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 it …

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…

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…

Work in any business long enough, and chances are nothing will surprise you anymore. This is especially true of co-op and condo lawyers. Along with property managers, attorneys are keepers of some of the best stories to come out of South F…

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”…

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…

My husband and I were not allowed to vote on a special assessment for a non-emergency sea wall. I believe this is in violation of Homeowner's Covenant and Florida Statutes 720.303. In 2011, the majority of our five-member board, who represe…

Q I am the board president of a condo association in Miami, Florida. I think it’s a great idea and fiscally prudent, as well, to have a reserve fund to take care of any unexpected expenditures that might arise. However, the residents in o…

When it comes to offering social programs and amenities to a community, residents' wants, needs and preferences can run the gamut. For board members and property managers, having programs in place that cater to the collective—toddlers to o…

These days, buying a new condominium might mean access not only to your dream home but also to the kind of high-end amenities that can transform a beautiful home into a spectacular one. At least that is the goal of developers and boards se…