Why Do I Have to Ask the Board Whether It's Okay to Get a Dishwasher?

July 15, 2015 — I want to put in a dishwasher, but the broker said I would have to ask the board. The apartment I want to buy already has a washer/dryer, so why would this be a problem?

Your board has probably consulted with its engineer or architect or other professional involved with the building's systems. Many properties, especially the beautiful older ones, do not have sufficient infrastructure for all the equipment we like to use now.

In your case, the building's drain system may have limited capacity. The board may have restricted the quantity and type of equipment it will allow to accommodate the current drain capacity; it may have chosen to cap certain equipment to what was present as of a particular date; or it may have limited the number or type of equipment based on some other guidelines. The board may also be concerned about additional costs for water/sewer charges that the additional dishwasher would incur.

I encourage you to discuss any concerns with your property manager. Also, arrange an appointment to read your building's minutes. Both resources will provide meaningful guidance to you. Your offering plan may also provide a report of your building's plumbing capacities and an explanation of the equipment originally provided to each apartment.

Finally, you should confirm that the washer/dryer currently installed received the board's approval, especially if they were not part of the original installation by the sponsor. If your seller, or any former owner of the apartment, installed the washer/dryer without approval from the board, you may need to remove it (using a licensed and insured plumber and electrician).

Divya Rashad is executive vice president and managing director of The Andrews Organization.