Murphy’s Law says, “Whatever can go wrong, will,” and as we all know, stuff happens. When it does, no matter what the specifics of a situation might be, we generally don’t want to end up in court; it’s time consuming, expensive, and has a w…
While the exhortation to “smoke ‘em if you got ‘em” has never really gone out of style, one should take caution before lighting up just anywhere. Many places, from restaurants to airplanes to hospitals, expressly and strictly forbid anyone …
Whether as a member of a cooperative or a condominium association, a shareholder or unit owner maintains certain rights within their chosen community. However, achieving harmony among neighbors isn’t always easy. Rights aside, residents are…
It’s no secret that insurance is a necessity for any building or association. Nevertheless, the expense of coverage means that issues of liability and risk are all too often examined only after problems have occurred. Usually, insurance hol…
When it comes to legislation and legal issues that apply to condo associations, co-ops, and other multifamily housing models, the focus is often local; city ordinances, council meetings, and so forth – but there are judgments handed down an…
Anyone who has previously attended The Cooperator Expo New Jersey knows what a lively and busy event it is. And last month's show was no different, as the Expo drew over 300 exhibitors and more than 1,500 attendees. The aisles inside the Me…
Q. Our rules state that owners may not have more than two pets, one of which may be a dog. However, one unit owner—who also happens to be a board member— keeps four dogs in her unit as pets. Because she is a board member, the board will n…
Q. I purchased my condo unit in 2005 with amenities, including 24-hour security, two pools, a parking lot, and a children's playground. This past summer, our board destroyed the children's playground and turned it into additional parking…
Like people, buildings age. Even under the best of atmospheric conditions, dust, dirt and grime accumulate, changing a building’s appearance over time. Often it’s not until a building’s façade is cleaned that one notices how it was dirty to…
Jack and his wife Rachel live in Jersey City, happy in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo with a parking spot. Assessments are criminally low, the building is dog friendly and it is literally a half block from a PATH train stop. While they have …