A new law is now in effect in New Jersey, which imposes stricter requirements for building inspections and reserve studies. Governor Phil Murphy recently signed S2760 / A4384, effective January 8, 2024. Are you and your community ready for what may be coming? Do you want to know how it will help keep your […]
Read MoreResults
New Jersey Governor Signs S2760/A4384: What It Means for Your Association
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed S2760 / A4384, a new law effective in New Jersey as of January 8, 2024, which includes two major components affecting community associations. The first component concerns building inspections, and the second component pertains to reserve studies. Read below for an overview of these two components and the […]
Read More2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 34 Becker Attorneys
The 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, one of the oldest and most revered peer review publications, recognizes 34 Becker attorneys across the Firm’s practices. Our own Steven B. Lesser, was also recognized as Lawyer of the Year, a distinction based on the highest overall peer feedback for their specialty and location. Lesser […]
Read MoreThe Corporate Transparency Act: What Is It and Does It Apply to Community Associations?
In 2021 Congress passed and the president signed the Corporate Transparency Act or CTA as part of the larger Anti-Money Laundering Act. Under these laws the federal government targets tax fraud, terrorism, and money laundering by requiring US-formed corporations, limited liability companies, and any entity that registers its formation with the state to report certain […]
Read MoreCandid Conversations on Community Association Living
Becker’s Take It To The Board podcast, hosted by shareholder Donna DiMaggio Berger, explores the reality of life in a community association. Among many special guests, nine Becker attorneys from across the firm, have appeared and discussed their area of expertise as it relates to community living. Tune in for these candid discussions which just might […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for January 2023
The New Jersey Community Update newsletter is out for January, and this issue covers a range of topics. Shareholder David Dockery delves into everything you need to know about electronic voting for your condo/HOA in New York/New Jersey, and how moving to electronic voting can save your association time and money. Becker’s Community Association Practice […]
Read MoreEpisode 30: Can an Owner Sue the Board if They Disagree With a Capital Improvement?
I am on the Board of my association, and we have just decided to build a new fitness center that will require a five million dollar loan for the capital improvement. The only thing is now an owner in our community has threatened to sue us because they don’t agree with the decision to move […]
Read More2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 33 Becker Attorneys
The 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, one of the oldest and most revered peer review publications, honors 33 Becker attorneys across the Firm’s practices. Two Becker attorneys, Joseph Adams and Sanjay Kurian, were also recognized as Lawyer of the Year, a distinction that comes with the highest overall peer feedback for their […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for June 2022
The New Jersey Community Update newsletter is out for June, and this issue covers a range of topics. Shareholder David Dockery delves into the ins-and-outs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s new questionnaire, and — for context — offers an abstract of how these lending giants fit into the landscape of residential mortgages. Becker’s Community […]
Read MoreClient Alert: Special Civil Part Jurisdictional Limit Increased to $20K Effective July 1
Board Members and managers should be pleased to know that the New Jersey Court Rules have been updated which will make litigation against delinquent owners easier and less expensive. On May 11, 2022, the New Jersey Supreme Court approved an increase in the jurisdictional limit for the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Special […]
Read MoreConversations on Community Association Living
Becker’s Take It To The Board podcast, hosted by shareholder Donna DiMaggio Berger, explores the reality of life in a community association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain that ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Episodes feature a variety of guests including association leaders, experts, and […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for July 2020
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. In July’s Newsletter, We cover all the latest NJ COVID-19 alerts from Department of Health standards for opening Community Association pools, to New Regulations for common interest communities in regards to elections and board meetings. These […]
Read More2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 25 Becker Attorneys
The 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® honors 25 Becker attorneys across the Firm’s practices. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected peer review publications in the legal profession. Becker congratulates its attorneys on their recognition as among the best and brightest lawyers in the United States. Perry M. Adair, […]
Read MoreCommunity Immunity: Examining COVID-19 Shield Laws with David Ramsey
