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 MoreResults
Crafting and Protecting Your Community’s Trademark with Becker’s Valeria Angelucci
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! Has your association ever faced the challenge of a shadow website or social media page imitating your own? Have you discovered your community’s name being used by a business entity without permission? Host Donna DiMaggio Berger, along with guest Valeria Angelucci from Becker’s Corporate Practice, shed light […]
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 MoreA Message From Becker’s Miami Office
There are several significant changes occurring at both the state and county levels that we want to ensure you are aware of, particularly regarding Community Association Law. Keeping abreast of these developments is crucial for staying compliant and informed when managing a condominium or homeowners’ association. Among these changes are: 1) NEW: MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FEBRUARY […]
Read MoreBecker Expands New Jersey Community Association Practice with the Addition of Ronald L. Perl
April 1, 2024 – Morristown, NJ – Becker, a leading multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals throughout the United States, proudly welcomes Ronald L. Perl as Counsel in its Community Association Practice. He will be a resident in the firm’s Morristown and Red Bank New Jersey offices. With more than 30 […]
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 MoreCommunity Update – March 2024
March marks the beginning of Spring and with a new season comes new opportunities. This issue of CUP will help your community association navigate elections and voting, insurance claims, and enforcement fines. Also featured this month are a few of the bills sent to the Governor for action following the 2024 Legislative Session. Don’t miss […]
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 MoreEverything You Need to Know About Concrete Restoration Projects with Alessandra Bianchini, of Carousel Development and Restoration Inc.
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! At some point, every building will require concrete repairs and restoration. If you’ve ever undertaken a concrete restoration project, you’re aware of the many challenges they entail: substantial costs, lengthy time delays, irritation over hurricane shutters, windows and doors, uncooperative owners and the potential […]
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 MorePaul Shur, Martin Cabalar Recognized as 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers
Becker proudly announces the recognition of Paul Shur and Martin Cabalar, shareholders in our New Jersey offices, as a Super Lawyer and Rising Star, respectively. The “Super Lawyer” designation acknowledges the top 5% of lawyers in New Jersey, while a “Rising Star” represents the top 2.5% of attorneys under 40 in New Jersey. Mr. Shur, […]
Read MoreWebinar: MyCommunitySite.com Live Demo
Is this website solution right for your community? Tune in for this software demo of MyCommunitySite.com – a turnkey website solution and document management system specifically created for condos and HOAs. You’ll see how quick and easy it is to create a website for your association. Whether or not you need to be compliant […]
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 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 MoreUnderstanding How to Handle your Association’s Insurance Claim with Public Insurance Adjuster Ken Shriberg
For more episodes of Take It To The Board, click here! Various types of casualty events, including fires, floods, explosions, windstorms, and even the unavoidable burst water pipe, will likely occur at some point in your community’s lifespan which means your board will have to submit an insurance claim. That process can make your association […]
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 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 MoreBecker Awarded FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Award for 10th Consecutive Year
For the 10th consecutive year, Becker has earned a Diamond Level Readers’ Choice Award from the Florida Community Association Journal (FLCAJ). The FLCAJ announced its annual Readers’ Choice Award winners in the March 2024 issue of the magazine. The FLCAJ Readers’ Choice Awards is a unique recognition program that shines a spotlight on the positive […]
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 MoreCommunity Update – February 2024
This issue of CUP features a helpful guide for board members, information on new term limits, and tips to save money on your property taxes. Don’t miss our featured podcast episode, “Navigating Defamation Lawsuits and Non-Compete Clauses!” Employers are relying more and more on independent contractors instead of employees. While using independent contractors can have […]
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 […]
Read More