeowner. In your case, you must discover whether your CC&R’s define garage foundations as a limited common element or designate it as something else, specifically whether your garage is defined as being part of your individual unit. If your garage is defined as being part of your unit, then it is your responsibility to maintain. If your garage is defined as a limited common element, the Association is likely responsible for its maintenance.
However, even if your Association is responsible for its maintenance, there is a possibility that your Association will make you pay for the repair depending on what your CC&R’s read. If your unit is governed by the Illinois Condominium Property Act (the “Act”), the Act provides that an Association may assess the cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of limited common elements back to the homeowners who have use of those amenities, if the CC&R’s provide for such a charge back. Carefully reading your CC&Rs will help you clarify who is responsible for your garage foundation maintenance and whether such costs can ultimately be charged back to you.
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