Common Security Issues Within Condominiums

Condominium residents expect privacy and to be able to protect themselves and their properties from unlawful interference. However, they sometimes face security issues like vehicle theft, break-ins, loitering, and vandalism. Safety is essential to residents and condo owners associations (COAs) — that’s why the law provides legal remedies for affected persons.

Residents and the COA have a duty to ensure that the property is safe, peaceful, and habitable. However, their obligations and liabilities vary depending on the circumstances. In this guide, you’ll learn the common security issues within condominiums, tips for improving safety, and possible legal remedies available to affected persons.

4 Common Condo Security Challenges

First, look at four of the most common security issues within condominiums.

1. Vehicle Theft

Vehicle thefts are common in the United States. In 2022 alone, over 1 million vehicles were stolen, a 7% increase from the previous year. Condo owners are often targets of such crimes, especially when property is poorly secured.

As a preventive measure, condo owners must always lock their vehicles when parking them on the property. Condo managers and COAs must implement adequate security systems, especially when required by deed or condo rules. If the vehicle owner has a valid legal claim, they may sue for remedies.

2. Break-Ins

Burglary is common in condo communities. Such security breaches can raise long-lasting security concerns and lead to financial loss and disputes. Condo owners and property managers must play their respective roles to eliminate or reduce such misfortunes.

Condo owners must secure their doors and windows to prevent unlawful entry. When there is a fault with the security systems, it’s advisable to fix or report it immediately according to the terms of the lease or condo rules. Property managers and COAs must also take reasonable steps to curtail break-ins. The ultimate aim is to ensure the property is safe for habitation.

If you’re facing a dispute due to a break-in, contact experienced attorneys for next steps.

3. Loitering and Trespassing

Condo rules and regulations often have provisions about third-party access to the property. Such stipulations may detail the rights and obligations of each party to prevent loitering and trespassing. Having strangers and suspicious persons lurking around can make residents feel unsafe.

Condo properties with effective security systems and guidelines are likely to deter trespassers. Similarly, managing access and property restrictions becomes easier when all stakeholders obey the rules.

Clear guidelines can reduce tailgating, where uninvited or unauthorized persons enter the property by closely following a resident. When entry procedures are well-enforced, such individuals may find it difficult to breach the security system.

4. Vandalism

Vandalism occurs in many ways on condo properties. Classic examples include intentionally breaking equipment, damaging entry points during forced access, and graffitiing the property. Vandalism damages the property and may require substantial money to fix. Additionally, it can make current residents feel uneasy and drive away potential residents.

It’s essential to identify the vandals before they cause the damage. If the damage has already occurred, you may institute legal action to remedy the situation. This calls for effective monitoring and access protocols.

3 Ways to Keep Condominiums Safe

Consider the following tips to help keep condominiums safe.

1. Install Security Cameras in Condos

Security cameras can help you identify wrongdoers. It can also serve as evidence for proving claims in court and even deter criminals and unwanted behavior. Condo property managers must, therefore, install effective cameras at vantage points on the property and ensure that they are always functional. Security cameras are often installed in common areas, like hallways, staircases, and corridors. Condo owners who wish to install security cameras on their private properties may purchase separately unless the lease agreement otherwise provides.

2. Use Swipe Access to Buildings

Swipe access can help regulate access to the buildings. It can also provide information about when a person entered or exited the property. Video intercom systems are also helpful tools that can help reduce the number of unauthorized visitors. Investing in modern technologies can reduce or help resolve disputes.

3. Employ Guards

If your condo community has a main entrance or gate, you may hire guards or doorkeepers to supervise and control access. You may also employ a concierge to monitor the security cameras and provide customer service to residents and visitors. These personnel can spot suspicious activity and possibly intervene.

Additional Condo Home Security Tips

Here are additional tips to improve security on the condo property:

• Screen residents and workers: Conduct background checks on residents and workers before signing a lease or employment agreement. The same applies to independent contractors.
• Conduct periodic security system inspections: Machines are likely to fail occasionally, so inspecting and repairing them regularly is essential. Also, audit the security systems periodically and remove no longer valid accesses.
• Establish emergency response procedures: Provide residents with support and guidance during emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, and medical emergencies. These could include evacuation plans, emergency contact information, and protocols for notifying residents of emergencies.
• Secure doors and windows: Residents should lock their doors and windows when they leave the property or go to sleep.

Legal Remedies to Condo Security Issues

Depending on the facts of the case, the following measures may be appropriate:

• Report the crime: Most security breaches are criminal, so you may report the incident to the police. If the wrongdoer is arrested, they may be prosecuted for the criminal offense and sanctioned according to the law.
• Sue the COA: Condo associations generally have a duty to put in place reasonable measures to protect residents and their property. The obligations may arise by a contractual agreement or other means. If the resident has a valid claim against the COA or any person under a legal duty, they may institute a civil action.
• Sue the resident: In some cases, the COA may sue residents, especially when the residents are the wrongdoers. Instituting legal action allows the COA or any other person with a valid legal claim to recover damages or other lawful reliefs.
• Sue the person directly: Where the wrongdoer is arrested or known, the person with a legal claim may sue. This applies to third parties as well. Examples of possible legal claims include trespass and damage to property.

Contact Calabrese Law Associates for Assistance With Your Condo Disputes

Unprotected buildings are magnets for security breaches and disputes. It’s, therefore, important for residents and COAs to play their respective roles to keep the property safe and secured. Where a person breaches their legal obligation, the affected person may institute legal action. The appropriate legal step will depend on the specific facts, so it’s best to consult an attorney for guidance.

The professionals at Calabrese Law Associates help condo associations resolve their condo disputes. We offer personalized legal services and strive to deliver the best possible results. We also prioritize forming long-lasting bonds by providing the best customer service. If you have security issues or want to talk to an attorney about your condo challenges, contact us now!

This publication and its contents are not to be construed as legal advice nor a recommendation to you as to how to proceed. Please consult with a local licensed attorney directly before taking any action that could have legal consequences. This publication and its content do not create an attorney-client relationship and are being provided for general informational purposes only.”

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