SOUTH NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A South Nashville woman says she has spent thousands of dollars repairing her floors and foundation — damage she believes stems from a problem her homeowners association has failed to fully address.
Vanessa Watson-Hill has lived at Hickory Valley Condominiums for 30 years. She says every time it rains, water falls from leaking gutters attached to the building, onto her deck, and seeps into her home under her back door.
The deck behind her home has become unusable.
"It's wet. It's wet now because it rained yesterday. It's just not an enjoyable place to sit anymore," said Vanessa Watson-Hill.
Maintenance attempted to seal the gap between her back door and the deck, but she says water continues to seep into her floors and the home's foundation.
"I was reluctant to spend the money for the foundation repair, but I showed you the crack in the kitchen, as you can see my house was going to crumble on me," Watson-Hill said.
Over the years, she has paid for supports under her home to shore up the foundation and replaced her kitchen floors three times.
"Until they do something about the outside that's causing the floors, there's nothing I can do but to keep fixing it," Watson-Hill said. "Because I have to live here."
The HOA's governing documents define Watson-Hill's unit as starting at the subfloor. Those same documents state the Board of Directors is responsible for the safety and upkeep of the building and all common areas.
Because Watson-Hill says the water originates from gutters attached to the building — falling onto the deck and seeping into her home — she believes the repairs are the HOA's responsibility.
Community Management Associates is the HOA's management company.
"I just want some accountability. I want these people to be accountable for what they're doing for the monies over here and to fix this property up... We're paying $425 a month, and I don't really... I can't justify the $425," Watson-Hill said.
I reached out to the management company and followed up with a supervisor. We'll let you know what we hear back.
The local HOA board meets virtually, making it hard to speak to anyone face to face.
Unlike some neighboring states, Tennessee has no single law that governs what an HOA must do. That means a homeowner's primary protection is the HOA's own governing documents.
If you are hitting a dead end and think Hannah Can Help, reach me by email at Hannah.McDonald@NewsChannel5.com.
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