There are many reasons why a condo unit owner might sue the association, ranging from the failure to maintain common areas to disputes over noise levels. In some cases, unit owners may feel that the association is not doing enough to protect their investment, or that they are being unfairly assessed for repairs. Additionally, unit owners may sue if they feel that their rights have been violated, or if they believe that the association is acting in an illegal or unethical manner. While lawsuits are often seen as a last resort, they can be an effective way for condo unit owners to resolve disputes and protect their interests.
A condominium unit owner who sues the association is asking the court to grant relief, which usually takes the form of an injunction ordering the association to take some action or refrain from taking some action. The decision of whether or not to grant relief is up to the court, and the court will consider a number of factors in making its decision. First, the court will look at whether the unit owner has suffered any irreparable harm, which is harm that cannot be adequately compensated for with monetary damages. Second, the court will consider whether the balance of hardships favors granting relief, which means that the unit owner would suffer greater hardship if relief were not granted than the association would suffer if it were granted. Third, the court will look at whether granting relief would serve the public interest. In making its decision, the court will weigh all of these factors and decide whether or not to grant relief to the unit owner.
An association might raise several defenses in response to a lawsuit by a condo unit owner. One such defense is that the unit owner does not have the standing to bring the suit. This means that the unit owner does not have a personal stake in the outcome of the litigation and is therefore not entitled to relief. Another defense is that the unit owner has failed to exhaust their administrative remedies. This means that the unit owner has failed to follow the proper procedures for resolving disputes within the association, such as filing a grievance or requesting a hearing. Finally, the association might argue that the unit owner's claim is barred by the statute of limitations. This means that the unit owner has waited too long to bring their claim and it is therefore time-barred. Each of these defenses has different requirements and implications, so it is important to consult an experienced attorney before pursuing a lawsuit against an association.