Water Damage-Owner refuses access

[michtah]

FL. I am currently going to court against another condo owner for refusing to pay for water damage after I had to have it repaired myself. Of course, I now have new water damage in the recently repaired area from a new leak from the unit owner. Now she is refusing access to her condo by the association (who is acting as an intermediary) to fix the damage and figure out who's fault it is later. The association has twice made appointments with her and she has no showed (including at time and a half for the plumber on a friday afternoon per her request). The association does not feel it is an emergency justifying a locksmith. I have called code enforcement, the mayor's office, and the building inspector. They all state it is a civil matter and they cannot do anything. They suggested that I force the Association to get access and file a complaint with the state against the association but I feel bad because they are not the problem; the unit owner is. Any thoughts? I am already going to court on 10/18. I plan to ask for a court order at that point if there is still a problem. Yes, this lady is crazy and people like this do exist.

 

[seniorjudge]

If you are already suing this woman, why have you not gotten a court order to inspect her premises (which should've been done several months ago).

What is wrong with your lawyer?

 

[michtah]

No lawyer involved. Going to small claims for the first water damage. This is now NEW damage after the repair of the former.

 

[seniorjudge]

No lawyer involved. Going to small claims for the first water damage. This is now NEW damage after the repair of the former.

You are doing a very poor job of representing yourself; you need a court order for inspection...but I doubt that is allowed in small claims.

Oh well, if you didn't really care that much about the claim to begin with, it's probably not worth much.

 

[HomeGuru]

You are doing a very poor job of representing yourself; you need a court order for inspection...but I doubt that is allowed in small claims.

Oh well, if you didn't really care that much about the claim to begin with, it's probably not worth much.

**A: good one. A fool for a client.

 

[michtah]

Well I see arrogance runs in pairs. First of all, the first damage amount is ~$300 (the association paid for the plumbing) so no lawyer will take that kind of case, hence small claims. Second, this lady defies common sense so there is only a limited amount I can do besides hiring a lawyer and going full force at a major expense to me with hopes of getting reimbursed through the courts. My specific questions, and please keep you're unhelpful smart remarks to yourself, besides waiting for a judge to order access, what are my other options?

 

[HomeGuru]

Well I see arrogance runs in pairs. First of all, the first damage amount is ~$300 (the association paid for the plumbing) so no lawyer will take that kind of case, hence small claims. Second, this lady defies common sense so there is only a limited amount I can do besides hiring a lawyer and going full force at a major expense to me with hopes of getting reimbursed through the courts. My specific questions, and please keep you're unhelpful smart remarks to yourself, besides waiting for a judge to order access, what are my other options?

**A: kick her door in like you see the boys do on Cops.

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: what are my other options?

A: Pay it off and be thankful you got off so lightly. It will cost you a lot more than $300 to try to patch up this sorry case.