Benny L. Kass –

Having no lifeguard at a pool can be expensive if a serious accident (or death) occurs in the pool. Also, if an association cancels its pool service contract, it is highly likely that the condo's insurance premiums will increase.

Canceling lifeguards’ contract could end up being costly

May 20, 2019 at 8:51 a.m.

To my readers: Based on age and health, this is my last column. Over the years, I have attempted to educate and entertain my readers. I hope I have succeeded....

The seller of a home can have an attorney draw up a modified listing agreement spelling out the terms and conditions the seller wants a real-estate agent to follow.

Seller who doesn’t trust real estate agents wants to create his own contract

May 20, 2019 at 8:51 a.m.

Q: We’ve been ripped off badly by Realtors in the past. Consequently, we don’t trust them. I’m wondering if it’s possible to have an estate attorney draw up a contract...

If your bank keeps records of checks only for a limited time, you may want to ask to receive copies on a periodic basis.

Ensure a record of your condo association payments

May 20, 2019 at 8:51 a.m.

Q: In a recent question, a condo owner was disputing his homeowner association’s claim that he was in arrears. You advised him to have all his canceled checks available to...

In most associations, board members are elected by a vote of the owners and can only be thrown out of office by the owners. However, board members themselves typically elect the officers, such as the president and vice president, and can remove a fellow board member from office.

Aggressive condo board member constantly disrupts meetings. What’s the solution?

May 20, 2019 at 8:50 a.m.

Q: There are five board members in our condo association; I am the president. One of the elected board members is a major problem. He disrupts every board meeting by...

When a condo building requires extensive, costly renovations or repairs, the association must decide if it's best to cover the costs with reserve funds, a special assessment or a loan.

Best option for costly condo repairs: Deplete reserves or levy special assessment?

May 20, 2019 at 8:49 a.m.

Q: Our vintage 1960s condominium needs a lot of work. Our condo board has done a great job of getting several estimates and bids detailing the work that needs to...

When a condo owner's car is damaged because of a parking garage leak, there's uncertainty about who's liable — the owner of the unit where the leak began, or the association.

Association lawyer says board not responsible for parking garage leak

May 20, 2019 at 8:48 a.m.

Q: Are attorney opinions given to a condominium association board considered privileged? Here is the situation: There was a leak in the ceiling of the building our garage, which caused...

Dirty sock syndrome comes from heating and cooling systems that are not properly cleaned and maintained.

Resident of smelly unit suspects dirty sock syndrome

May 20, 2019 at 8:48 a.m.

Q: Maybe you could shed some light on my problem. It started last fall just as it started to get cold. I had the maintenance supervisor come to my unit...

If a unit owner complains of noise next door, the condo board should encourage neighbors to try and resolve the problem themselves. If neighbor-to-neighbor efforts fail, the board should step in.

Is condo board obligated to intervene when neighbors argue over noise?

May 20, 2019 at 8:47 a.m.

Q: I am on the board of a 100-unit condo and one of our owners has been complaining that her next-door neighbor is very noisy. Is this something our board...

Before purchasing a condo, potential buyers should review the association's declaration, bylaws, rules and regulations, budget and accountant's report. If buyers are an unmarried couple, they should enter into a partnership agreement.

What should unmarried couple keep in mind before buying condo?

May 20, 2019 at 8:46 a.m.

Q: I am sure you have written about this in the past, but my girlfriend and I plan to buy a condominium later this year. What advice can you give...

In most states, when a consumer wants to buy a condo unit — whether a new one from the developer or a resale — the buyer is entitled to receive a wealth of information, including legal documents and financial information. Pay close attention to all documents.

For the newbie condo buyer, here’s a quick primer

May 20, 2019 at 8:46 a.m.

Q: I am considering selling my house and moving out of state to be closer to my grandchildren. I have been looking at condos online and I am confused. Is...

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