Condominiums' Survey Methodology

1. Introduction

The pilot project of Residential Energy Efficiency for Low Income Households (REELIH) was initiated by Habitat for Humanity Armenia (HFHA) and financed by USAID. The project team of the Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development (UFSD) implemented the Yerevan city condominiums survey within the framework of the REELIH pilot project as soon as the contract between HFHA and UFSD was signed.

The main purpose of the survey was to determine the current level of organizational effectiveness within Yerevan city condominiums. The survey seeks to determine if condominiums function in a cohesive manner and sought to specifically determine whether the condominiums were prepared to undertake an investment project that will focus on private and common spaces. The survey findings will directly feed into the preparation of a training curriculum for condominium heads, administrative staff, and owners.

The list of 32 condominiums was assigned by the Habitat for Humanity Armenia (HFHA) (Annex 1). However, only 22 of these condominiums were surveyed by the UFSD. Ten of the condominiums didn't complete the questionnaire. The condominiums gave the following reasons for why they failed to participate in the survey: ● Two condominium heads (“Lilit” and “Nzhdeh” of Shengavit administrative district) pointed out that HFHA project staff had already approached them with a request to fill out a similar questionnaire. ● Two condominium heads (“Sasuntsi David” and “Aresh” of Erebuni administrative district) said that it is not worth filling out the submitted questionnaire because they have discussed the issue of renovation investment projects with their residents and have found them to be reluctant to participate in these kinds of projects because of their insolvency. ● Six condominium leaders simply refused to participate in the survey.

A list of these additional 10 condominiums was offered so they may be surveyed by HFHA on February 14th, 2014. (Annex 2).

The survey questionnaire was developed by the UFSD project team based on the Terms of Reference issued by HFHA for tender. The survey methodology was developed by the UFSD staff. The survey summarized the detailed local legislation relating to the condominiums of the Republic of Armenia. This report presents the UFSD condominium survey findings and recommendations to be considered for the development of a curriculum for further training upon the agreement requirements for condominium heads, management body members, and owners.

3