What can the association do if I install hardwood floors when I'm not allowed to?

[september09]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

I am going to be moving in to my new condo in a 6 story building. They don't allow hardwood floors, only carpet and tiles. What can they do if I do install hardwood floors? I saw a unit in my building on a higher floor that was for sale which had hardwood floors. They can't make me remove it, can they? Wouldn't I just have to pay some sort of fee if they found out? Maybe I can say my allergies are really bad?

 

[justalayman]

Yes, it is possible they can make you remove the floors or more accurately, can ask a court to order you remove the floors.

Wouldn't I just have to pay some sort of fee if they found out?

that would depend on what they want to do. There is a reason for no hardwood floors and "some sort of fee" would do nothing to remedy the problems caused by the hardwood floors.

Maybe I can say my allergies are really bad?

then maybe you should look for housing elsewhere.

 

[QueenofEngland]

Hardwood floors in upper units make sound travel down horrifically. Carpet muffles it. "If" your allergies are bad, either put plastic on top of the carpet, or look into buying a ground unit where you might be able to put in wood.

If you want to try claiming your allergies are bad enough that you should be given special treatment, be prepared to have a doctor back up your allergies being so severe that they're disabling and you need special treatment for medical reasons. What? No doctor's willing to make this claim for you? Well too bad.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

I am going to be moving in to my new condo in a 6 story building. They don't allow hardwood floors, only carpet and tiles. What can they do if I do install hardwood floors? I saw a unit in my building on a higher floor that was for sale which had hardwood floors. They can't make me remove it, can they? Wouldn't I just have to pay some sort of fee if they found out? Maybe I can say my allergies are really bad?

**A: the rules are for sound issues. But it appears that if they allow hard tile they must have some sort of sound barrier system approved. Check to see if they would approve using the same sound barrier system for hardwood flooring.