Q: My homeowners association inconsistently enforces its rules. Rules often overlooked include bans regarding permissible animals and owning chickens on the property – none of which have been properly enforced. The association issued a new owner a violation notice, even though other homeowners have been keeping chickens. Does this set a precedent for how these […]
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Becker Successfully Defends Condominium Association in Paterson, New Jersey, Against Nearby Development Proposal
Becker is pleased to announce the successful denial of a Planning Board application on behalf of our client, a 300+ unit condominium association in Paterson, New Jersey. Led by Shareholder Martin Cabalar, Becker presented a compelling case opposing the development of an adjacent property during the City of Paterson Planning Board hearing. The proposed project, […]
Read More“Becker Adds Tim Scott’s Chief of Staff as Gov’t Consultant” — Law 360
Becker’s newest Senior Government Relations Consultant, Neri Martinez, recently told Law360 she chose to join Becker, in large part, because of the firm’s reputation of being a trusted source and having transparent leadership. Martinez said, “[Becker’s] corporate culture really inspires loyalty and nurtures growth, and that’s the kind of place where I like to be.” […]
Read More“‘Estoppel Certificates’ and Other Disclosures Explained” – News-Press
Q: I am in the process of selling my condominium unit and recently come across the term “estoppel certificate,” but I’m not quite sure what it means. Could you provide an explanation on exactly what kind of information is included on an estoppel certificate and just how much it typically costs to get one? I’d […]
Read More“Video Cameras—for Surveillance Purposes Only” – Florida Community Association Journal
Many associations have installed video surveillance cameras within the community common areas as a means to provide security for their residents. However, good intentions often lead to unanticipated consequences. In fact the use of video cameras may expose an association to liability. Generally, an association is not a guarantor or insurer of any person’s safety […]
Read More“Director Disqualifications Are Limited” – News-Press
Q: It recently came to light that one of our board members has an ongoing dispute with another unit owner, resulting in the unit owner taking out a restraining order against the board member. This is very concerning. Shouldn’t this result in the board member being removed from the board of directors of our association? […]
Read MoreDoes a Condominium Have to Put Insurance in the Annual Budget?
I have been asked on a few occasions whether an association has to put insurance in the annual budget or whether it can just wait to determine the amount of the insurance, and specially assess for the same (without a line-item in the annual budget). Insurance costs have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled in the […]
Read MoreBoard Member Code of Conduct
The law specifically provides that Board members have a fiduciary relationship with the owners and requires Board members to disclose conflicts of interest. However, the law does not specifically address acceptable (and unacceptable) behaviors for discharging these responsibilities. As such, a Code of Conduct for Board members is a good idea to have so that […]
Read MoreCan Emotional Support Animals Be Prohibited in the Pool Area?
The issue of emotional support animals in pet-restricted communities is never-ending. Their presence seems to have multiplied by the influx of individuals relocating to Florida. What was considered a “family pet” in the State of origin, suddenly became an emotional support animal in pet-restricted Florida communities. Understandably, individuals with family pets, now being represented as […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet Valeria Angelucci
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Valeria Angelucci is an attorney in our Ft. Lauderdale office. A native of Italy, she was selected and granted a full scholarship to participate in a Dual […]
Read More“What Do You Mean We Cannot Enforce The Association’s 55-And-Older Provision?” – Florida Community Association Journal
While the Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects all citizens from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, and disability or familial status (families with children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal guardians, pregnant women, and people trying to get custody of children under 18), there is an […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet Priscilla Bonsu
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Priscilla Bonsu is an attorney in our New York, NY office. She focuses her practice on corporate, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and a broad range of business transactions—both […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet Amanda Wood
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Amanda Wood is a Senior Federal Advocacy Director in our Washington, DC office. She spends her days in our nation’s capital representing municipal, corporate, and nonprofit clients […]
Read MoreUPDATE: Dryer Vent Regulations Are Being Enforced by the Local Fire Safety Officials
Hopefully, everyone is aware that most Associations’ insurance Companies have been recommending/requiring regular dryer vent cleaning and/or repair (usually every two (2) or three (3) years). Many associations have adopted Resolutions that govern when Owners must perform cleanings and inspection and engage professionals to make needed repairs to the dryer vents to prevent fire hazards. […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet Kaylin Martinelli
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Kaylin Martinelli is an attorney in our Orlando office. She focuses her practice on Construction Law & Litigation, with an emphasis on construction defect litigation. Q: Explain your […]
Read More“Candidates May Vote For Themselves” – News-Press
Q: My condominium association has a five-member board of directors. At our upcoming annual meeting, there will not need to be an election as there are three open seats and three candidates. However, the question has arisen as to how to conduct the organizational meeting to be held following the annual meeting where the board […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet Mary Hawk
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Mary Hawk is a shareholder in our Bradenton, FL office. She focuses her practice in the areas of general representation and dispute resolution for condominium, homeowner, cooperative, […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet LaToya Sheals
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. LaToya Sheals is a Senior Government Relations Consultant in Becker’s Government and Lobbying Practice. She has extensive experience in investigating and analyzing legislation and developing public policy […]
Read More“HOA ‘3 Minute Rule’ Questioned” – News-Press
Q: Our homeowners’ association board only lets residents speak at board meetings after taking a vote. They can only speak for 3 minutes in total. My understanding is that the residents should be able to speak before the vote, and they can speak for 3 minutes per item on the agenda. What is the rule […]
Read MoreBecker’s James Mahon & Catelyn Stark Contribute Chapter to International Comparative Legal Guide
James Mahon and Catelyn Stark of Becker’s New Jersey Litigation Team contributed a chapter entitled “Employment & Labour Laws and Regulations USA 2024” to the recently published International Comparative Legal Guide (ILCG). The chapter covers common issues in employment and labor laws and regulations – terms and conditions of employment, employee representation and industrial relations, […]
Read MoreIRS Proposal on Monetized Installment Sales Casts Too Wide a Net — Bloomberg Tax
Becker shareholder Michael Burwick authored the following insights to Bloomberg Tax about why potential complications of proposed IRS regulations on installment sales would require certain advisers to file disclosures. The IRS’s proposed regulations on monetized installment sale transactions are broad enough to implicate ethical transactions in its aim to capture abusive ones. The final regulations […]
Read MoreBecker Celebrates Women’s History Month: Meet Jamie Dokovna
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Becker is showcasing the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service. Jamie Dokovna is a shareholder in our West Palm Beach, FL office. She focuses her practice on business litigation, with an emphasis on employment law and commercial […]
Read More“Owner Questions Board’s Contracting Authority” – News-Press
Q: Recently, my condominium association authorized a major construction project. The contract for the work is several million dollars in value. The board of directors voted to move forward with their preferred contractor and authorize the president to sign. Isn’t this the type of contract that must be voted on by the owners? (O.V., via […]
Read More“Pending New Laws” – FCAP Managers Report
The 2024 Florida Legislative Session ended Friday, March 8th, and it was one of the busiest sessions in memory in terms of producing new community association legislation. Please remember that these bills do not become law until they have been sent to the Governor who then has fifteen (15) days to sign a bill, veto […]
Read MoreInvolved Versus Committed: Does My Community Association Need a Social Media Policy?
Across the green from Becker’s Morristown office is a delightful restaurant named “The Committed Pig.” When you walk in the door, a sign on the wall explains the restaurant’s interesting moniker: the best way to describe the difference between involvement and commitment is “bacon & eggs” the chicken is involved, but the pig is committed […]
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