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! Think COVID-19 Shield Laws will safeguard your community association from claims of negligence? Host Donna DiMaggio Berger and featured guest David Ramsey aren’t so sure. This special episode emphasizes that the only real protection against pandemic-related liability is to consistently uphold the highest standard […]
Read MoreWebinar: Don’t Skip the Fine Print: Understanding Vendor Contract Provisions
Has a prospective vendor presented your association with a standard one-size-fits all contract? Before signing on the dotted line, watch the replay of a discussion dedicated to successfully navigating the boilerplate provisions of a commercial contract. We discuss the importance of key contract clauses, why you should think twice before signing a vendor’s typical agreement, […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for April 2021
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. In April’s Newsletter, We cover all the latest NJ COVID-19 alerts from Department of Health standards for opening Community Association pools, to New Regulations for common interest communities in regards to elections and board meetings. These […]
Read MoreNew Jersey Legislative Leaders Seek Immunity for Community Associations
The aggressive nature of COVID-19 required extraordinary measures by governing bodies – both at the national level and in every community across America – to slow and/or stop its spread. One of the more controversial actions was dictating the close of community amenities, e.g. the pool, gym, clubhouse, etc., despite the resistance of residents. Many […]
Read More“Membership Distinction,” Common Ground Magazine
A New Jersey bill signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on Sept. 30 explains which community associations have mandatory – as opposed to voluntary – membership for homeowners when it comes to assessment payments and other aspects of association governance, writes WRNJ. The new statute (S908/A2480) clarifies the 2017 Radburn Law, which defines members […]
Read MoreWebinar: DCA’s New Regulations – How Do We Cope?
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs published new regulations in May of this year that are causing much anxiety and raising many questions. During this webinar, participants will learn about the new election and voting procedures required, as well as how electronic voting is one way to reduce the paperwork and stress. Further, the […]
Read More“New DCA Rules Regarding Benefit Derived and Reserves” – Community Trends Magazine
For decades associations and developers in transition have been plagued by ill-defined concepts embodied in the rules of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) governing the developer’s obligation to pay common expenses for units under development and individually owned “in proportion with the benefit derived by the unit from items included in the […]
Read MoreExercising with Caution | Requirements for Gym Openings in New Jersey
On August 27, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 181 (2020) (the “Order”), setting forth requirements for opening health clubs, as defined by N.J.S.A. 56:8-39, which includes gyms and fitness centers.
Read More19 Becker Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers in America® in 2021 Edition
The 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® honors nineteen Becker attorneys spanning nine practice areas. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected peer review publications in the legal profession. Becker congratulates its attorneys on their recognition as among the best and brightest lawyers in the United States. The nineteen attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2021 Edition), […]
Read MoreCAI-New Jersey Legislative Action Committee Receives National LAC of the Year Award
The Community Association Institute of New Jersey’s Legislative Action Committee has received the Legislative Action Committee of the Year award. The award recognizes “a state legislative action committee for demonstrated organizational excellence, strong member support, and successfully raising the visibility and effectiveness of CAI.” Becker Shareholder David Ramsey, who also received the CAI’s “Excellence in […]
Read MoreBeckerNorth Newsletter – July 2020
In July’s newsletter, we cover the opening of New Jersey public swimming pools, court orders and elections that are the subject of new regulations for common interest communities, new regulations for community tennis courts, and how an association can handle a forbearance if a homeowner can’t meet their obligations. We also recognize Community Association Shareholder […]
Read MoreWebinar: New Jersey Community Association Regulatory Language Gets Long-Awaited Update
For over 30 years the regulatory language regarding a developer’s formation of the initial budgets for community associations in New Jersey has left a lot to the imagination and has led to endless disputes between association boards and developers during the transition process. After extensive collaboration between a task force comprised of professionals from the […]
Read MoreOpening the Flood Gates
REQUIREMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOL OPENINGS IN NEW JERSEY EXECUTIVE ORDER 153 and DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STANDARDS On June 9, Governor Murphy announced that public swimming pools, including community association pools, may open on June 22, 2020, provided compliance with all requirements to be set forth by the standards of the New Jersey Department of Health […]
