Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
Codo. Residential conflict
Hello,
I am a condo. association owner in Philadelphia. My condo tower has 4 units and big window between 1st and second levels. I have had some issues lately with my neighbor who resides below me on the 1st level. They say that when I close the blinds on the window, it is dark and unsafe for them. It is not dark at all and perfectly visible during the day and electrical lights come on when it gets dark outside. I obtained a condo. rules & regulations copy and it does not mention anything about blinds. I am not complying with my neighbors request and keep the blinds closed due to light sensitivity issue that I have. They already filed complaint to condo. association and I responded - ''will comply only if this rule is added to condo. regulations as all the owners in the tower exercise same rights''. I am pretty sure that law is on my side but could you please advise me how I should proceed. Thank you!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Codo. Residential conflict
I am going to assume that you are a unit owner, as is your 1st floor neighbor. If so, I have difficulty understanding how your open or closed blinds would affect the neighbor in the unit beneath yours.
As you are aware, the condo documents control. If the issue is clear-cut under the condo documents, the Association Board of Directors should advise you and your neighbor what the rules require.
If the issue is more ambiguous, and if the documents include a dispute resolution procedure, that is what should be followed.
This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.
* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.
* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.