Whether large or small, a community association’s list of essential professionals includes its property manager, an accountant, and a lawyer. While it’s generally understood how to employ the first two—call the accountant when …
In today’s economic climate, budget woes abound and pretty much dominate the legislative landscape in New Jersey and elsewhere. With Republican Governor Chris Christie trying to stem the tide of a monumental $10.7 billion budget deficit…
The late 1990s saw a surge of nationwide smoking restrictions put into effect. With varying amounts of resistance and controversy, workplaces, shops, theaters, restaurants and bars in a growing number of states—including New Jersey—all …
Q With the huge growth of condo and co-op units in New Jersey, it is long overdue for municipalities to form advisory committees to better serve those communities with input on the special needs of condo, co-op owners and renters. …
Q I have a question about two family members being on the board of trustees. Is that OK or against some rule or law? —Curious Stakeholder A “There is no law which prohibits two family members from serving on…
Q We have trouble finding people to serve on our condo board. We have a five member board, although only two or three of us actually do much work. We are a small complex. We have tried several things to entice owners to serve on the…
Q Our board of directors has approved more than $1,000 for the cost of our monthly community barbecues. It is my understanding that using the monthly maintenance fees in this manner is inappropriate. The board, however, insists on g…
Q I am the board president for a condominium development. At one point the board allocated space for storage cages and bike spaces at no cost. The board would now like to consider charging for these spaces (to existing owners as wel…
All for one and one for all. We always knew that buying a unit in a condominium project meant that the value of our property depended in good part on the likeminded conscientiousness of our neighbors. Where owners live, vote and fund th…
In addition to depressing home prices, the current housing crisis has put a tremendous strain on the sixty million Americans who live in shared ownership communities (SOC) such as condominiums, co-ops and HOAs. While these shared owner…