Read MoreDavid Ramsey Awarded CAI’s “Excellence in Government and Public Affairs” Award
Becker Community Association Shareholder David Ramsey is the recipient of the Community Association Institute’s “Excellence in Government and Public Affairs” award. The annual awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to CAI and the community association way of life and are the highest honors given out by the organization. David serves as Chair of […]
Read MoreNew Regulations for Common Interest Communities Concerning Elections and Board Meetings
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards (DCA) published new regulations under the Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act (PREDFDA) on May 18, 2020. These new regulations are intended to serve as an update to the Radburn Election Law (P.L. 2017, Ch. 106) and will have a significant effect […]
Read MoreDavid Ramsey Participates in “The New Normal: ReOpening Communities,” Webinar Presented by CAI
New Jersey shareholder David Ramsey participated in a Community Associations Institute (CAI) national webinar, “The Next Normal: Reopening Communities.” As states use a phased approach to open public facilities and businesses, community associations must consider whether and when to open amenities and common areas. Panelists discussed specific issues related to when and how to open community association amenities and […]
Read MoreTennis Courts – Executive Order 147
On May 18 Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #147 (“EO”) was published. The order, among other matters, permits the opening of private “tennis clubs” subject to compliance with various regulations. Our Community Association Practice Group has reviewed these regulations and it is our opinion that association boards need to take the following into consideration before opening […]
Read MoreWhat Impact Will the Coronavirus Have on Your Community Association’s Ability to Collect Maintenance Fees?
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hits home, the uncertainty of its far-reaching economic ramifications has left community associations wondering if this crisis will impact their ability to collect monthly maintenance fees. This is a major concern since the collection of maintenance fees is the very lifeblood of a community association. Without an income stream, essential services […]
Read MoreCOVID-19: What Should Community Associations Do
We are in a challenging time. In just a few weeks, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has upended life as we knew it. As a result, all of our communities are wondering what measures they should take to prevent the spread and keep their residents as safe as possible. With confirmed cases growing throughout the country with […]
Read MoreCoronavirus – What to Do Now?
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has all of us on tenterhooks, wondering where the next case will occur. The 24/7 news cycle gives us a constant drumbeat of bad news about the virus, heightening a sense of impending doom. With a growing number of confirmed cases in New Jersey and New York and both Governors Murphy and […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for February 2020
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. In February’s Newsletter, Arnold Calabrese writes about how you should update your Community Association Liens now and at the beginning of each fiscal year. Martin C. Cabalar tackles the difficult topic of Certificates of Insurance and […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for November 2019
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. In November’s Newsletter, Arnold Calabrese discusses the confusion with the NJ Fire Code Regarding Portable Propane BBQ Grills. Vincenzo M. Mogavero and Sarah Klein co write “Applicability of the Marital Communications Privilege in the Digital Age” […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for September 2019
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. September’s issue includes a spotlight article from Martin Cabalar. David Ramsey and Robert Rabinowitz were both quoted in big publications. Arnold J. Calabrese, Tana Bucca, and Karl Meth attended a wine, whiskey, and cigar tasting event and Becker’s Karl […]
Read More“Is It Kosher for My Condo to Go Kosher?” The New York Times
A hotly debated topic within the world of community associations is whether or not condominiums should be accommodating towards certain religions. The New York Times recently tackled this issue in their article, “Is It Kosher for My Condo to Go Kosher?” The article questions whether or not a board can impose customs that support the […]
Read More13 Becker Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers in America®
The 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® honors thirteen Becker attorneys spanning nine practice areas. Additionally, Lee A. Weintraub is recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Construction Litigation, an honor only bestowed upon one attorney for each specialty practice and location. Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected peer […]
Read MoreBecker New Jersey Community Update for June 2019
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. June’s issue includes articles from David Ramsey and Matthew Meyers. Becker’s own Attorney Martin Cabalar, Shareholder David Ramsey, and Shareholder Arnold Calabrese recently took part in leading a CAMICB course and Attorney Karl T. Meth and other CAI-NJ […]
Read MoreSurprise: Community Associations Entitled to Have Fire Hydrants Maintained by Water Purveyor
