Our Clients Ask Us: Stealing Association Utilities

Q: Our condominium association has a major problem with delinquencies. One of our delinquent owners failed to pay their electric bill, and they are now siphoning electricity from the common area hallway outlet through a long extension cord for their air conditioner and refrigerator. Can we stop the owner from doing this?

A: YES. First of all, is important to recognize that this is a fire hazard and that the safety of the other unit owners is being compromised. Most major appliances should under no circumstances be plugged in by an extension cord.

Immediately demand that the owner remove the extension cords, and make sure to follow-up this demand in writing if you are making a personal visit. Explain the risk, and that the unit owner has violated a specific rule or regulation. The association may impose enforcement assessments on the owner’s account if the owner continues to commit the violation. Moreover, look at the situation from a preventative stance. Is it really necessary to have several outlets in the hallway? Can we just have an outlet in the storage closet for vacuuming, etc.? The simple truth is that it is impossible to monitor all of the common areas at all times. If one person is taking advantage of the free electricity paid for by the association, then several more are probably doing the same thing without the board’s knowledge. Make sure all unit owners know that this behavior is not acceptable and that they may be subject to enforcement assessments.

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