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Forced to Buy New Windows?

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KyBook

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Washington State

I bought a townhouse just over a year ago. The previous owners had installed white vinyl windows in my unit, even though all the other units still have brown aluminum windows. This went against the CCRs, but there was no lien on the property, and the heads of the association at the time didn't see it as a problem. In fact, new windows were a major selling point.

Recently there was a regime change in the association and they want to replace the windows in the entire concept and levy an assessment. I was out of town during the meeting this summer, but according to the minutes, my unit would be exempt because I already had new windows. It was not until the meeting last night when ballots were handed out I was informed that they want faux paneled windows and if it is approved I must pay to replace my perfectly good windows to match theirs.

I disagree on two levels. One, I have perfectly functional modern double-paned windows that I was told previously I would not have to replace. Two, I strongly dislike the look of the planeled windows in a 70s-style townhouse. I know they can restrict what you do to your property, but can they force you to accept something like this? Had these windows been in place a year ago, I would have had my doubts about buying.

My CCRs are old, confusing and vague but if you need more specifics let me know and I will pass them along. Any advice you offer would be appreciated!
 


Ciarraine

Member
KyBook said:
What is the name of your state? Washington State

I bought a townhouse just over a year ago. The previous owners had installed white vinyl windows in my unit, even though all the other units still have brown aluminum windows. This went against the CCRs, but there was no lien on the property, and the heads of the association at the time didn't see it as a problem. In fact, new windows were a major selling point.

Recently there was a regime change in the association and they want to replace the windows in the entire concept and levy an assessment. I was out of town during the meeting this summer, but according to the minutes, my unit would be exempt because I already had new windows. It was not until the meeting last night when ballots were handed out I was informed that they want faux paneled windows and if it is approved I must pay to replace my perfectly good windows to match theirs.

I disagree on two levels. One, I have perfectly functional modern double-paned windows that I was told previously I would not have to replace. Two, I strongly dislike the look of the planeled windows in a 70s-style townhouse. I know they can restrict what you do to your property, but can they force you to accept something like this? Had these windows been in place a year ago, I would have had my doubts about buying.

My CCRs are old, confusing and vague but if you need more specifics let me know and I will pass them along. Any advice you offer would be appreciated!

Do you have any sort of documentation that the windows, installed in violation of the CC&R's, were at any point approved or tolerated by the board?
 

HomeGuru

Senior Member
KyBook said:
What is the name of your state? Washington State

I disagree on two levels. One, I have perfectly functional modern double-paned windows that I was told previously I would not have to replace. Two, I strongly dislike the look of the planeled windows in a 70s-style townhouse. I know they can restrict what you do to your property, but can they force you to accept something like this?

**A: yes, READ your CC&R's.
 

KyBook

Junior Member
I have read and reread my CCRs (before I bought and especially now). It talks about upkeep and uniformity on the part of the resident but not so much , but not the principles of replacing like with like or drastically changing the look of a building. My CCRs haven't been rewritten since they were set down in 1977 (there is a passage that says 'children are discouraged as residents') so there are many things that until now have just been dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

I had no documentation from the prior association president because, of course, hindsight is 20/20. When I left town for the summer, he still a resident here. When I came home, new association officers. I do have minutes from a summer meeting saying that I would be exempt from the assessment.

Thank you for the help!
 

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