House hearing addresses concerns of elderly condo residents

Rep. Ricardo Rey Ocasio Ramos

By THE STAR STAFF

In an effort to protect the rights of senior citizens living in condominiums across Puerto Rico, Rep. Ricardo “Chino” Rey Ocasio Ramos convened a public hearing on House Resolution 267 this week to provide a platform for residents to voice their testimonies regarding administrative abuses and a perceived lack of transparency from their condominium boards of directors.

The resolution, currently under consideration by the House Committee on Internal Affairs, instructs the Committees on Housing & Urban Development and Senior Citizens & Social Welfare to investigate adherence to legal and administrative obligations in condominiums. The focus of the study will include the management of fees and assessments, the appropriate use of insurance funds, access to financial information, and the involvement of senior citizens in decision-making.

Ocasio Ramos emphasized the importance of addressing issues concerning senior citizens, stating: “We are committed to ensuring that their well-being is prioritized. This resolution aims to ensure that legal protections are in place for seniors, many of whom may be isolated from their families, lacking access to essential information about condominium decisions.”

“Furthermore, with many seniors living on fixed incomes, it is vital that the governing boards manage funds transparently and uphold fair practices,” the legislator added. “This investigation seeks to improve oversight alongside relevant agencies to safeguard their rights.”

The proposed resolution also calls for a review of the oversight capabilities of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO), the agency charged with addressing disputes related to the Condominium Law. The evaluation will assess the effectiveness of existing protocols and the adequacy of mechanisms used to address residents’ complaints.

During the hearing, a resident from Torre de San Miguel in Guaynabo shared her experience of what she described as psychological abuse by the condominium board following her complaint to DACO. She raised concerns regarding perceived increases in permit and maintenance costs, among other issues.

Another resident shared similar sentiments, stating, “This issue of administrative and financial abuse in condominiums must be addressed.”

“We are discontented and feel that our rights are being violated in our own homes,” the resident said. “We respectfully request that the House of Representatives and the Senate of Puerto Rico allow us to live in justice and peace, ensuring a healthy community life.”

Representatives from the new board of directors at the Madrid Plaza Condominium reported various alleged administrative irregularities, including nonexistent accounts, closed reserves, unfulfilled contractor payments, and significant infrastructure deficiencies that could jeopardize resident safety.

Moreover, a resident from Los Corales Condominium in Carolina criticized the administration’s lack of transparency in decision-making and the absence of information on crucial community matters.

“We require a thorough assessment and the establishment of protocols to guarantee that our communities, many of which house residents over 60, do not face shortages of essential services due to administrative neglect,” Ocasio Ramos said.

The legislator underscored the urgency of addressing the aforementioned concerns, reiterating that “[i]t is our responsibility as legislators to ensure a safe and healthy environment within our communities.”