FHA Releases Updated Approval Rules for Condos

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 20 August 2019

 The US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) has made changes to streamline the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) condominium project approval process.

These changes will allow the expansion of homeownership for many Americans, benefitting millions of homebuyers.

Important elements of this approval process include:

1. FHA will insure up to 10% of mortgages in condominiums without FHA approval if the condo is financially stable.
2. FHA approvals for condominium projects are extended to three years.
3. Condo projects seeking recertification are only required to update new information, as opposed to resubmitting all information.
4. Mixed-use condo projects with as much as 45% commercial space are eligible to apply for approval.
5. Condo projects with owner occupancy rates of 35% or higher will be eligible for FHA approval.
6. The FHA will insure up to 75% of condo unit mortgages.
7. The FHA will provide a 30-day commercial period before implementing future changes to the approval process.

To learn more, click here.

Which Governing Document is Correct?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 13 August 2019

Because a community association is bound by a variety of documents, confusion often arises when provisions or requirements across different documents conflict.

However, there is a hierarchy of governing documents that can help clear up some of the confusion. The hierarchy is:

1. The Illinois Condominium Property Act (IL Condo Act) and The Common Interest Community Association Act (CICAA)
2. Declaration
3. By-laws
4. Rules and Regulations

When there is a conflict between a provision of the Condo Act or CICAA and any other governing document, the Condo Act or CICAA will always prevail.

To ensure consistency and continuity with the Condo Act and CICAA, an association’s  governing documents should be regularly reviewed and updated to avoid conflicting provisions and confusion.

To learn more, click here.

Tax Appeal Window Open for Jefferson Township Condos

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 12 August 2019

Post Sponsored by Relias Law Group, Ltd.
150 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 428-3016 Office

Property assessment notices for Jefferson Township properties were sent to owners on August 5th, 2019. The deadline to file an appeal is September 6th, 2019.

Neighborhoods in Jefferson Township on Chicago's Northwest Side include the following community areas: Jefferson Park, North Park, Albany Park, Irving Park, Avondale, Hermosa, Belmont-Cragin, Montclare, Portage Park, as well as parts of Forest Glen, West Ridge, Lincoln Square, North Center, Logan Square, West Town, Humboldt Park, Austin, Dunning, the suburb of Norridge, the suburb of Harwood Heights, and Norwood Park.

Your assessment affects your real estate tax bill. Take this opportunity to file an appeal before it's too late to save on your taxes! Contact Relias Law Group today.

Is Your Condominium Ready for the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 05 August 2019

Governor Pritzker has signed legislation that will legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Illinois starting January 1, 2020.

This legislation amends the Illinois Condominium Property Act by addressing the ability of condominiums to regulate the smoking and consumption of cannabis.

Condominiums can prohibit or limit the smoking of cannabis, but they are not allowed to otherwise restrict the consumption of cannabis by any other method.

Second hand marijuana smoke will likely  increase “nuisance” complaints from residents. Associations should be proactive in considering and addressing these complaints.

Associations should consider the following to be proactive:

1. Adopt an amendment to prohibit the smoking of tobacco and cannabis on the property
2. Adopt an amendment to restrict consumption of cannabis by other methods in common areas
3. Adopt rules to address secondhand marijuana smoke

Read more here.