A More Favorable View of Condominium Life

I beg to differ with the opinions of Martin Burton (Letters, June 13) with regard to condominiums. I have lived in three condos over the past 10 years and generally have had favorable experiences and sincere board members.

One must recognize that condo living requires a willingness to accept certain rules and regulations due to commonly shared property and close proximity of neighbors.

All prospective buyers are provided with an association’s documents and rules prior to completing an escrow. Most understand the need for rules, but there are some who make their purchase with no intention of abiding by those rules.

Board members are owners who are willing to give up their time on a voluntary basis to manage the property and safeguard the interests of their fellow owners.

This seems to be a thankless task as there is always someone within the community who does nothing but criticize and whine about mismanagement and expenditures. Boards are required to make difficult decisions and cannot please all of the people all of the time.

Burton’s views notwithstanding, boards are generally neither fascist nor corrupt. If Burton and others like him are unhappy with an association’s current board, they should run for a board position and actually put some effort into maintaining the community.

The whiners seem to believe that they can live year after year in their condo without incurring expenses for repairs and replacements or contributing in any other way. If one does not want the responsibilities that property ownership brings with it, there is an alternative that is called apartment dwelling.

Finally, the Community Assns. Institute is a fine national organization that offers training, support and education for homeowners and board members alike.

DIANA STILLER

Los Angeles