Providing Keys to your Property Manager

Over the years we have regularly had the question asked of us, “Why does the Property Manager need a key to my unit?”  In regards to Condominium and Co-operative Associations, it is not required by Florida law that a key be provided to the property manager, but many times it is stated in the Associations By-Laws that it is required of Unit Owners to provide a key for emergency access to the Unit.

Also, it is required in the Florida State Statutes that the Property Manager has a Right of Access to the Units for maintenance, repair, or replacement of any common element or structural components of the building .  They will also need to have access to the unit in case of emergencies, such as fire or flooding.  So, if you are an owner who works during regular business hours, the Property Manager must have access to your unit to make these repairs.

Please note, If it is required in the Association By-laws that a key be provided to the Property Manager or a name and contact information of a key holder who can be at the unit immediately to access the unit, and this information or key has not been provided, then it is the responsibility of the Unit Owner to reimburse the Association for all fees associated with gaining emergency access to the unit.

So, for everyone’s safety and well being, it is recommended that an emergency key be provided to your Property Manager.  It can save you and your association additional fees should something catastrophic occur.

Common reasons for access to the unit:

• Pest Control Inspections (with 48 hour written notice of entry)
• Flood / Water Damage
• Fire
• Safety Hazard
• Disabled Unit Owner in Peril

If you do not have copies of your associations by-laws please contact your property manager to obtain a copy.  Also, if you would like more information on the Florida State Statutes, please visit our Helpful Links web page at http://www.jbrooksai.com/helpful-links/property-management/ and click on the appropriate link for either Homeowners’ Associations, Condominium Associations, or Cooperatives.

(Condominiums) Florida State Statute 718.111(5) RIGHT OF ACCESS TO UNITS.—The association has the irrevocable right of access to each unit during reasonable hours, when necessary for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of any common elements or of any portion of a unit to be maintained by the association pursuant to the declaration or as necessary to prevent damage to the common elements or to a unit or units.

(Cooperatives) Florida State Statute 719.104(1)   RIGHT OF ACCESS TO UNITS.–The association has the irrevocable right of access to each unit from time to time during reasonable hours when necessary for the maintenance, repair, or replacement of any structural components of the building or of any mechanical, electrical, or plumbing elements necessary to prevent damage to the building or to another unit.

J Brooks & Associates, Inc. is a full service HOA, Condominium, Cooperative and Master Community Association property management company servicing all of Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and all of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties.

When searching for a professional property management company to manage your Association, consider us,J Brooks & Associates, Inc. We will do more than exceed your expectations.