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.
Continue ReadingSo You Want to Build a Residential High-Rise?
High-rise residential buildings like condominiums and apartments are rapidly growing in popularity. In Massachusetts, a building is considered a high-rise only if it is more than 70 feet above grade plane. A skyscraper with more than 20 stories and penthouses with gorgeous views, for example, would likely be considered a high-rise, though measurements can vary based on local zoning laws.
Continue ReadingSuing a Builder for Fraudulent Practices
Suing a builder for fraudulent practices can be a complex and daunting process. At Calabrese Law Associates, we focus on construction law and are dedicated to protecting your rights. Our experienced team will guide you through every step, ensuring you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve for any damages caused by deceitful actions.
Continue ReadingHow 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.
Continue ReadingHow 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.
Continue ReadingFederal and State Laws When Classifying Construction Workers
Independent contractors are crucial to having extra hands on deck when your business needs them most, keeping jobs on schedule and producing quality work. Yet, misclassifying someone who does work for you as an independent contractor rather than an employee can have serious consequences.
Continue ReadingLegal 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.
Continue ReadingPet 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.
Continue ReadingConstruction Worker Misclassification
Although many individuals may not know it, there’s a critical distinction between an employee and an independent contractor. Even so, classifying construction workers as independent contractors rather than employees is prevalent nationwide. The practice is more common in certain areas and poses challenges for misclassified workers and local governments.
Continue ReadingWater 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.
Continue ReadingGuide 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.
Continue ReadingYour Guide to Subdividing Land
If you are a Massachusetts landowner or real estate investor, you may want to learn more about subdividable land before you invest. Subdividing land for family or real estate purposes means a larger parcel of land is split, and separate legal titles are established for every new smaller section of land.
Continue ReadingHow to Recover Loaned Money in Massachusetts
Have you loaned a significant amount of money to a business partner, family member, or friend and not yet received your money back? If you find yourself in this tricky situation, you may be wondering how to proceed to recover your money and preserve your relationship.
Continue ReadingWhat Are Your Legal Rights in a Foreclosure?
If you are struggling to pay your mortgage every month, you may be facing foreclosure and the risk of losing your home. Foreclosure can be a rigorous legal process, and you have legal rights based on your mortgage documents and the laws in your state. When you know your legal rights under foreclosure law, you can better navigate the foreclosure process or avoid it altogether if your lender is in violation of any foreclosure requirements.
Continue ReadingCan You Sue for Poor Workmanship?
Are you looking to sue a construction company for poor or faulty workmanship? We have developed this guide about when to sue a contractor to help you navigate the process of making a legal claim.
Continue ReadingTips 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.
Continue ReadingWhat 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.
Continue ReadingHow 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.
Continue ReadingThe Frustration Coronavirus is Causing for Businesses
Heavily-effected companies in the travel, hospitality, and restaurant sectors have seen huge losses of revenue. However, the construction industry has also seen a unique web of concerns, including delays and loss of business.
Continue ReadingCOVID-19 Impact on Existing Commercial Leases and Residential Tenants
Although the coronavirus situation is currently unfolding and many changes could be yet to come, there have been some government actions that affect businesses, landlords and residential tenants alike.
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