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...
NOTE: The following are the most current guidelines and replace those mentioned in our September 2020 post. 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...
The unit owners in your condominium have been noticed for deposition in the pending transition litigation. Now they have come to you, the property management team, with questions. What should they expect at the deposition? What kinds of questions can they be asked? Did they...
Becker focuses on legal issues impacting community associations. While we advise our clients on a broad spectrum of matters that affect their daily operations, one of the most common inquires we receive relates to a condominium association’s responsibility when property damage is reported. What should...
While some may believe that a “Code of Ethics” or “Code of Conduct” is nothing more than a policy advising fellow owners how to conduct themselves like adults – and, make no mistake, it serves that purpose quite well – every community association needs one. As much...
In episode 4 of Planned's 10-Minute podcast, hosts Nick Carlson and Vincent Ranieri quiz Becker attorney Martin Cabalar on the latest legal developments affecting community associations and multi-family dwellings in New Jersey. Highlights include: Latest Executive Order limiting outdoor gatherings. "It's important to know that the...
On October 28th, 2020 Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 192 (2020) (the “Order”), setting forth requirements every business, non-profit, and governmental or educational entity in the State must follow if they require or permit the workforce to be physically present at a worksite. These requirements...
Various states provide a statutory right for members within a Community Association to audio or video record an open meeting of the board, subject to reasonable board regulations. However, in New Jersey, the law neither prohibits nor affirmatively permits owners to record board meetings. It...
The Moratorium on Sheriff’s Sales and Evictions. Since the early days in March 2020, the discussion during the COVID-19 pandemic has been about, among other related issues, Stay at Home Executive Orders, closing and then opening businesses, flattening the curve, wearing masks and social distancing. These...
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...