The other day, I was contacted by an acquaintance who asked for my help changing his condominium's no-pet policy. He explained that he was a board member, and that their condominium's "bylaws" banned all pets. My first question was whether he wanted my assistance personally or as counsel for his condominium association, to which I received a bewildered look. After a bit more digging, I learned that the reason this person sought my counsel was because the other directors told him that if he wanted to change the bylaws, he either needed to prepare the documents himself or go get his own lawyer to prepare "the documents" for the condominium. The association would not pay for an attorney. The board's position was unwise for several reasons. read more

Bills that could impact community associations. read more

Part 3 of 3 read more

More and more associations these days are experiencing the "disappearing declarant" phenomenon: The original developer suffers such financial difficulties that their unsold units are abandoned or foreclosed upon - or the declarant itself files bankruptcy or goes into receivership. Sometimes the construction stops mid-stream, leaving partially developed lots unfinished and buildings unoccupied. Clearly these associations are experiencing some down times at the very early stages of their existence. But associations should know that even under these circumstances, down is not out. Associations can take advantage of the shared goals of its members to preserve and increase their property values through the various situations discussed below. read more

A community association should ensure effective safeguards are in place to eliminate unnecessary liability and potential tragedy when implementing neighborhood watch programs. read more