Introduction to the Problem

Dealing with excessive noise from newly installed lobby doors in your condominium can be frustrating, but there are practical steps you can take to address the issue. When the condo board replaces common elements, such as lobby doors, it must ensure that the changes don’t negatively impact residents’ quality of life.

Understanding the Issue

The condo board has attempted multiple fixes but claims the doors are better suited for a commercial building. This indicates a potential mismatch between the door’s design and the residential setting. The previous door was nearly silent, which suggests that the new doors are not meeting the expected standards for noise levels.

Working with the Board

It appears that the board has been attempting to address the issue, so you should continue to work with them. It is all too easy to take out your frustrations regarding the lack of progress on the folks who are trying to help. Collaboration can lead to finding a solution that works for everyone.

Exploring Alternatives

If the lobby doors cannot be replaced, perhaps due to a revised building code, the issue may need to be addressed by soundproofing or replacing the door of your unit. Check your condo’s governing documents to determine whether your entrance door is considered part of your unit or a limited common element, as this affects who is responsible for the work.

Responsibility and Cost

If it is part of your unit, you are responsible for the work. If it is a limited common element, the board may share responsibility for maintenance or replacement, especially since the noise originates from the lobby, which is a common area. Even if it turns out to be your responsibility under the documents, see if the board will cover or contribute to the cost of soundproofing your door.

Legal Considerations

While there is legal precedent to support the position that the noise is creating a nuisance that the association is responsible for addressing, you should weigh the cost of litigation, along with its inherent risks and unpleasantness, against the cost of soundproofing the door yourself if your community will not step up and help.

Q: I live on the first floor of a condo building. Recently, the board replaced the lobby entrance doors, which now create a loud noise when someone enters or exits, startling my neighbor and me. The installers have attempted multiple fixes but say the doors are better suited for a commercial building. What can we do if they can’t adjust or replace the doors? The previous door was nearly silent. — Sean

A: Dealing with excessive noise from newly installed lobby doors in your condominium can be frustrating, but there are practical steps you can take to address the issue.

When the condo board replaces common elements, such as lobby doors, it must ensure that the changes don’t negatively impact residents’ quality of life. It appears that the board has been attempting to address the issue, so you should continue to work with them. It is all too easy to take out your frustrations regarding the lack of progress on the folks who are trying to help.

If the lobby doors cannot be replaced, perhaps due to a revised building code, the issue may need to be addressed by soundproofing or replacing the door of your unit.

Check your condo’s governing documents to determine whether your entrance door is considered part of your unit or a limited common element, as this affects who is responsible for the work. If it is part of your unit, you are responsible for the work. If it is a limited common element, the board may share responsibility for maintenance or replacement, especially since the noise originates from the lobby, which is a common area.

Even if it turns out to be your responsibility under the documents, see if the board will cover or contribute to the cost of soundproofing your door.

While there is legal precedent to support the position that the noise is creating a nuisance that the association is responsible for addressing, you should weigh the cost of litigation, along with its inherent risks and unpleasantness, against the cost of soundproofing the door yourself if your community will not step up and help.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro.

Conclusion

Addressing the issue of new loud lobby doors requires a collaborative approach with the condo board and an understanding of the condominium’s governing documents. By exploring alternatives such as soundproofing or replacing the unit door and considering the potential legal implications, residents can work towards finding a solution that improves their quality of life.

FAQs

• Q: Who is responsible for addressing the noise issue from the new lobby doors?
  • A: The responsibility may lie with the condo board or the individual unit owner, depending on the condominium’s governing documents.
• Q: What alternatives can be considered if the lobby doors cannot be replaced?
  • A: Soundproofing or replacing the door of the unit can be explored as alternatives.
• Q: Is legal action a viable option for addressing the noise issue?
  • A: While legal action is an option, it should be weighed against the cost and potential unpleasantness of litigation, considering alternative solutions like soundproofing the unit door.