Some board members misinterpret the Ohio Condominium Act and the Planned Communty Act to mean that condominium associations only have to put away 10% of the budget toward reserves. Not only does this misinterpretation expose associations to potential litigation, the 10% figure likely does nothing to achieve the primary goal of the law: to cause owners […]
Funding Reserves by Percentage Does Not Work Read More »
As the apartment boom in Ohio continues to grow, many condominum owners and investors want to rent their condominium units, and often want to do so on a short-term basis. Condominium owner-occupants are often opposed to such rentals within their community, for important reasons such as insurance coverage, increased liability, complaince with Federal mortgagee requirements,
Combatting Condominium Short Term Rentals Read More »
The most recent edition of The Suit Magazine profiles Jay Cusimano and Kaman & Cusimano LLC, elaborating on the firm’s practice of exclusively representing Ohio community associations. In representing only condominium and homeowner associations, the article highlights Kaman & Cusimano’s philospophy of communication, not litigation. To view this profile, please visit: http://www.thesuitmagazine.com/law-politics/legal/22186-communicate-dont-litigate.html
The Suit Magazine Profiles Jay Cusimano and Kaman & Cusimano LLC Read More »
As many condominium and homeowner association annual meetings are held during the first quarter, many board members and professional property managers are preparing for these meetings to reasonable ensure that the meetings will be effecient and effective. HOAleader.com recently published an article that quotes Kaman & Cusimano partner David Kaman, outlining six tips to run meetings effeciently.
Tips for Effective Association Annual Meetings Read More »
In a recent Illinois court case, a renter sued a community association claiming that the unavailability of handicap-accessible parking violated the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”). The property consisted of a 40-story building with 342 parking spaces, seven of which were handicap accessible. However, the association sold the handicapped-accessible parking spaces to non-disabled persons and the
Condominium Association Handicapped Parking Lawsuit Read More »
Many Ohio condominium associations are developed with private streets, meaning that the association is responsible for the streets’ maintenance, repair, replacement, and snow removal. As these often are some of the largest expenses that condominium associations face, many communities ask about the process to dedicate the streets and turn private streets public, shifting the cost responsibilitiy
Condominiums Turn Private Streets Public? Read More »
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against a Minneapolis association, its management company, and its property manager for allegedly adopting condominium rules that illegally discriminate against families with children, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit seeks a court order prohibiting future discrimination, monetary damages, and a civil penalty. The Department
Lawsuit Targets Condominium Rules Discriminating Against Children Read More »
Recently, the Wall Street Journal reported that condominium fees are climbing, as a result of higher maintenance, operating, and reserve expenses, particularly in high-rise condominiums. Many Ohio condominiums have noticed similar rising costs as buildings age, operating expenses rise, and more amenities and services are offered. To view the entire story, please click the following
Condominium Fees Climbing Read More »
To obtain FHA-insured financing on a condominium unit, whether for a forward mortgage, reverse mortgage, or re-financing, the condominium association must first be approved by HUD and appear on the FHA listing of approved condominiums and comply with FHA’s extensive regulations. Consequently, FHA’s data shows that as many as 60 percent of associations seeking FHA condominium approval in 2013 were
FHA Condominium Approval Addressed at Realtors Conference Read More »
As FHA insured mortgages become more and more prevalant in the Ohio condominium lending market, many board members and professional property managers have inquired as to whether a condominium association has the duty to become FHA approved. As the article linked below from HOA Leader indicates, while there is no duty that condominiums obtain approval,
FHA Condominium Approval Required? Read More »
