COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS
Our practice is heavily concentrated in representing the governing Boards of condominiums, cooperatives and homeowner associations. Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C represents in excess of 150 such community associations in the Long Island area. Our representation of community associations includes, but is not limited to, the following broad categories:
- Guidance on board governance
- Civil litigation
- Collection of delinquent assessments, common charges and maintenance
- Drafting and negotiating contracts
- Rule enforcement
- Interpretation of governing documents
- Homeowner disputes
- Sponsor issues including construction defects
- The transition from sponsor control
- Amendments to governing documents
- Drafting election documents and conducting elections
- Contract disputes
- Premises liability claims
- Drafting and negotiating of bankruptcy
- Land use and zoning representation
- Insurance coverage claims
- Financing transactions
- Defense of discrimination claims
General Counsel to the Governing Board
Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C provides guidance on the interpretation of governing documents and advice as to the amendment of these documents so they continue to serve the needs of the community. We regularly provide education to existing and newly elected board members on their fiduciary responsibilities.
Collection Services
Virtually all community associations require assistance in the collection of money owed by delinquent property owners and shareholders. We understand the impact delinquent assessments, common charges and maintenance charges have on any community and are focused on providing swift, aggressive and cost-effective solutions to reduce these liabilities.
Litigation Services
Attorneys from Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C. regularly appear in courts of all levels on behalf of community association clients. We advocate in favor of their rights to, among other things, collect past due assessments, maintenance, common charges or assessments, enforce the community’s governing documents, rules and By-Laws, interpret and enforce contractual rights, challenge insurance claim denials, litigate issues related to Sponsor transition (inclusive of construction defects), property damage claims and in defense of housing discrimination claims.
Transition
The transition from Sponsor control (of the governing board) to homeowner control is of critical importance to any community association. Using our extensive experience, Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C. is able to advise and guide at every step of this process so that the transition is completed as smoothly as possible and the rights and needs of the homeowners in the community are protected and preserved. We regularly advise boards on how to motivate the sponsor to finalize the transition of control.