Our Connecticut attorneys routinely assist condominium associations with managing their properties. We advise them of their rights and responsibilities under state and local laws while helping them develop condominiums and enforce the rules that govern them. PALUMBO LAW understands the business challenges you face each day in overseeing your condos. That’s why our team is here to help take care of your legal needs.
The Basics of Connecticut Condominium Law
Two main laws affect condominiums in Connecticut: the Connecticut Condominium Act of 1976 (which applies to condo associations set up before January 1, 1984) and the Connecticut Common Interest Ownership Act (which applies to common interest communities, including condo associations, set up after January 1, 1984). Some portions of the Common Interest Ownership Act also apply to associations that were established before January 1, 1984.
Together, these laws control the following, among other matters:
- Creation, alteration, and termination of condominiums
- Sale, management, and operation of condominiums
- Enforcement of condominium rules such as declarations and bylaws
- Assessments for common expenses and rule violations
- Liens and foreclosures
- Rules concerning required meetings
- Rights of individual condominium owners
- Actions between condominium owners
Nearly everything that involves condos is subject in one way or another to the provisions of these laws. Without proper legal counsel, your association may inadvertently violate the law or infringe upon the rights of condominium owners and other parties, thereby increasing the likelihood of a lawsuit. Our dedicated attorneys are prepared to handle the above issues and many more while helping you stay compliant.
How We Serve Connecticut Condominium Associations
No matter the size or age of your condo association, PALUMBO LAW is ready to meet your legal needs. You may have a specific and limited request to handle an issue that has suddenly emerged in your condominium community. Meanwhile, other associations partner with us for the long term, allowing our firm to take care of everything from planning the condo community to representing the association in court. We offer the following, among other legal services:
Initial creation of condominiums. Starting a condo community from scratch, or converting an existing property to condominium units, invokes a number of complex rules. We know what it takes to get your community off the ground while abiding by the laws.
Condominium documents. We work with associations to draft, amend, and review various governing documents. These include, among others, declarations, bylaws, rules, and regulations.
Enforcement of rules. Condominium associations often require assistance with rule enforcement either against a unit owner or to resolve a dispute between or among unit owners. However, it is paramount that the owners’ rights are respected and that rules are fairly and effectively enforced.
Assessments, liens, and foreclosures. Ongoing assessments cover routine expenses such as landscaping services, while special assessments are sometimes levied for unexpected needs. When condo owners fail to pay what they owe, we can help with collections, liens, and lien foreclosures.
Lending. We assist lenders and borrowers in acquiring loans to meet the financial obligations of condominium associations. PALUMBO LAW is one of only a handful of law firms that close revenue stream loans, enabling us to walk you through each step of the lending process.
FHA certification. Many condo buyers require an FHA loan to finance their purchases. Your association must be approved by the FHA (Federal Housing Administration). We take care of certification and recertification.
Resale certificate preparation. Resale certificates are prepared by condo associations to provide important disclosures about a particular unit to a prospective buyer. These documents are required to contain certain information to ensure the interested buyer makes an informed decision about whether to purchase the condo.
Ongoing operations. Meetings, budgets, the condominium board and management, contractors, and other actions and parties take up a significant amount of time. Yet these ongoing matters are essential to the daily operation of your association. We will manage these and other issues with a focus on efficiency.
Insurance. Condominium associations must maintain the property, liability, and other types of insurance policies. We know what must be insured and advise associations in obtaining coverage that meets their needs.
Litigation and dispute resolution. In the event your condominium association is sued or has to file a lawsuit, our firm is ready to take care of all aspects of litigation. We also help resolve disputes involving unit owners, boards, property management companies, and others.
Our Experience Sets Us Apart
Although general practice law firms may occasionally represent condominium associations, issues like those above (and many others) require a firm that is dedicated to this unique area of law. Connecticut condominium laws are complicated enough, but local rules and regulations sometimes play a role as well. Because our firm specializes in real estate with an emphasis on condo law, your association can have the confidence that comes with our extensive experience.
When a client hires us, we get to work right away understanding the legal problem or issue. We lay out the options available and explain to the client which course of action is best for their circumstances. Then, we develop and execute a customized plan that saves money, respects our client’s time, and effectively addresses the matter for them. That’s the level of service you can expect from PALUMBO LAW.
Contact Our Connecticut Condominium Law Attorney
If your condominium is currently facing a legal matter, or you simply have questions about your association’s rights and duties, it’s time to speak with PALUMBO LAW. We’re ready to schedule your confidential consultation today. Connect with us by calling or using our web form now.
