How HOA fine schedules work. This reader wants to know why the condo association board fined homeowners different amounts for the same violation. Q: Can a condo association charge different fines for exactly the same infraction? Some of us broke the same rule in our association. We took matters into our own hands in making [...]
Can condo associations ban cannabis smoking in units? This reader wants to know how cannabis smoking can be prohibited if cigarette smoking isn’t. Q: I recently received a letter from my condo association about a proposed amendment to our condo declaration to ban cannabis smoking in our units. The letter states "The Condominium Act states [...]
What are the responsibilities of a condo association? This reader says rodents are all over the property but the homeowners association board won't act. Q: Are there laws that govern rodent control for condos? My neighbor feeds birds 50 pounds of bird food at a time and now I have squirrels in my unit. Mice [...]
What can you do about a nightmare condo owner who refuses to follow condo rules? Start with a review of board rules, then call a lawyer. Q: Our condo building has had a problem with one particular owner ever since he purchased his unit in the building and moved in. Initially he didn’t get permission [...]
Is the condo board responsible for enforcing association rules? You’d expect your HOA to maintain the rules, but what happens when they make special arrangements for a new owner? Q: What is the condominium board's responsibility for enforcing our condo homeowner’s association's rules/regulations? For example, our association limits the number of dogs to no more [...]
What to do when your building won’t fix the heating problem. Thinking outside the box for solutions could help you avoid the need for legal action. Q: About 20 years ago, I purchased a condominium unit in an older high rise building in Chicago. From the start, it was freezing cold in the unit each [...]
Handling loud condo neighbors who refuse to turn the music down and respect condo rules can be difficult. Here are a few steps you may want to consider before seeking legal action. Q: I am a condo owner in a four-unit building in Washington, DC. I believe my fellow condo owners are refusing to enforce [...]
Reserve funds for condos: what are the requirements? Mortgage lenders pay closer attention to reserve funds for condos as requirements have increased. Q: In trying to sell a condominium, the buyer was denied a loan due to the fact the condo/management association did not transfer 10 percent into the reserve fund. What are the requirements [...]