A great concern of any association board or manager is responding to a fire. While not often the first thing on a board member’s mind; once it happens, all focus turns to how the association can help to reduce risk. The occurrence of a fire is not a …
Read MoreNew Jersey Community Association Group Sets Sail with Manager Friends
On June 13th, Becker, together with Mutual of Omaha, Accurate Reconstruction, Morris Engineering, and other sponsors, set sail aboard a Manhattan Elite yacht for a cruise around NYC with our manager guests. The scenic night was filled with skyline views, delicious food, and lively conversation. Guests aboard the yacht were treated to giveaways and prizes […]
Read MoreNew Law Grants All Forms of Community Associations a Lien Priority of up to Thirty Months
Today Governor Murphy signed a law that significantly expands the lien priority over foreclosing lenders previously available only to condominium associations, and, for the first time, grants the same lien priority rights to homeowner associations. The new law grants all community associations a lien priority of up to 30 months, based upon a six-month priority lien […]
Read MoreNew Law Grants all Forms of Community Associations Lien Priority
The Becker Community Association Practice Group is pleased to alert you to a very positive change to the current law concerning association lien priority. On Monday, March 25, 2019 both houses of the New Legislature unanimously adopted a law that will significantly expand the lien priority over foreclosing lenders that was previously available only to […]
Read More“City Versus Suburbs,” The New Jersey Cooperator
The ‘big city’ is known for its breakneck pace, as life whirls around the unprepared out-of-towner in an overwhelming swirl. Suburbia, on the other hand, is supposed to be a respite from that intense metropolitan grind – a place to patiently teach the kids how to play tee-ball out in the yard until it’s time […]
Read More5 Essential Dos and Don’ts of Great Managers
Dos Keep your Board educated concerning emerging trends. Board members aren’t tied the latest cases, legislation, and changes that impact their roles as board members. Many allied professionals – attorneys, accountants, engineers, insurance agents – will send emails or links to posts about important new issues in their fields. Great managers take the time to […]
Read MoreBecker Awarded CAI’s Business Partner of the Year Award
Becker is pleased to announce that the firm was recently honored by the New Jersey Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), winning its “Business Partner of the Year” award. Becker’s New Jersey team accepted the award at CAI’s Annual Awards Dinner on February 28th. The annual awards recognize those who have made significant contributions […]
Read MoreNew Jersey Community Update – December 2018
Becker’s New Jersey Community Update newsletter features recent news and updates that we think you may find of interest. December’s issue includes a spotlight on new Community Association attorney David Dockery, Shareholder Vincenzo Mogavero’s article on Corporate Veil Piercing from the New Jersey Law Journal, and highlights from our most recent event, “Community Association Clubs: […]
Read MoreNew York & New Jersey Team Hosts “Community Association Clubs: Challenges and Perspectives” Event
On December 5th, we held our second presentation for association board members, club members, and managers. The event, “Community Association Clubs: Challenges and Perspectives,” was held at Sterling Pointe at Franklin HOA and was co-sponsored by NFP, Property & Casualty, and Wilkin & Guttenplan, CPAs. Two credits for continuing manager education were provided to those […]
Read MoreCongratulations to Steven B. Lesser and All of Becker’s Best Lawyers in America® 2019
TWELVE BECKER ATTORNEYS NAMED THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA® 2019 Steven B. Lesser Further Recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Construction Litigation The 2019 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, announced today, includes twelve Becker attorneys covering four practice areas. Special congratulations to Steven B. Lesser, Chair of our Construction Law & Litigation […]
Read More28 Becker Attorneys Named as Super Lawyers
Becker proudly congratulates our attorneys selected as Super Lawyers. As of 2018, we boast 28 lawyers who have received this prestigious designation. Please click on their names to read more about each of these attorneys. Super Lawyer Recipients: Joseph E. Adams*, Real Estate (Office Managing Shareholder, Fort Myers/Naples) Hugo V. Alvarez, Insurance Coverage Disputes, Real Estate […]
Read MoreBecker Merges With New Jersey Community Association, Construction Litigation Law Firm
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., & MORRISTOWN, NJ – MARCH 05, 2018 – Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists and other professionals at offices throughout the East Coast, today announced its merger with the Law Offices of Arnold J. Calabrese, a New Jersey-based community association and construction litigation law firm. The merger adds two […]
Read MoreQ&A: Enforcement of Violations
Q: One resident constantly complains about another resident who is in violation of a HOA rule. As a board we are aware of the violation but allow the situation because of the personal situation involved. We have communicated to the complaining resident we do not wish to discuss why we allow this violation. Do […]
Read MoreQ&A: Mandatory Evacuation During a Hurricane?
