Community associations play a vital role in maintaining property values and creating orderly, attractive neighborhoods. Whether you’re on the board of a homeowners association (HOA), managing a condominium association, or a unit owner facing disputes, community association law governs the rights and responsibilities of all involved. At The Law Offices of Robert J. Longchamps, PLLC, we help clients understand and enforce these complex legal frameworks.
What Is Community Association Law?
Community association law covers a wide range of issues. Generally, it includes everything involving the operation or oversight of residential associations. These associations are typically responsible for enforcing community rules, managing common areas, and ensuring that the common areas and building structure are maintained. Several factors define the rights and obligations of an association, including the contract law, state statutes, and governing documents. Because community association law involves elements of real estate, contract, and corporate governance, having knowledgeable legal counsel is essential.
Support for Unit Owners and Residents
Unit owners and residents may sometimes find themselves at odds with their association. Whether it’s a dispute over fines, access to records, architectural changes, or maintenance responsibilities, we provide guidance to help resolve these issues. We advocate for owners who feel their rights have been violated or who need clarification on their obligations under association documents.
Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Disputes between associations and residents can escalate quickly. This is especially the case when it is unclear who is correct. Our firm offers legal advice designed to avoid unnecessary conflict, but we never shy away from litigation when it becomes necessary. Our goal is to identify the cause of these issues and resolve them with as few challenges as possible.
Governing Document Review
A significant portion of our practice involves reviewing outdated or ambiguous governing documents. Our firm helps associations review, update, and improve their governing documents when needed. In some cases, we will recommend a complete overhaul of an agreement if the language is too convoluted to repair. Our ultimate goal is to provide clients with clear language and documents that are easily relied on.
Serving as Legal Counsel
Often, associations benefit from having trusted legal counsel on call. Our firm can answer routine questions on matters such as contract review, vendor disputes, or compliance issues. Our firm provides ongoing advisory services, enabling boards to make informed decisions with confidence.
Learn How We Can Help
Attorney Robert J. Longchamps provides responsive, cost-effective legal services tailored to the unique challenges of community association governance. With a deep understanding of property and association law, our firm delivers solutions that promote harmony, transparency, and proper management of shared residential communities. The Law Offices of Robert J. Longchamps, PLLC, is here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your community association legal needs.