California townhouse owner says HOA wants nine units to share roof leak repair costs

"This is my first time dealing with something like this, and I'm not sure whether this is normal."

A California townhouse owner is questioning how their homeowners association handled a roof leak after representatives suggested dividing repair expenses among nine units instead of submitting an insurance claim.

The suggestion left the homeowner asking why they should help pay for damage they did not cause.

What happened

Heavy rain and a leaking roof left the homeowner with significant damage. Although no mold was reported, water ruined clothing, cabinets, walls, and floors.

In a Reddit post, the homeowner said an HOA representative and a board member proposed that the nine connected units pool money for the repairs. They also suggested using a contractor they knew.

The post did not include repair estimates or policy language. According to the homeowner, the representatives warned that filing a claim could trigger other insurance complications and cause a steep rise in everyone's monthly fees.

"This is my first time going through something like this and I'm not sure if this is normal. Are they correct about insurance? Is it better to just avoid them? Should I really be paying anything because the damage was not my fault? Should I look for a lawyer? Any advice is appreciated!" the homeowner wrote.

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More context

One commenter noted that future premium hikes could end up costing more than an insurance payout. In their example, a $15,000 repair with a $10,000 master policy deductible would leave $5,000 for insurance to cover if the loss qualified.

Those amounts were only illustrative and were not estimates for the homeowner's leak.

Another commenter said responsibility may depend on governing documents, insurance policies, and possible negligence, not simply on where the water started. They advised treating roof repairs and interior damage as separate issues.

Other commenters said the association's policy should not be assumed to cover everything and pointed the homeowner to personal HO-6 coverage and loss assessment protection.

"The key is making sure responsibilities are allocated according to the governing documents rather than assumptions," one commenter said.

HOAs around the country have also been accused of blocking money-saving upgrades, including rooftop solar panels and native plant lawns, showing that association rules can affect far more than emergency repairs.

What can be done?

Before moving forward, commenters advised the homeowner to review the association's bylaws and covenants, conditions, and restrictions, or CC&Rs.

Homeowners can look at sections on common expenses, insurance, and maintenance responsibilities to determine how costs may be split and who handles interior damage versus roof repairs. The TCD Guide's resource on working with HOAs may also help homeowners understand association rules.

One commenter suggested hiring a certified water mitigation specialist to measure moisture levels in the damaged townhouse. They also recommended creating an itemized inventory and photographing damaged belongings and surfaces.

The homeowner should ask their own insurer how loss assessment provisions and deductibles apply, and whether the interior damage is covered, the commenter said. They advised getting those answers before deciding what to do next.

The same commenter said a formal repair process should include at least two independent bids. They also called for a written agreement, warranty protection, and a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor.

Another commenter asked whether HOA reserves could help cover the work.

"Also, all owners should be concerned that the roof is repaired properly and the roof inspsected to see how many years of life it has left. No one should want a repeat for your unit or theirs," one commenter wrote.

Related examples

Other homeowners have also disputed roof leak repairs and shared costs with their HOAs.

• California seniors face losing homes after their HOA imposed a $26,000 roof bill on every owner.

• A Nevada homeowner received a $6,800 water repair bill, while phone records undercut the HOA's call claim.

• California condo owners face a $49,000 special assessment tied to a $24.4 million repair plan.