7 Things You Should Know About Property Tax Appeals

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 28 February 2022

Unlike other costs involved with owning property, tax assessments can and should be appealed. 

Successful appeals require strong evidence and attention to detail, as filing deadlines can pass without notice. Therefore, association assessment appeals require more careful analysis and preparation. 

Check out this blog from KSN Law to learn the answers to the 7 most common questions related to property tax appeals. 

Who Can Access Your Condo Bank Accounts?

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Written by Lauren Schrader

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

Published: 17 February 2022

It's the nature of condo associations to experience board member turnover. It might happen every year or it might happen less frequently. It might happen because a board member steps down, is voted out or sells their unit. Whatever the reason and whenever board turnover does occur, new board members need to be onboarded and old members removed from association business. This includes updating the signers on your association bank accounts to reflect the current board and remove anyone who should no longer have access. 

New board members will need to visit their bank in person to update signers. You'll need the following when you head to the bank:

• An up to date Corporation File that reflects the current board
• Meeting minutes documenting the change in board members
• Your association's FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) as assigned by the IRS
• Prior board members, possibly, who are to be removed from the accounts

Depending on the bank your association uses, this task may be a breeze or very challenging. We are seeing more hurdles with banks recently as they step up security to combat fraud. Your experience may also depend on the particular branch you visit and the representative you speak with. 

Changing signers requires some time and energy, but it will ensure that the correct individuals have access to your bank accounts and that the association's assets are protected.

Handling Burst Pipes in Your Condo Building

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 08 February 2022

Chicago weather is in full force and burst pipes are unfortunately inevitable for many condominiums.

To best prepare, here are some steps to follow so you’re ready when a pipe does burst.

1. Locate the bust pipe
2. Identify the cause of the burst pipe
3. Determine the water damage
4. Review the Association Declaration and By-Laws to determine how to handle the repair

Learn more here.

Recreational Marijuana in Condo Associations

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 01 February 2022

In 2020, the Illinois Senate passed the “Cannabis Act." This act legalized recreational marijuna use in the state and created a new question for condo boards: 

"How do we deal with nuisance and second-hand smoke complaints from recreational marijuana use?”

Well, the Cannabis Act actually included an amendment to the Illinois Condominium Property Act concerning limitations to marijuana use.

The amendment allows condominium associations to prohibit or limit the smoking of cannabis. However, condominium associations will not be able to otherwise restrict the consumption of cannabis. 

Many condo builidngs continue to grapple with the issue of marijuana smoke in their buildings, but there are remedies.

Learn more here.