HB 574

This bill would require owners of condominiums or attached housing to carry property insurance in an amount of not less than 150 percent of the value of the property and to carry liability insurance on any common element of housing

This bill would authorize the owner of a building attached to another building the right to inspect the adjoining building in the event of water damage, water seepage, or the presence of mold affecting a common wall or structure

Relating to attached buildings; to require owners of condominiums or attached housing to carry property insurance in an amount of not less than 150 percent of the value of the property and to carry liability insurance on any common element of housing; and to authorize the owner of a building attached to another building the right to inspect the adjoining building in the event of water damage, water seepage, or the presence of mold affecting a common wall or structure.

Section 1

This act shall be known and may be cited as the Judy Berneske Act.

Section 2

(a) Any person who owns a condominium or attached housing shall maintain property insurance insuring against all risks of direct physical loss commonly insured against. The total amount of insurance after application of any deductible shall not be less than 150 percent of the actual cash value of the insured property at the time the insurance is purchased. (b) Any person who owns a condominium or attached housing shall maintain liability insurance, including medical payments insurance, covering all occurrences commonly insured against for death, bodily injury, and property damage, arising out of or in connection with the use, ownership, or maintenance of any common element of the housing.

Section 3

(a) The owner of any building that is attached to another building, upon providing written notice, shall have the right to inspect an adjoining building within a reasonable period of time in the event the owner detects water damage or water seepage from, or the presence of mold on, a common wall or common structure. (b) The owner or tenant of a building that is attached to another building who receives written notice pursuant to subsection (a) may not unreasonably deny the owner or his or her agent of the adjoining building the right to inspect his or her property in a timely manner; provided, however, any inspection shall be made during reasonable hours and conducted for the sole purpose of ascertaining the source of the water damage, water seepage, or mold.

Section 4

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.