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By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. February 5, 2014 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Landlords and home owner associations are often required to deal with unruly or problematic residents. Knowing how to deal with such residents can be helpful when it comes to maintaining the peace within the community and avoiding as many lawsuits as possible. Without a doubt, problem residents can be a headache for the other residents, building managers and board members, and although dealing with such people can be challenging, there are ways to do so fairly and effectively.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. January 29, 2014 Posted in Community Association Law Share

A court decision that was recently released by a Morris County Superior Court Judge has brought to light the need for community associations to be diligent with respect to being aware of and enforcing easements and other deed restrictions. In Unfair Share Lake Arrowhead 2010, Inc. v. Lake Arrowhead Club, Inc., the judge concluded that associations that have deed restrictions that have not been enforced in the past can still enforce them--even if they are over 80 years old.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. December 3, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Individuals, both young and old, are having a tough time making ends meet for a variety of reasons. However, the situation might be even more precarious for individuals who are older that live on very limited incomes that may or may not be sufficient to cover their monthly obligations. Many of those older individuals who are facing financial difficulties live in age-restricted communities that often call for the payment of association fees in addition to their required mortgage payments. Homeowner and condo associations typically rely on the payment of such fees to cover things such as ground maintenance and overall community upkeep. However, as just about any New Jersey condo association lawyer knows, struggling individuals quite often decide to focus on paying other bills rather than their association fees. 

October 30, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Condo owners purchase more than just a living space when they sign their deeds; they also gain access to a community of condo owners, sharing common areas such as pools and lawns, and decisions about maintenance, decoration, and expansion within the community. Condo owners benefit from the influence of a homeowners association in protecting the residents’ shared interests and living spaces. The attorneys at Griffin Alexander, P.C., condominium association lawyers in New Jersey, find that the legal processes and documentation involved in condo ownership and governance are vital to ensuring that both parties are satisfied and protected in their rights.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. October 23, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Several states in the country, including New Jersey, have super lien laws that affect mortgages and property costs. Condominiums in New Jersey are also subject to these laws, and the attorneys at Griffin Alexander, P.C., condominium association lawyers in New Jersey,  say that understanding the consequences of these liens and the existing state laws can protect condo owners from losing money or filing liens incorrectly, as a result of an unknown or unfulfilled condition of their state’s laws.

August 16, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

An association may provide a dated and signed statement on association letterhead affirming that no units within the condominium project are leased for a term of less than 30 days and tenants are not provided services commonly associated with a hotel.

Hopefully, this is will ease the certification process, which will lead to greater flexibility in the sale of units.  And with increased sales, comes increased prices.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. July 23, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

A recent article in The New York Times claims that the New Jersey market for condominium complexes is heating up, and with the increase in development comes an increase in consumer interest. One thing to keep in mind when exploring condo living is the safety of the premises, and the state laws that govern liability and responsibility in the condo itself, as well as the grounds surrounding the building.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. March 25, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Save for maybe audits and taxes, it is a topic that excites Association volunteers like no other: ethics. Still, understanding the ways board members or other Association volunteers, such as committee members, are expected to act, and in many cases are required to act, is something very important to the long-term success of a Community Association.

November 2, 2012 Posted in Community Association Law Share

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy and over 2.4 million homes without power, many homeowners have turned to portable generators to heat and light their homes. In multi-family dwellings, however, owners may not recognize the dangers of using a portable generator and many, if not most, do not realize that using such equipment is actually prohibited under their Association’s operating documents.