Residents of the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort have filed a lawsuit against the property owners, citing deteriorating living conditions that they argue have become unsafe. The elegant design and seemingly luxurious amenities of the condo towers are now overshadowed by serious structural issues.

Living Conditions Under Scrutiny

Steven Leoni, a resident and board member, highlighted the alarming state of repair within the complex. “You can see the rebar is all coming apart,” he stated, pointing out rusted metal and cracked concrete that mar the buildings’ façades.

Long-term resident Henry Sasson, who moved in back in 2017, shared his growing concerns, noting a “slow deterioration” in building conditions. He remarked on the difficulty for outsiders to recognize these issues unless they lived there.

The Financial Burden on Residents

Unit owners at the St. Regis are contributing significant amounts in maintenance fees and assessments. However, as Leoni pointed out, “The money is going somewhere, but it’s not going into the buildings.” The resort is managed by a company based in Doha, Qatar, complicating the accountability of financial expenditures.

The Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company purchased the resort for $213 million in 2014. Now, several years later, the homeowners’ association has initiated legal action against the owners, citing concerns about the deteriorating infrastructure of the property.

Legal Claims and Safety Risks

According to attorney Juan Morillo, the lawsuit claims that the buildings are “in a dangerous state of disrepair.” Specific allegations include issues related to water intrusion, structural instability, and mold infestations that could pose significant health and safety risks.

Morillo stated, “It’s incomprehensible to us…. It doesn’t make any economic sense for them not to maintain the project. It’s losing value.” Photographic evidence submitted with the lawsuit depicts numerous cracks in the building and signs warning of potential falling debris.

Expert Assessment and Maintenance Neglect

A structural engineer’s report from October 2024 warned that the conditions in the garage could lead to a collapse if not addressed. Though Morillo assured that there was no immediate threat of collapse, he emphasized that neglecting these structural issues could eventually result in a serious incident.

Leoni expressed frustration with the lack of maintenance, emphasizing the “absolute neglect to do preventive maintenance.” He gave a tour of the property, highlighting issues like water damage that have significantly affected parking and elevator systems.

Response from Property Management

Responding to the allegations, Seldar Miami Holding, LLC, a subsidiary of the resort’s owners, characterized the claims as “unfounded and exaggerated,” stating their commitment to maintaining health, safety, and security at their properties. They confirmed that a court-mandated inspection plan will proceed.

Next Steps for Residents

Both parties involved have agreed to further inspections to evaluate the building’s conditions comprehensively. The pressing question remains: what repairs will be authorized, and who will foot the bill?

Marriott International, the company managing the St. Regis brand, has distanced itself from the legal matter, stating it is not a party to the lawsuit.