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By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. April 7, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law, Landlord/Tenant Law Share

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) recently issued a Notice as to the legality and enforcement of animal policies in multiple dwellings with respect to Assistance Animals under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”). This Notice applies to a variety of multiple dwellings, including apartment buildings and community associations.  The Notice assists in gaining an understanding of the obligations of housing providers and regulators toward tenants and owners with disabilities with respect to the ability to keep animals in their dwellings. The Notice also replaces several pieces of guidance previously issued by HUD on housing providers’ obligations regarding service and assistance animals.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. April 7, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

The Bureau of Housing Inspection is a division of the Department of Community Affairs (“DCA”). Under New Jersey’s Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law (N.J.S.A. § 55:13A-1, et seq.), the Bureau of Housing Inspections is required to conduct periodic inspections of multiple dwellings and hotels. The definition of “multiple dwelling” under the Law includes any building or group of buildings, with three (3) or more units of dwelling space intended to be occupied independently. This definition includes most apartments, condominiums, cooperatives, and other, similar locations.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. April 3, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

We hope everyone is doing well and feeling healthy! Normally, at this time of the year, residents and tenants would be in the early stages of preparing for summer fun. Pools usually open in less than two (2) months, on Memorial Day (May 25th this year). And Independence Day is a big day for summer festivities.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. April 3, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

We hope everyone is doing well and feeling healthy in these uncertain times! In response to COVID‑19, legislation has been passed, courts have been closed, and executive orders have been signed. Recently though, a response to the Governor’s pandemic concerns came to New Jersey property owners in a different form: by agreement.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. April 2, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

During the spring and summer months, many community associations engage in capital improvement or routine projects which might require inspections to determine compliance with fire and construction codes.  The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions put in place have thrown a wrench into what would otherwise be a regular process. The restriction put in place has directly impacted the ability of construction officials to conduct inspections and issue permits.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. April 2, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

As the spread of COVID-19 continues, many Condominium Associations and Co-op Boards are left asking themselves how they are supposed to handle Association matters efficiently while continuing to obey Local, State, and Federal mandates to practice social distancing. For Associations in New York, Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order No. 202.8 provides a lifeline that Community Association Boards can use in order to conduct business and hold meetings.

By Robert C. Griffin, Esq. April 1, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

As technology has improved and at the same time has become less expensive, the ability to maintain privacy has been rapidly diminishing.  For about $30.00 and a half hour of your time, you can look up almost anyone on the internet, find out their current and past employment, their current and past addresses, the names and addresses of their relatives, whether they have ever been arrested, received a motor vehicle summons, or gotten a divorce. Your movements are increasingly recorded as you appear in public or semi-public places, by municipal cameras, private security cameras, “Ring” devices, drones, and even satellite imagery. Over time, computers will be getting smaller – about the size of a grain of sand. They will eventually be incorporated into clothing. You may literally be able to wear a shirt that records a person or event.    

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. & Robert C. Griffin, Esq. March 27, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

To begin, we hope you, your friends, family, and loved ones are safe, happy, and healthy. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in government orders, quarantines, social distancing, and general unrest. The world has begun to feel increasingly isolated. Despite this, Griffin Alexander, P.C, is still here to help you. In these trying times, we are continuing in our unwavering commitment to help our clients.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. March 26, 2020 Posted in Community Association Law Share

In this unusual and unprecedented time, many Associations are wondering how this pandemic will affect their existing contracts, such as pool contracts. Many are contemplating whether they should even open their pools at all this season. These are all great questions and because some contracts are already executed and in place, it is important to thoroughly review your contract to see what the fine print says. Most contracts will not include spot-on provisions that apply to our current unusual situation. However, a lot of contractors may have policies set into place about how they will operate for the upcoming season.