The Lure and The Romance Of Owning In A Two-Unit Condo Building

In the District of Columbia, we have a lot of old row houses that have been converted to condos. Often times, a single family row house will be converted into two units and the results can be really amazing. There will be an upper unit and a lower unit, one or both of which may be multiple levels, and often each has dedicated outdoor space, either in the backyard or a roofdeck.

Such units can be very attractive because they feel more like a single family home than a condo in a larger building, And, while they offer the privacy and convenience of a single family home, there is shared responsibility for big things like a roof replacement, which makes ownership more accessible.

There are some potential drawbacks to owning a unit in a two-unit condo, however, For example, often times the bylaws give each unit an equal vote, making deadlock on decision making a real possibility. And, because there are only two units, often times the owners forgo the formalities required by the bylaws, which can lead to issues in the future. And, in a two-unit condo you're literally going into business with just one other person that happens to live in the same building as you - so you hope that everyone gets along and works well together.

Here are some tips for minimizing the chance that a dispute will arise:

1. Make sure you study and follow the bylaws of the condo association. This will help to make sure you know all the decisions that must be made and how to go about making them. It will also make sure that you are aware of any rules or restrictions that could lead to a conflict. And, if a conflict arises, the bylaws often will dictate how it can be resolved.

2. Have regular meetings with the other unit owner. This can help keep communication flowing and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to decision making. At a minimum, you should meet quarterly, and document the meeting in meeting minutes. Prepare an agenda for each meeting to guide the conversation. And, if differences of opinion arise, try to come up with a consensus solution. Finally, make sure any agreements you reach are in writing. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page should a dispute arise in the future.

3. Agree on how you'll handle any maintenance or repairs in a fair and equitable manner. The bylaws will dictate the items that are a unit owner's responsibility versus the association's responsibility. But, there are often gray areas. It's best to make decisions about these BEFORE the need for repair arises.

4. Establish a budget for common expenses. This includes setting aside funds for capital and routine repairs when needed, insurance policies, legal fees, landscaping, and all the other costs that come with running an association. All owners should be informed of the budget to ensure proper oversight.

5. Handle financial accounts correctly. Have a dedicated bank account for the association, and make sure that all financial accounts, such as bank accounts and insurance policies, have multiple signatures for approval so there isn't an opportunity for one person to control all aspects of the condo association's finances.

6. Set up a system for communication and sharing documents between owners. Best practice is to communicate using an email address separate from your personal email address, and to create a shared document repository online where both owners can access association documents such as insurance policies, meeting minutes, invoices, etc.

7. Create House Rules. House rules can cover things like noise levels, use of common areas (e.g., whether bicycles be stored in the backyard or strollers can be stored in a shared hallway), pets, trash and recycling, and many other issues.

There are huge benefits to two-unit condo buildings, and with a little foresight and work, you can manage it successfully.