November 2023
Artificial intelligence technology is not a tool ready for use in condominium management.
Artificial intelligence in the wrong hands is dangerous. In high-rise communities, the way it is currently used by building management provides all the proof necessary that this technology is not and should not be available for widespread use.
Following is a recent e-mail interaction between a condo owner and the building’s condominium manager. Content has been modified to protect the guilty.
Condominium Manager
We would like to inform you about some essential repairs that are scheduled to take place in suite XXX tomorrow, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. These repairs are necessary to maintain the quality of our building and ensure the comfort of the residents.
Please note that these repairs will involve some drilling noise, which may cause temporary inconvenience. We understand that noise can be disruptive, and we sincerely apologize for any disturbance this may cause during the specified timeframe.
Owner
XXXX, I’m sure many owners are wondering how repairs in a particular unit are essential to maintain the quality of our building, but I am actually asking — please explain why this is so. Thank you.
Condominium Manager
This increases the value of the property. If a unit is sold at a higher price, the value of other units also increases. It is a basic real estate rule.
Owner
I am quite aware of the impact of unit improvements on property values; that’s a very odd way of justifying the need for drilling. I’m not the first one to say this but emails from the management office require more thought and proofreading prior to distribution.
Condominium Manager
The notices are prepared by AI. I don’t think anyone here has more knowledge and vocabulary than AI.
Owner
That’s a joke, right??
Condominium Manager
No, it is not. Everyone now uses AI in their offices.
And this is my last email regarding this subject.
Throughout this interaction, the condominium manager failed to answer the initial question.
In all likelihood, the original communication was an attempt to communicate that one unit was undergoing renovation that would create noise.
We leave it up to the reader to decide if this failure to communicate a common building activity was the result of stupidity, ignorance, lack of ability to communicate or an intentional attempt to obscure from owners what work is being undertaken.
Perhaps it is all of the above.
Artificial intelligence, even if it were to eventually become a useful tool for condominium management, should be prohibited for use by licensed condominium managers for the foreseeable future.
