The Shared Responsibility of Condominium Residents
Living in a condominium means sharing more than just walls: we share roofs, green areas, parking lots, and often, vulnerability to weather phenomena that don’t recognize private property from common spaces. Intense rains, increasingly frequent in our cities, have become an uncomfortable reminder of how fragile our homes can be when preventive measures aren’t part of the collective agenda.
The Impact of Neglect on Condominium Residents
I have witnessed how a brief storm can transform the daily life of a community: parking lots turned into improvised ponds, hallways covered in water that seeps through neglected roofs, and desperate neighbors trying to save their belongings stored in basements. This is not an exaggeration; it’s the reality faced by hundreds of condominiums each rainy season.
In vertical buildings, the ground floor and basements are often the first to succumb to water. In horizontal buildings, common areas like courtyards become rivers that eventually find their way into someone’s home. In both cases, the roof becomes a silent enemy when impermeabilization is continually postponed.
Interestingly, water isn’t always the sole culprit; neglect also plays a significant role. Clogged drains, unmaintained pumps, and procrastinating neighbors all contribute to the problem.
A Vulnerable Community
Flooding doesn’t discriminate between diligent and negligent residents, nor does it differentiate between old and new owners. The water serves as an uncomfortable yet powerful reminder that life in a condominium isn’t individualistic; what one fails to maintain eventually affects others.
I believe the real challenge lies in recognizing that safety and tranquility in a condominium depend on a culture of shared responsibility. A community that doesn’t openly discuss how to face natural risks, one that distrusts its administrator and doesn’t support committee decisions, places itself in a much more vulnerable position than it realizes.
Climate change doesn’t accept excuses or postponed budgets. Each time maintenance investment is delayed, the entire community ends up paying the real cost: residents losing cars in flooded basements, families facing structural damage, and elderly individuals with limited mobility due to blocked access.
While no community can fully protect itself from weather phenomena, it can significantly reduce the damage. What’s at stake are not just material goods but also trust among neighbors and organizational capacity in the face of adversity. This is the difference between a condominium that survives a crisis and one marked by it for years.
Today, living in a condominium more than ever requires understanding that prevention isn’t a luxury but a shared obligation. The rains will keep coming, some stronger than we imagine. The question is whether we’ll find ourselves prepared or, as often happens, praying that the water doesn’t reach our doorstep.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the common issues faced by condominium residents during rainy seasons? – Neglecting maintenance, clogged drains, unmaintained pumps, and procrastination among neighbors can lead to significant property damage.
- How does neglect impact the entire condominium community? – Neglect can result in flooded basements, structural damage, and limited mobility for elderly residents, affecting everyone in the community.
- What role does climate change play in condominium flood risks? – Climate change exacerbates weather phenomena, making it crucial for condominium communities to prioritize preventive measures and maintenance.
- Why is shared responsibility important in addressing condominium flood risks? – A culture of shared responsibility ensures that all residents are proactive in maintaining common areas, reducing overall vulnerability to flooding and other natural disasters.
The author is the country manager of ComunidadFeliz.mx in Mexico, leading the expansion of proptech in the Mexican market with innovative sales and customer retention strategies. His focus on agile methodologies has been key to optimizing user acquisition and monetization. With experience in risk management and conservation, Mondaca drives operational efficiency and sustainable growth for the company.
