Summary:
The collapse of a multi-story complex in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021, which tragically claimed 98 lives, has thrust older condominiums into the national spotlight. According to Federal investigators, the condo complex was 42 years old and had construction flaws, particularly with the pool deck, which contributed to the collapse. Engineers had advised the homeowners' association to make necessary repairs, but they were unsuccessful due to financial constraints. This incident has underscored the urgent need for more stringent regulations mandating structural integrity inspections.
In the USA, 75% of condo complexes that are 30 years or older, as well as all apartment complexes and commercial properties, are deficient in engineering.
Article:
The issue is complex. Upgrading older buildings is expensive, and residents may struggle to afford the increased association fees. However, with the new laws, these upgrades are now unavoidable, potentially doubling HO fees for many.
Senate Bill 326, a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of condominium residents, mandates inspections by qualified professionals to verify the structural integrity of condominium complexes by January 1, 2026, and every nine years thereafter. This law, along with SB 721, is a significant stride toward preventing tragedies like the Surfside collapse. SB 721 requires inspections of three or more multifamily units on the same date, further enhancing the safety measures. These laws are designed to provide residents with a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that their homes are being thoroughly inspected and maintained.
Under the new regulations, urgent repairs must be completed immediately. This emphasis on immediate action underscores the importance of these repairs and the need to prioritize them. Other required repairs will be taken care of within 120 days of receiving the report, further emphasizing the situation's urgency. The urgency of these repairs should not be underestimated, as they are crucial to ensuring the safety and stability of your home.
An earlier bill, SB 721, which took effect in 2019, requires inspections of elevated exterior elements, such as balconies, stairways, and other elevated structures, for wood-framed structures in multifamily buildings with three or more units. Those non-immediate repairs were given 120 days to make repairs, but emergency conditions were given only 15 days.
The required improvements, including structural framing, guardrails, and waterproofing elements, are comprehensive in scope. These regulations leave no stone unturned in ensuring your home's safety and structural integrity. Local municipalities, each with its regulations, oversee these projects, further ensuring the thoroughness of the process. This comprehensive approach should instill confidence in residents, knowing that every aspect of their building's safety is carefully considered and addressed.
Similar laws have been passed in many states to enhance structural integrity, safety, transparency, and streamlining the development processes for condos and multi-family homes.
Research:
https://www.nrcia.org/sb-721-new-law-update/
https://www.calassoc-hoa.com/hot-news-and-newsletters/law-requiring-balcony-inspections-sb-326/
https://caanet.org/newsom-signs-bill-extending-deadline-for-balcony-inspections/