2015 June
Focus on... Law & Legislation

Law & Legislation Legislative and Legal Update
2015 June Legislative and Legal Update

When you’re up to your earlobes in alligators, it’s hard to recall that your initial objective was to drain the swamp. —Old Florida Proverb A long-standing annual rite in the Florida Legislature is passage of an omnibus shared-owners…

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Law & Legislation The Condo as Legal Entity
2015 June The Condo as Legal Entity

In South Africa, it’s called a “sectional title.” In Quebec, it’s a copropriété divise or “divided co-property.” In Italy, they call it “condominio,” derived from Latin. Regardless of location, a condominium—commonly referred to as “condo”…

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Law & Legislation Who Do You Call?
2015 June Who Do You Call?

In most instances, the board or management team of a condo or HOA is equipped to handle the wide variety of issues that arise day-to-day, from a leaky roof to dealing with municipal bureaucracy. There are other, bigger issues—things like e…

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Maintenance Liquid Assets
2015 June Liquid Assets

Some lucky—and wealthy—co-ops and condos offer the benefits of an indoor or outdoor swimming pool for their residents; it’s a splashy amenity that many people request when looking for a home…but there are many kinks, issues, and liabilitie…

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Q&A Q&A: Error of Omission?
2015 June Q&A: Error of Omission?

Error of Omission? Q Our association recently had to replace a pool safety cover. It was 14 years old and just could not be patched anymore. We got quotes for the cover and selected a vendor. Thinking this replacement would be funde…

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Law & Legislation Avoiding Litigation
2015 June Avoiding Litigation

With dozens—and sometimes hundreds—of people living in a community governed by neighbors, acquaintances, and friends, disputes can transpire frequently, as is the case with condos and co-ops. Undoubtedly, disagreements among residents, boa…

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Q&A Q&A: Water, Water Everywhere
2015 June Q&A: Water, Water Everywhere

Water, Water Everywhere Q Our condo was built in the early ‘80s. The developer didn’t have the foresight to include a slope or pitch when constructing the balconies. (My building has 6 floors, for example). Needless to say, when …

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Q&A Q&A: Returning Surplus Funds
2015 June Q&A: Returning Surplus Funds

Returning Surplus Funds Q We are a 56-unit condominium. Our bylaws require that end-of-year excess funds be returned to unit owners either in a lump sum or credited to monthly installments until exhausted. Bylaws define excess funds…

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