Stonegate Community Homeowners v Orleans Homebuilders
Settlement Approved in Lawsuit Brought by Mount Laurel Homeowners
A settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed two years ago by owners of condos in Mount Laurel's Stonegate community calls for the builder to install a piece of equipment to prevent water leaks from air conditioning units.
Approved by Superior Court Judge Marc Baldwin, the settlement also provides for Orleans Homebuilders to pay up to $2,500 per homeowner to cover repairs for water damage.
The attorney who filed the class action complaint said homeowners must present documentation of repairs.
The class included 224 homeowners in the complex, on Elbo Lane. Class members were limited to those living in units less than 10 years old with air conditioning units installed on the second floor.
Under the agreement, if the water guard float switch does not correct the problem, representatives of Orleans would inspect the unit a second time. If it still cannot be repaired with the plumbing fitting, the developer would pay up to $1,500 in replacement costs.
It is reported that the defendants have set up a $170,000 fund to cover the costs.
