Practical Legal Guidance for Boards, Associations, and Property Managers
Who We Help
Legal Counsel for Associations, Boards & Property Managers
Homeowners and condominium associations are not-for-profit corporations charged with managing shared assets, enforcing restrictive covenants, and protecting property values. Board members are often volunteers placed in difficult positions—tasked with enforcing rules against neighbors while complying with strict statutory procedures.
We provide cost-effective, responsive legal support so Boards can act confidently, lawfully, and consistently.
Core Services
Condominium & HOA Legal Services: We advise Associations at every stage, from formation and transition to enforcement, governance, and litigation.
Covenant Enforcement: We guide Associations through legally compliant enforcement—from initial complaint analysis through hearings and litigation when necessary. Ohio law requires strict adherence to notice and hearing procedures, and mistakes can invalidate enforcement actions. We ensure the process is done right the first time and pursue recovery of attorney’s fees where permitted.
Governing Document Revisions: Outdated or overly complex Declarations and Bylaws create confusion, inconsistency, and litigation risk. We help Boards amend or restate governing documents so they align with current Ohio law, reflect how the community actually operates, and remain enforceable.
Developer Transitions: Transitions from developer control to owner control are legally sensitive and often contentious. We assist Associations and owners through the transition process, ensuring statutory deadlines are met, authority is properly transferred, and financial records are reviewed.
And More:
- Assessment and collections support
- Litigation and dispute resolution
- Annual meeting guidance
- Association operations and governance
- Condominium creation and development
- Construction defect and developer litigation
Enforcing Covenants Without Putting the Association at Risk
Ohio law requires Associations to follow specific enforcement procedures before imposing fines or penalties. Generally, proper enforcement includes:
- A written notice describing the violation
- A reasonable opportunity to cure (when applicable)
- Disclosure of the proposed fine or enforcement assessment
- Notice of the owner’s right to request a hearing
- Clear hearing request procedures and timelines
We manage the entire enforcement process, so Boards don’t have to worry about procedural missteps, selective enforcement claims, or escalation into unnecessary litigation.
Why Associations Choose Us
1. Practical, Board-Focused Legal Counsel
2. Experience with day-to-day Association operations
3. Clear guidance for volunteer Boards
4. Proactive risk management, not just litigation response
5. Coordination with management companies
6. In-house title resources for seamless support
Our goal is not just compliance, it’s helping your Association function smoothly and predictably.
Attorneys in Charge
FAQs
Can an HOA or Condominium Recover Attorney’s Fees for Enforcement?
In many cases, yes. Ohio law and many governing documents allow Associations to recover attorney’s fees and enforcement costs when an owner fails to comply with covenants or rules. Whether fees are recoverable depends on the governing documents and proper enforcement procedures being followed.
When Should an Association Update Its Governing Documents?
Common indicators include:
- Documents more than 10 years old
- Multiple amendments causing confusion
- Provisions that conflict with current Ohio law
- Rules that are never enforced or no longer practical
Updating or restating documents can significantly reduce disputes and enforcement challenges.
When Must a Developer Turn Control Over to the Owners?
For condominiums, Ohio statutes impose maximum timelines—often tied to unit sales. For planned communities (HOAs), control must transfer when declarant ownership ends, though documents may require an earlier transition. Each community’s documents and facts matter, and early legal guidance prevents disputes.
Talk to Our Lawyers
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