Tag Archives: insurance

Tenant gets no help with moldy condo

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Today’s blog serves as a reminder that plenty of tenants suffer as a result of dysfunctional homeowners and condo associations,too. This growing consumer protection movement is not strictly limited to homeowners. The truth is, one of the biggest issues of contention – particularly in condo associations – is that the percentage of residents who are tenants is rising, while the percentage of owner-occupancy is declining. There are a few Continue ReadingTenant gets no help with moldy condo→

NJ Legislation aims to make HOAs more accountable

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Shared by Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Here’s a legislative proposal written in reaction to claims for storm damage in June of this year. Apparently, owners of association-governed property had a difficult time getting insurance claims resolved because they could not get information about their association’s policies. “Association Homeowners’ Protection Act of 2015″ (S3235) seems like a step in the right direction. Thank you , Kevin McArdle, for bringing this to our attention.   Are Continue ReadingNJ Legislation aims to make HOAs more accountable→

Overgrown hedge at Condo led to child’s death and $12M lawsuit

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Hedges along path

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Blog   When buyers consider a condominium association, they are often sold on a “carefree, maintenance free” lifestyle. There are promises that someone else will take care of the landscape, cleaning the sidewalks and parking lots, and most exterior maintenance. It can be very enticing for busy professionals or retirees who don’t have the time or inclination to do the work themselves. But the reality is that, when you Continue ReadingOvergrown hedge at Condo led to child’s death and $12M lawsuit→

More than 8 months after fire, condo owners still homeless

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By Deborah Goonan Ever wonder what happens if there’s a fire in your condo complex? Fortunately, injuries and fatalities are relatively rare. But I read dozens of reports of condo fires every month, and in many cases, condo residents are displaced. This often presents a hardship for owners whose units have been destroyed by fire or water damage. Typically, the owner-occupant must continue paying the mortgage and condo assessments (maintenance fees), as well as temporary Continue ReadingMore than 8 months after fire, condo owners still homeless→