A California homeowner says a stubborn ceiling leak grew into a bigger dispute after their homeowners association fixed part of the problem, patched the interior, and later denied responsibility when the damp spot returned.
Here's what to know
In a Reddit post, the resident said the ceiling mark came back and looked even worse, despite work arranged through the HOA. They said the issue first appeared as "a small damp spot on the ceiling near an exterior wall." The association initially sent someone to repair an opening in the roof, and in May another worker "patched and painted the ceiling."
The conflict escalated in September, when the HOA said the problem was not its responsibility. According to the homeowner, they had already submitted another request in July specifically seeking roof work, but the job was listed as "Drywall/Ceiling Repair," which may have directed attention to the inside damage rather than the leak's source.
"Seems like according to your CC&Rs the HOA is not responsible for repairing the ceiling, you are. The HOA has to repair the roof," one commenter wrote. Another added that if an HOA knew about the leak and failed to address it, it "may be responsible for it if it gets worse due to that."
More background
If the source of the water isn't fixed, a stain can keep reappearing while costs mount for drywall, paint, and anything else the moisture reaches.
In this case, commenters repeatedly pointed to the homeowner's governing documents. Several said the CC&Rs should clarify whether the association is responsible for common elements such as the roof, while the owner is responsible for interior finishes like paint or drywall.
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What can be done?
Commenters urged the homeowner to document everything and stay focused on the original source of the damage. The poster said, "We have all the communications through email and have written trail of everything."
Commenters also suggested several next steps: review the CC&Rs, contact board members directly rather than relying only on a management company, and consider whether homeowners insurance should get involved.
Not everyone agreed on that last point. One commenter said, "I wouldn't call your insurance over this," while another argued insurance could help manage the interior damage and seek reimbursement later.
If you're trying to sort out what an HOA can and cannot do — whether it involves repairs, solar, or landscaping rules — it may help to start with the basics of working with HOAs. And if the documents show the roof falls under HOA responsibility, the bluntest advice in the thread may be the clearest: "The HOA has to repair the roof."
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover similar issues other homeowners have faced with negligent HOAs.
• One homeowner said the HOA neglected a major issue, leaving the home nearly unlivable.
• A condo owner asked whether over a year of neglect had crossed into negligence.
• A frustrated owner said the HOA board refuses to cover long-requested home maintenance.
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