Attorney-Client Privilege and Condo Boards

Pin It
Condo boards often turn to attorneys to help them address conflict, interpret their governing documents and understand their rights and responsibilities in managing their associations. Boards are granted what is known as attorney-client privilege in their communication with their attorneys. This means that information between attorneys and their clients is confidential and not shared with third parties. This privilege allows clients to speak freely with their attorney without risk of disclosure by the attorney. 
 
Much of the communication between board members and their attorneys is conducted via email, which can be a convenient way to share information. When it comes to emails between attorneys and a condo board, however, attorney-client privilege can be compromised when emails are shared with outside parties.
 
Privilege can be destroyed if given to a third party. Therefore, if communication is happening via email, attorney-client privilege can be destroyed if the email is directly forwarded to a third party. 
 
Learn why boards should think twice before sharing emails and how attorney-client privilege can be preserved here

Winter Preparation for Condo Buildings

Pin It

Winter is right around the corner, so if you have not yet started your winter preparations, you should do so now.

The weather conditions in Illinois during the winter increase the rate of slip-and-fall accidents, so proper snow removal is very important.

Check out these helpful tips regarding property management when it comes to winter weather.

Violation Notices - Basics for Condo Board Members

Pin It

Complaints are on the rise as people spend more time at home, which means more notices of violations are being sent out. If you find yourself in this position, here is a summary of what every notice of violation should contain. 

1) Date: The day the notice is being sent/given to the unit owner

2) Method of delivery: How notice is being given to the unit owner

3) Addressee: Notice should be addressed to the legal unit owner

4) Identified notice: The notice should state it is a “NOTICE OF VIOLATION” or a “WARNING LETTER"

5) Identified alleged violation: The notice should state that the association has received a complaint and it should summarize what the complaint is about

6) Requested action: The notice should state what the unit owner needs to do

7) Additional actions the unit owner can take: The notice should state that if the unit owner disputes that they have engaged in this conduct or violated the documents, they have the right to attend a hearing with the board of directors

8) Signature of notice: The notice can be signed by the managing agent or the board of directors

2021 Property Tax Season is Officially Over

Pin It

The 2021 property tax season is officially over. Second and final installment tax bills will likely be mailed out around December 1st and will be due around December 31st.

First installment tax bills for the 2022 tax year will likely be mailed around February 1st, 2023 and due around March 1st.

City Council Approves South Shore Condo Co-Op Preservation Fund Pilot

Pin It

Chicago City Council approved a new pilot preservation fund that targets vulnerable condo and co-op owners in the South Shore community.

The fund will provide owner-occupant grants to owners and a low-interest, long-term loan/grant product to HOAs for needed repairs and deferred maintenance to ensure that longtime homeowners can remain affordably housed.

Condos in South Shore should inquire with their Alderman about the program if they feel they’re a candidate. 

Learn more here.