My wife and I own a condo in a 16+ yr-old property here in Atlanta (Marietta actually).  When we bought the place two yrs. ago, the first thing I noticed was that there was no street address for the property's management company.  Well, me being new to the condo arena, I thought maybe this was not good.  It turns out that the company is just a youngish guy and his wife(?) (they have different last names, but they always go by their first names only when corresponding with the residents.  I got their last names after some extra effort). Their company is operated out of their home, which is an elegent little mansion complete with S-class Mercedes in the driveway, BTW. It took a little research finding just where the company was located.   When I first moved in, I called and the wife(?) answered.  I asked why no street address and she hemhawed (I think it's a word) around, then finally said that it was a private residence and they didn't want people going there;  the same people who pay for their life_style_, BTW.  Okay, so now you have a little background FWIW. I was told by a neighbor from the get-go that the wife was defensive. And this was from a woman who'd lived here since the place was built; she'd had lots of experience with the property, and management companies.  And she never uttered a more true statement, it turns out. This woman (who usually answers the phone evidently) seems to be most skillful at telling people no.  One of her favorite lines, from what I've heard, is there's no money for that.  A guy who lives on the bottom floor behind us contacted them about a foundation leak, and, you guessed it, there was no money for that.  He's an easy-going type person and probably just quietly said thanks and that was probably it.   And not surprisingly, when I first moved in and called with a few specific questions that I couldn't find answers to after reading my materials, she didn't answer the questions, but instead referred me to the bylaws I'd just read.  And the guy's no better. We residents just got a notice from them that there would be no more coverage for water loss.  They tell us that we should check with our own insurer and make sure we have coverge for that with them.  Uh, how's that?  They are apparently telling us that if there is a failure in the exterior (which is Association property), and water gets into our place and does damage, that WE or OUR insurance company is responsible?  There is NO WAY they would get away with this if this ever happened with us.  My question is this:  If I decided to ever take the case to my county's magistrate's court, who would be the defendant?  The management company?  The Association?  The Board?    I would *very* much appreciate some good advice/feedback on this if you please.  Thank you.

The property management company is doing nothing wrong by hiding.  That cuts down on pesky demands that they do their job. I can understand how some residents could be a pain in the ass, but I just think it smells bad when they do try to hide from us like this. <rest snipped for space Excellent advice, thanks.

Jay,       In your reply you stated you do not understand all the documents you were given about your home owner?s association. It?s my advice to drop a hundred bucks on a lawyer and have him explain them to you. Once you understand what is and is not required of your HOA, then you will know how to proceed.      I agree with an earlier post that suggests you become a member of the board. At least you?ll have more clout with the management company. Peace?