Living in a dense urban or suburban multifamily setting often means living without easy access to nature. Many residents in these housing environments crave some sort of outdoor space—if not a private one like a balcony or deck adjoining th…
Q. I live in a condominium in Boston. Cameras have been installed in the complex for security purposes, but I feel like I am being watched all the time by the board president. He knows at all times the ins and outs of residents, or the th…
For many, birds are a particularly contentious class of animal. Some people are extremely fond of them—admiring their colorful plumage, their melodic calls, or their enviable ability to soar effortlessly above whatever mess we have going on…
Nothing lasts forever, even with good maintenance—including most building components. Exterior elements are perhaps most subject to wear and tear in any climate. Their construction and material type dictate their maintenance needs and repai…
Car owners know that in order to operate their vehicle legally, they must have it professionally inspected every year. An older car might need some relatively minor repairs or adjustments to bring it into compliance with state emissions req…
When the topic of exterior maintenance comes up, it’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to multifamily properties, even projects that focus on a building’s ‘envelope’ are by no means limited to just the façade or roof. Projects l…
Q. We have a termite problem in our building. One of my neighbors had termites in early spring, after which another resident got them and now I have them. My question is: is the association responsible for the extermination, or is the ind…
Q. The owner in the unit downstairs from me typically parties late into the night, slams doors, has parked in my driveway, plays loud music, and leaves trash in the condo’s common areas. It seems there is some connection between this pers…
If you live in, work in, or provide services for a co-op, condo, or HOA, you know that however harmonious a building or association is in general, there is always that one person—or perhaps more than one—who throws a wrench in the works. It…
If you live in a condo or a co-op, you most likely have heard the term fiduciary duty, usually in reference to the responsibilities and obligations of board members and management. But what is a fiduciary duty? In essence, it’s a legal rela…