Condo Pool Accessโข Sparks Debate, Raises legal Questions
PHILADELPHIA, PA โค – A local resident is seeking advice โฃafter granting a non-resident access toโ their โขcondominium’s pool for the entire summer for a nominal fee, sparking concerns about potential โฃbylaw violations and fairness to other residents. the situation, detailed in a recent “Ask Eric” advice column, highlights โคaโค growing โขtension between neighborly generosity and the โresponsibilities of condo ownership.
The homeowner,โ identified only โคas “Dear Code,”โค allowed an acquaintance access to the building’s pool for $50 forโ theโค season. The advice columnist, R. Eric Thomas, cautioned the homeowner about theโฃ potential ramifications, urging โคthem to review their condo’s bylaws.
“You have the โฃpower and the right to redefine the terms of this arrangement any time you want,” Thomas wrote. “You don’t have a pre-existing relationship, and itโ sounds โคlike, beyond the โtext andโข the gift card, you don’t have much contact now. So, she has no right to expect this. And I can’t imagine that if your condo board got wind of this,they’d be โขpleased.”
Condoโค associations typically have strict โฃrules governing pool access, ofen limiting it to residentsโฃ and their guests. Allowing a non-resident โขextended use of the amenity couldโ be โconsidered a breach of those rules,โฃ potentially leading to fines or legal action. Moreover, โขincreased pool usage impacts maintenance costs, which are typically covered by condo fees.
Thomas suggested several solutions, ranging from terminating the arrangement entirely to raising the fee to cover the homeowner’s shareโค of pool expenses. He also pointed out option โoptions for the pool-seeker, such as public pools, gym memberships, or even relocating to the building.
“If you do decide to โkeep giving her the โขcode, raise the price to match the pool expenses lumpedโ into your condo โคfees,” Thomas advised. “But frankly, this might create more problems than it solves. If she was a one-timeโ guest, โit would be a different story, but she’s taking up summer residence, which affects youโฃ andโ your neighbors.”
Readers can submit questions to R. Eric Thomas โat eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474,Philadelphia,PA 19110.
