Blog Posts in "Condominiums

12 Sep 2023

How Does Pre-Foreclosure Work?

Real estate property owners in Massachusetts sometimes rely on lenders to finance property purchases. Others also use existing landed properties as security when applying for loans. In both instances, the borrower signs an agreement allowing the lender to sell the property if the borrower defaults, or fails to make necessary payments on time. Yet, the lender must follow specific steps before taking the mortgaged property from the borrower, a process referred to as “foreclosure.” One such step is called “pre-foreclosure.”

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12 Sep 2023

Can You Renovate a Condo?

Are you wondering if you can renovate your condo without legal challenges? Do you need help with condo renovation disputes? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes,” we’re here to help. Condo laws can be complex, with many exceptions and nuances. While it’s recommended to consult a trusted condo attorney for help, this article will address some concerns condo owners in Massachusetts have about renovations and remodeling.

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12 Sep 2023

Who is Responsible for Windows in a Condo?

A condominium is a type of property managed by a condominium owners association (COA). The general principle of a condominium is that the condominium owner handles the “exclusive elements,” while the association manages the “common elements.”

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12 Sep 2023

Can a Condo Association Deny a Service Dog?

If you live in a condominium and have a disability, you may be interested in owning a service animal, such as a dog, to facilitate and support your well-being. At the same time, you might be curious whether your condominium owners association (COA) can deny your service animal.

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12 Sep 2023

How To Deal With an Illegal Pet Violation | MA Condos

Condominium owners associations (COAs) declarations typically contain pet restrictions you must review carefully before acquiring the property. These rules are legally enforceable but must comply with federal and state laws.

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7 Jul 2023

Is the Condo Association Responsible for Sewer Backup Damage?

The condo building sewer backup responsibility may be shared between the HOA and the individual unit owners. Strangers may also be liable if they cause damage intentionally or negligently.

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7 Jul 2023

Massachusetts Condo Smoking Laws

What do you do when your neighbor smokes in the condo? Can condo associations prohibit smoking on the property? What sort of restrictions can homeowners associations (HOAs) impose on smokers? Condo unit owners, landowners, property managers, and HOAs are typically closely connected by governmental regulations and contractual stipulations. These laws regulate their relationship, allowing an aggrieved party to seek legal action against a party who breaches the law.  It is, therefore, vital to carefully review all smoking policies to enable you to enforce them without challenges.

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30 Mar 2023

Can You Buy a Condo and Rent It Out?

The simple answer is “yes,” but there are vital things you should know when learning how to rent out a condo. It helps to understand what a homeowners association (HOA) is and the potential challenges that may arise due to various fee changes. It is also essential to learn about the insurance coverages available to property owners or managers, the role of leases and rental applications, the benefits of financial tracking, and how to handle issues such as eviction. 

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6 Oct 2022

How Are Condominium Trustees Appointed?

Generally, condominium trustees are appointed by condominium unit owners who have the right to nominate and elect these trustees. Condominium trustees — also referred to as condo board members — are individuals or members of a board who have control over the administration of a property in trust. These individuals are legally obligated to administer the property for only the specified purpose. If the unit owners elect trustees who do not protect the trust and interest of the condominium association, there is usually a process to remove bad trustees.

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6 Oct 2022

How Should a Condominium Association Deal With Noise Complaints?

Noise complaints can be a tough issue to tackle for a condominium association and individual unit owners. Residents should be aware of their condo association’s noise rules and consider what constitutes a reasonable noise complaint. Condo associations can best address noise complaints by ensuring that their noise rules and regulations are clear, practical, and enforceable.

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30 Aug 2022

Legal Differences Between Condos and Apartments

Are you considering moving into a new building, but you are unsure which property type will be best for you and your needs? Before signing a lease or mortgage or loan note, you should understand both condos and apartments as well as how the two vary from one another.

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7 Aug 2022

Pet Policies and Laws for Condo Owners

In recent years, the condo community has been impacted by the rising popularity and acceptance of pet-friendly culture in modern-day America. Roughly 45.5% of American households have a dog, and 32.1% own a cat. These statistics are expected to grow with the rise of pet-friendly workplaces, restaurants, travel options, and housing.

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27 Jun 2022

Water Damage in Condos: A Full Guide

From unfixed plumbing issues on a floor above you to an often unattended unit beside you, various situations could lead to significant water damage in your condominium in Massachusetts. If you’ve recently suffered water-related damages in your condo, you may wonder whether you will need to pay for repair expenses or other associated fees.

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16 Feb 2022

Guide to Construction Law for Condominiums

Condominiums are buildings or compounds containing multiple separate housing units. Some people choose to rent condos as vacation properties, while others prefer to buy a condo as their regular home.

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28 Oct 2020

Tips for Resolving Condo Disputes

Some of the condo law cases our clients have been involved in include matters like the preparation of condo master deeds and Massachusetts homeowners association disputes. The following are some tips to help navigate a condo dispute and reach a suitable resolution.

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5 Oct 2020

What to Do If Your HOA Is Not Enforcing Rules?

What can you do if your HOA rules are not enforced or are being ignored? Maybe the elevator to your condo has not been fixed for a month or the landscaping is dead or overgrown. Maybe you are trying to do construction work but the homeowners association is refusing to approve your construction project. You know your HOA is responsible, but what HOA legal action can you take? Can an HOA be sued? At Calabrese Law Associates, we can help you with your homeowners association law dispute. 

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30 Jun 2020

How a Homeowners Association Retains Legal Counsel

Why might a homeowners association (HOA) need legal counsel? While running a homeowners association can offer many benefits to a community, it can also present some difficulties and risks for the association’s board. Not everyone will agree with the rules an HOA imposes, which means HOA boards may want to seek and retain legal counsel.  

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22 Jul 2019

Net Lease Vs Gross Lease: Which is Right For Me?

Whether you’re a tenant looking to lease a commercial space or a landlord looking to rent out a commercial property, it’s necessary to understand the ways to negotiate a property lease in Massachusetts.

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