Seeking Legal Advice on HOA and Water Damage Issue

[Sousie El]

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a rental property in a condo managed by an HOA, and I'm dealing with a challenging situation that I'd appreciate advice on.

Shortly after closing, I discovered that the roof above my unit (a common area under the HOA's responsibility) was severely damaged from a past storm. Water is now leaking through the ceiling into my tenant's unit, and it's worsening with every rain also the neighboring unit has sever water damage (like a pool inside and it is owned by the HoA) and water from it leaking very dirty water from the shared wall to mine. The HOA has acknowledged the roof issue but claims repairs are delayed as they’re still collecting bids. Meanwhile, water damage is spreading, affecting my unit and others.

The tenant is understandably frustrated and has mentioned safety concerns due to slipping hazards caused by the water. They’ve also indicated they might move out. I’m worried about:
- Liability if the tenant decides to take legal action.
- The increasing cost of damage repair and potential mold growth.
- The HOA’s apparent lack of urgency to fix the roof.

I’m considering consulting an attorney to explore my options, but my budget is limited. Can anyone advise:
1. How attorney fees typically work in these cases (e.g., hourly, contingency, flat fee)?
2. Are there any cost-effective ways to handle this situation legally?
3. Would it be worth seeking a free consultation with a real estate attorney to evaluate my case?

If anyone has faced a similar issue with an HOA or has suggestions for next steps, I’d really appreciate your insights.

Thanks in advance!