Editor's note: Contact7 seeks out audience tips and feedback to help people in need, resolve problems and hold the powerful accountable. If you know of a community need our call center could address, or have a story idea for our investigative team to pursue, please email us at contact7@thedenverchannel.com or call (720) 462-7777. Find more Contact7 stories here.
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — A Highlands Ranch homeowner says her HOA has refused to pay for repairs after a water heater burst on the second floor of her townhome.
Mel Cunningham said the water caused damage to her ceiling and floors.
“I pursued my personal insurance thinking that it’s a standard homeowner's claim," Cunningham said. "As we worked through the claim, we found out the HOA is actually responsible."
Cunningham said her HOA, Hammersmith, took responsibility but refused to help. She said her agreement states the HOA is responsible for damages to the exterior and interior of her home whereas most newer contracts leave the tenant liable for the interior.
She said she tried to hire contractors, but Hammersmith refused to pay and stopped the work.
“The HOA had determined they will not pay them," she said. "They will not reimburse the contractor. The contractor stopped work, rightfully so."
Cunningham has spent $1,500 on repairs and owes another $1,400 to a contractor. But the floors and ceiling still need a lot of work.
“I have been standing on cardboard and concrete for a year,” she said.
Cunningham said she wants Hammersmith to do the right thing.
“How is it OK that the HOA does this?” she said. “How is it OK that the HOA has this much control? I own this house. This is my home.”
Denver7 has reached out to Hammersmith, but we have yet to hear back.
