Q How do we start a reserve fund? Where does the money come from? What can we or can’t we use the money for? Must we get approval from shareholders/owners in order to spend the reserve fund? —Board Member at a New Condo …
Q Our building has two rooms immediately off the ground-floor lobby that are also opposite three occupied apartments. One room is used for building meetings while the other currently holds some storage. Several unit owners wish to make …
There is little doubt that what started as a green building trend, with all of its energy efficiency measures and renewable energy options, has evolved into a rational way to add value to your property. In fact a recent Roper survey show…
These days, it seems like nearly everyone is making a move toward being more environmentally friendly. So-called "green" architecture, products and tips are everywhere. While many of these moves toward green living require the help of a …
Are homeowner association's governmental or quasi-governmental entities? Until last year, most attorneys who practice community association law would have said the answer was clearly, and appropriately, no. But a New Jersey appeals court…
Some people say winters in the northeast are not as harsh as they used to be, due to global warming. But experience tells us that winters in New Jersey can still be dangerous, with freezing temperatures and precipitation. Such cold weath…
Every year thousands of tons of paper, metal and glass are recycled in New Jersey—and not just on behalf of state residents. The detritus gets broken down and turned into hundreds of "post-consumer" products, then re-sold and re-used, an…
It seems that suddenly, everyone's talking about green buildings and green construction. But it's really not a new concept. Back in the 1970s and '80s, after the energy crisis made us all aware of the high cost of electricity, energy-eff…
Q What is a conservation easement? Can a condo or HOA vote to place an easement? What are the tax advantages of such a move? —Inquiring Unit Owner A “A conservation easement is an agreement to restrict development of …
Q I live in a top floor apartment of a condo building. There has been a leak from the roof for a few years. The condo has been trying to stop the source of the leak over that time period, to no avail. They have now hired a roofer, who h…