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Condo owner distraught over deteriorating conditions: ‘It’s just nasty and dirty’

Posted at 8:04 PM, Nov 06, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-06 20:04:45-05

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Rusted railings, chipped paint and exterior mold and mildew have condo owners asking the CBS 6 Problem Solvers to take action.

"It's just nasty and dirty,” Richard Hykes said, who has lived at the Stonewall Manor Condominiums in Henrico for 20 years.

Hykes said conditions at the property have progressively deteriorated over the years.

Stonewall Manor Condominiums

WTVR CBS 6 cameras also spotted a number of mole hills walking around the property.

Hykes said he and his neighbors have put in numerous work orders to property management and have also complained to the homeowner's association board of directors.

However, he claims nothing has been done despite the $190 monthly association fee that all 472 homeowners must pay.

"The upkeep is not what I expected. I'm getting older," resident Sallie Chandler said. "It's one of the reasons I downsized to a place like this. And if it weren't for my neighbors, I couldn't get around.”

WTVR CBS 6 reached out to the state agency that oversees the 6,000 homeowner's association groups in the Commonwealth.

“I get these calls pretty often,” Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman Heather Gillespie said.

Stonewall Manor Condominiums

Stonewall Manor Condominiums

Gillespie said in this case homeowners would be better served hiring an attorney.

"Sometimes it's just a matter of talking to an attorney asking an attorney to write a letter on their behalf or contact the association board on their behalf," Gillespie explained. "And that can often trigger the results that are needed. If that doesn't work, then it could end up going to court.”

Gillespie said this is the best course of action when dealing with a contractual issue between the homeowner and the association.

WTVR CBS 6 reached out to the Associa Community Group, which manages the property. They say the board of directors for the respective subdivision sets the policy for any work done on the property.

At this point, they’re asking those homeowners to email their complaints to the office. And maintenance crews will come out and fix the problem.

Depend on WTVR.com and CBS 6 News for updates on this story.