Q: Can we order our residents to evacuate our association in cases of things like hurricanes? Does a state emergency order play a role? If the state orders a mandatory evacuation can we fine residents who remain? A: Generally, if the State or local authorities have not issued an evacuation order, the answer […]
Read MoreNew Legislation to Enhance Owner Participation in Community Association Elections
On Thursday, July 13, Governor Christie signed legislation to enhance owner participation in community association elections. The CAI Legislative Action Committee, with Community Association Practice Chair, Dave Ramsey, leading the effort, worked side-by-side with Senator Gordon, the primary sponsor of the bill, to ensure that the final version of the law would be balanced and […]
Read MoreEleven Becker & Poliakoff Attorneys Listed In The Best Lawyers In America® 2018
The 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, announced today, includes eleven attorneys covering four practice areas from the Florida and New Jersey offices of law firm Becker & Poliakoff. Of note, Founding Shareholder Alan S. Becker was recognized in 2018 as a Lawyer of the Year for his practice area. The attorneys are […]
Read MoreQ&A: Scheduling of Annual Meetings
A: We’re not prepared for our annual meeting which is in August. We’d like to reschedule for September. Can we do that or should we just have an unprepared annual meeting in August to just say we had one? B: While we would normally not advise a board to ignore the requirements of […]
Read MoreQ&A: Unsightly Neighboring Property
Q: We want to clean up the property next door to our association. The association does not own the property. It’s less money to just have it cleaned up compared to getting the current owner to clean it up. We would have permission from the owner. As a board can we approve or do […]
Read MoreDavid Ramsey in The NY & NJ Cooperator
David Ramsey, Community Association shareholder in our New York and Morristown, NJ, offices, spoke with The Cooperator in its June edition about very specific ways he helped Rossmoor Community Association stay on top of risk to lower its liability. As seen in David Ramsey in The NY & NJ Cooperator Reducing Liabilities in Co-op & Condo Communities […]
Read MoreDavid Ramsey Receives CAI Distinguished Service Award
Hearty congratulations go out to J. David Ramsey, shareholder in Becker & Poliakoff’s community association practice group. David was recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) Annual Conference Awards dinner in Las Vegas. The Distinguished Service Award is CAI’s most prestigious award and is periodically presented in recognition of longstanding, extraordinary […]
Read MoreBecker & Poliakoff Announces 8 Recipients of 2017 Best Lawyers in America ® Honors August 17, 2016
Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers® is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. For more than three decades, Best Lawyers© lists have earned the respect of the profession, the media, […]
Read MoreMaintaining Confidentiality in a Transparent Age
Despite the fact that we live in a transparent age, there are legitimate concerns and reasons for board members to keep certain information confidential. Disclosure of confidential information by a board member could compromise the association or present an unwarranted invasion of privacy upon another. For example, liability on the part of the corporation or […]
Read MoreNationally Recognized Community Association Law Firm Launches Community Association Practice in New Jersey and New York
Becker & Poliakoff Names Attorneys David Ramsey and Jennifer Loheac to Head New Practice For Immediate Release Media Contact: Alan Penchansky The Pen Group Communications Tel: (305) 529-1944 email: alan@thepengroup.com MORRISTOWN, NJ, March 23, 2011 – Becker & Poliakoff, a pioneer and leader in the field of Community Association law, today announced that attorneys J. David Ramsey and Jennifer […]
Read More