Since the water heater is my responsibility, it's my problem to deal with it, regardless of where it is located.

But I think Karen nailed it - I wasn't thinking about using the sides of the open space to the attic to support myself on the upper rungs of the 6-foot ladder. I knew there was something I was missing!

Meanwhile, I just spoke directly to the condo association maintenance guy, to ask him what he would do if he were in my position. He said he would look at it tomorrow to see if I could use a 6-ft ladder safely, or if not, what kind of ladder would be necessary.

Thanks!