Homeowners Association & Condominium Law

Santa Cruz Lawyers Representing Condo and Homeowners Associations

The area of law governing condominium and homeowner associations is a unique part of real estate law. Residents living in planned communities often pay regular dues covering management, landscaping, and general up keep. Condo and homeowners associations are committed to enforcing the community's interests instead of individual needs.

For more than 30 years, the law firm of Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law has provided high-caliber legal services in real estate law. Using diplomacy, sound judgment and effective advocacy, we protect homeowners in complicated legal disputes with condominium or homeowners associations. Contact us today and discover how we can help you.

A Hands-On Approach

Every homeowner's association is distinct, with its own bylaws, governing board, and association rules. Our attorneys work closely with each client, carefully reviewing the contracts and agreements to clearly understand the issues at stake. In many cases, the size of the homeowners association in question has an impact on the relationships between the parties and the expectations that led to the dispute:

• Small homeowners associations — These often involve two unrelated property owners who can't make changes to their land unless both of them agree. In this situation, the homeowners often did not realize they were even in an association until a dispute over land use erupted.
• Mid-size homeowners associations — Members of these associations often serve on community boards, which frequently struggle to maintain adequate reserves without understanding the insurance and liability issues that often prompt disputes. Especially in the current economic climate, mid-size associations often struggle with lack of resources as they try to determine how basic driveway or roof repair work will be covered.
• Larger homeowners associations — Professional management companies often run these associations with the support of legal counsel. Homeowners often interact with their association boards only after receiving letters to enforce rules or prohibit them from doing something.

When representing homeowners in hearings before their boards, we are well aware that each case is unique. We work closely with each client and tailor our services to the specific circumstances giving rise to the dispute. In one scenario, we included testimony from a civil engineer in a dispute involving poor drainage on roads or easements. In another circumstance, we worked with an actuary when the adequacy of the association's reserves was questioned.

We also represent homeowners in disputes over payment of private road maintenance assessments. We also carefully review titles and work with surveyors to determine who is entitled to use specific roads.

Contact Us

Avoid expensive real estate litigation. Contact the Santa Cruz law firm of Timothy J. Morgan, Attorney at Law, for sensible legal advice and satisfying results.