On November 20, 2024, the news of a millionaire homeowner in Shanghai spraying words on a million-dollar luxury car to defend their rights has made its way to the top trending topics.
Recently, various websites have circulated videos or photos showing a Lamborghini with the words “Don’t buy Xinghe Bay, property is like crap” sprayed on the body, sparking public attention.
The owner of the Lamborghini is Mr. He, a homeowner in Phase Two of Xinghe Bay in Shanghai. He posted two videos on a platform, claiming that Xinghe Bay Garden in Shanghai had issues such as inadequate security, dirty sanitary environment, unresolved access control and surveillance repair for years, chaotic maintenance fees, and housing quality problems.
According to Southern Metropolis Daily, the property management of Xinghe Bay responded by saying that they would promptly address and rectify the issues raised by homeowners, but strongly opposed extreme measures to escalate conflicts.
Reportedly, the property management stated that Mr. He’s rights protection originated from a desire to replace the video intercom system, which could not be immediately met due to warranty expiration and not meeting renovation conditions. The property also mentioned that in April of this year, due to an emotional outburst, Mr. He deliberately damaged his own equipment terminal which could not be repaired, causing significant inconvenience to his life, thus escalating the situation.
Mr. He stated that since moving in 2018, he had been reporting issues with the access control system, replaced it in 2020, but the same problems persisted. In March of this year, he made another repair request, but up to now, the property management has only responded with “going through the process.”
Shanghai Xinghe Bay is at the top of luxury residences.
Mr. He mentioned that the community consists of large units ranging from 185 to 303 square meters, with an average transaction price between 70,000 to 85,000 yuan per square meter, and a property management fee of 4.5 yuan per square meter.
An editorial from Jiemu News commentator suggested that this means homeowners pay tens of thousands of yuan in property fees annually, so requesting normal use of the access control system is not unreasonable.
Furthermore, while the property explained the reasons for the conflict between both parties, no specific response was given regarding issues within the community such as dog ownership, sanitation, security, among others. Ideally, in high-end residential areas, such situations should not exist.
“The property exists to serve the homeowners; this is the fundamental purpose. If the property service is inadequate, it will inevitably lead to a drop in payment rate, deterioration of property management, decline in the overall environment of the community, affecting property values and living experience, resulting in a lose-lose situation.”
The article indicated that as long as the property serves homeowners, the homeowners can see and understand the situation clearly. The concern lies with delays in handling issues and the quality of service to save costs. Where does the 4.5 yuan per square meter in property fees go? It should be visible and comforting for homeowners.
“The most critical reflection should be on the property management. Why would homeowners resort to damaging their own access control systems to protect their rights? Indeed, some communities have ‘nitpicking’ homeowners in the eyes of property management. The property should consider that satisfying them might lead to greater satisfaction among other homeowners. Are their demands reasonable or not? Other homeowners are observing.”
The article concluded by stating that Xinghe Bay’s property management announced that the video intercom system is planned to undergo internal scheme confirmation and homeowner consultation by December of this year, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2025. If this information had been communicated to Mr. He earlier, it might not have led to such a negative effect. On another note, it also demonstrates that the property management could have acted earlier if desired. So, why did it escalate to this extent?
Netizens’ Comments:
“vip_zhb”: The public area is what the homeowners paid for, why has it become a tool for property management to collect fees? For example, parking fees, homeowners have to pay as well, yet the property collects so much parking fees each year without sharing with the homeowners!
“Crisis886”: At my mom’s residential area, the entire community collectively voted to dismiss the property management two years ago and replaced it with a new hotel property. Not sure if the new property management is any better, but the atmosphere in the community seems to have calmed down significantly.
“Iron Pillar Dislikes Fishing”: The conflicts between property management and homeowners have been ongoing for quite some time. Sometimes, when the property management does not act, homeowners have no choice but to take extreme measures to protect their rights. The property management should also reflect on their service level and attitude.
In response to the property management accusing homeowners of being “extreme,” many netizens expressed understanding of the homeowners.
“Seaside_121”: If communication worked, why would he spray paint on a Lamborghini?
“Mu Jiachun”: If you are not extreme, they will never improve.
“Baidu User a8ace5e”: Property management should stop making excuses; most property managements in China are well understood by everyone.
“Shi Qi Ye Shi Wo”: Most property managers are like big shots; they are not easy to mess with.
(Note: The usernames mentioned in the comments are for illustration and not based on actual social media accounts.)