Residents of the锦绣嘉苑 (Jinxiu Jiayuan) residential area in Saihan District, Hohhot, are facing a persistent problem with leaking roofs. Homeowners on the top floor planned to apply for the residential special maintenance fund to repair their units but found themselves in a deadlock. The application stalled because the overall payment rate for the building's maintenance fund was insufficient, leaving their repair requests unresolved.

Recently, a visit was made to the A section of the锦绣嘉苑 community in the Jinqiao Development Zone with a resident, Mr. Song, who reported the issue. On the rooftop of Building 1, it was observed that top-floor residents, including Mr. Song, had resorted to paying out-of-pocket for temporary waterproofing measures on sections of the roof to mitigate water damage and reduce interior harm. Mr. Song explained that in March, neighbors discussed repairing the roof themselves since the property management seemed unresponsive. He agreed, fearing further leaks and damage requiring replastering.

The锦绣嘉苑 A section comprises two 18-story high-rise residential buildings, officially occupied since 2013. Leaking issues on the roof of Building 1 began appearing as early as 2015. Initially, sporadic repairs by the property management provided a temporary fix. However, from 2018 onwards, the leaking worsened, becoming frequent and recurrent. Chronic water seepage led to mold and peeling paint, severely disrupting the daily lives of top-floor residents. Mr. Song described the initial leaks in the large bedroom's corners, which expanded significantly during heavy rains in recent years, causing plaster to fall onto beds, with photo evidence available. Repainting last September was undone by further rain during the National Day holiday, leaving new water stains.

With the property now beyond its five-year warranty period, the property management informed owners they were no longer responsible for repairs. In March, Mr. Song visited the Hohhot Property Service Center to inquire about using the special maintenance fund but was told that nearly 70% of the building's residents had not paid into the fund. The account balance was too low to meet the requirements for accessing funds for common area repairs. Mr. Song expressed frustration, questioning why, having paid his share, he could not access the corresponding rights.

Regarding the roof leaks in Building 1, Manager Wang from the锦绣嘉苑 Property Service Center stated that the management has not ignored owner concerns. They have been proactively engaging with municipal property authorities and the local锦绣社区 (Jinxiu Community) to explore alternative solutions, given the inability to activate the maintenance fund. Manager Wang mentioned that the property management could offer appropriate compensation to affected owners to lessen their losses. However, collecting the outstanding maintenance fund payments has proven difficult. A notice for payment commissioned by the housing bureau in 2023 resulted in few contributions.

Jiao, Secretary of the锦绣 Community, noted that the锦绣嘉苑 A section currently does not qualify for the old residential area renovation program under policy guidelines. The community is actively coordinating to explore possibilities, such as using the major repair fund or emergency maintenance fund, potentially facilitated by a community seal if applicable.

In response to the core issues of roof leakage and compromised homeowner rights at锦绣嘉苑, the Hohhot Property Service Center Director, Shi, was contacted. The response indicated that the relevant authorities are highly attentive to the matter. Efforts are underway involving the community, property management, and residents to communicate and develop a reasonable resolution plan. Follow-up reports will continue to monitor progress, address public concerns, and track the implementation of solutions.