Many co-op shareholders and condo unit owners arrive in their respective communities after a history of living as renters. Often they carry with them certain ingrained assumptions and expectations from having lived under a landlord. These a…

Q. The New Hampshire condo community I live in was established in 1974 and the Declaration cites in part: “Condominium use and ownership in accordance with the provisions of the New Hampshire Unit Ownership of Real Property Act (Chapter 4…

Q. We are retired, and chose to live in a 55+ community geared to an active-adult lifestyle. But summer is coming, and we’re concerned about the swimming pool stress we encountered last year. There is a sign posted at the pool that prohib…

Security is always a primary concern for homeowners. In a multifamily building without a doorman, the first line of defense is the front entrance – which more often than not features some sort of intercom system to enable visitors to announ…

Once upon a time, you usually greeted your neighbor in the hallway of your building as you were coming or going. But you haven’t seen or heard a peep from her in almost two months. You wonder if she is okay.   So you ask the super one morn…

Everyone – including the boards and managers of community associations – inevitably makes mistakes, or is guilty of using poor judgment. And while it’s very unlikely that every member of a community will commit outright illegal acts, it’s a…

Most newly-elected condo or co-op board members aren’t experts in running a multifamily building or development. They may be eager, enthusiastic, and committed to serving their community. But they also probably have little idea of how to do…

Laws, and the legal decisions that support and enforce them, are constantly evolving and can affect every facet of community life in HOAs, condominiums and co-ops. While law and legal cases can emanate from any of our three levels of govern…

Q. When we had our annual owners’ meeting in November, there was one trustee position up for election and one candidate for the position.  I have asked the trustees and property manager to confirm the percentage of beneficial interest rep…

Q. I live in a condo complex in Rhode Island. I only receive a financial statement once a year. I would like a monthly expense sheet and income tax return sent to me. The management company and the treasurer have not answered me. Is there…