Whether change is good or bad often depends on who you talk to; even a welcome change produces a certain level of stress and adjustment. Personal changes are challenging enough, but for co-op and condo residents, a board decision to change…

My condo association has a bylaw that limits the size and number of pets. About a year ago, a person moved in with a large puppy that has grown to be a very large dog. I reported it to the management and they did some investigating—then is…

Who is legally responsible for 1) coordinating, treating and 2) paying for treating bedbugs in a condominium unit? If one of the condo units is rented out to a tenant by the unit owner, does that change things? Once it spreads, does that ch…

Q We send violation notices and the owners just throw it in the trash. We would prefer to threaten fines rather than engage in legal proceedings. Specifically, issues involve leasing units without board approval or notice, barbecue grills…

A snowy winter is a child's dream. What's more fun than the chance to build snowmen, dominate in snowball fights and of course, relish in the pure joy that is a snow day? Oh, to be young, blissful—and mostly ignorant of the havoc wreaked b…

There are many different factors that prospective condominium owners contemplate when looking to buy a unit. Aesthetics, price, and location are important, for sure. But perhaps the most critical factors of all are the safety of the buildi…

A lot of people don't think twice about their homes' windows—as long as you can see through them and get some air and natural light, what's left to think about? But windows are structural openings after all, and without proper installation…

In New Jersey, buying a co-op or a condo goes something like this: Your realtor takes you to see your dream home. You put in an offer—along with a bunch of other people. After a ferocious bidding war, your offer is finally accepted. You su…

There have been two charges that just appeared on my maintenance statement completely to my surprise. They are small amounts of money, but I wasn't given any prior notice—they were just tacked on to my bill. One was for parking increase an…

Q Last month a minor flood occurred in the condominium unit above me from a clogged pipe. The above unit that was affected wants the pipe replaced. The problem is the only way to get access to the repair is through my unit. I objected to …