What Can An In-House Condominium Attorney Do For Your Association?
A significant proportion of Floridians live in condo associations, but not every condo association is created equal. Some handle hundreds of units, while may only have a dozen or two. The needs of each association will differ just as much as their composition, but one of the major questions each one must ask is whether or not they need in-house counsel, in order to assist with the multiple legal questions that appear in running an association.
Prepare & Review Association Documents. A condo association in Florida must have a Declaration of Condominium, Articles of Incorporation, and bylaws. If your association is brand new, or if it is revisiting its founding documents, it is crucial to have an attorney review these documents in order to ensure compliance with the relevant Florida laws. Failure to do so can open your association up to serious legal challenges.
Collect Overdue Assessments & Dues. Special assessments are never welcome for condo owners, but new laws passed in the wake of the 2021 Surfside condo collapse have made them even more of a hot-button issue for many condo associations. If an owner or owners refuse to pay overdue amounts, an attorney can begin to handle the issue quickly – they may be able to send a demand letter or seek foreclosure of a unit if no other alternative is successful in getting assessments paid.
Defending Association Against Owner Lawsuits. Owners of condo units have the right to file suit against the association if they believe that there is cause to do so. Having an attorney on your side who knows your association intimately, rather than hiring an outside attorney, can make a significant difference in how this kind of lawsuit defense is handled.
Hurricane Preparation & Insurance Management. A knowledgeable attorney can both help an association prepare for hurricane activity and handle any claims that result from hurricane damage. Studies in the past have shown a likelihood of harsher storms in the next few years, so quality preparation is key.
Contact A Tampa Condominium Association Attorney
Running a condominium association is always a difficult job, and a Tampa condominium association attorney can help to shoulder the load. The Seward Law Office has worked on these matters before, and will work hard to ensure that your association is in good standing. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-lawmakers-approve-changes-to-condo-safety-law-passed-after-surfside-collapse/3604327/
