Given the fact that 20 percent of the country lives in community or “common interest” associations, it’s no surprise that a groundswell of support—and legislative action—has evolved to protect their financial security. A variety of l…
With winter rapidly approaching and the memories of last winter’s onslaught of snowstorms still in mind, this is a good time to begin thinking about an association’s duties and obligations to maintain the common areas throughout these comi…
Lawsuits are usually not an association’s go-to method for dispute resolution. Expensive and time-consuming, they can quickly turn into a financial burden and may create strained relations in the community. Unfortunately, in some cases …
While some condos and HOAs are lucky enough to have lawyers serve as members of their board, the majority of boards don’t have an in-house legal expert. They often reach out to their attorney to answer questions, vet documents, send the…
In today’s troubled housing market, it’s little wonder that condo associations are facing more foreclosures and tricky mortgage entanglements than ever before. A roundup of pending condo legislation for 2013 finds changes to notificatio…
We’ve all seen the news photos of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath wrought along the Jersey Shore, Lower Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. While New England did not suffer the brunt of the storm, some areas of Connecticut, Rhode Island and so…
In buying into a condominium community and its lifestyle, the prospective owner signs a contract, agreeing to accept and uphold the community’s rules and regulations—and essentially waiving certain rights. In doing so, this buy…
A recent Massachusetts condo dispute over the proper disposal of pet waste is the latest high-profile example of frivolous condo litigation—a long-running and costly problem for many HOAs. The incident eventually escalated to the point …
Imagine your own family, if you will—each person with his or her unique personality, attitude, experience and background. It’s inevitable that occasionally you might clash with sister Susie, brother Bob or even an uncle or an aunt. In a…
Legislative activity in regards to condominium law varies widely among the six New England states this year, although a few common themes are evident. The concept of state licensing, with standards for property managers seems to be gai…