Chicago HOA Attorneys

Navigating Homeowner Association Law

Homeowner associations (HOAs) play an important role in residential neighborhoods, helping individuals and families living within a certain area or development address issues related to the safety, maintenance, and values of their properties. To ensure that homeowner associations are run effectively and remain compliant with the relevant laws, board members will need to seek out knowledgeable legal guidance.

At Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd., our experienced attorneys have a strong understanding of the laws that affect homeowner associations, and we can provide invaluable assistance in this complex area. From providing legal advice and support to homeowner associations and helping to draft and enforce homeowner contracts, to dispute resolution and compliance with laws and regulations, our lawyers have the knowledge, experience, and skills needed to address HOA-related issues.

Legal Help With Matters Related to Homeowner Association Law

A homeowner association is an organization that establishes and enforces rules for a planned subdivision, development, or community. People living within these areas will usually be required to pay HOA fees, and they must follow the rules put in place by the HOA. Typically, homeowner associations are managed by a board of directors. As such, they are subject to certain state laws and regulations.

Our team can provide assistance with matters related to homeowner association law, including:

• Drafting governing documents such as covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) - These documents specify the rights and responsibilities of homeowners, as well as the rules that HOA board members must follow. We can ensure that agreements are in compliance with the law and that their terms will be legally enforceable.
• Enforcing homeowner rules - Our team can help homeowner associations ensure that all residents are following the CC&Rs. In some cases, these matters may be resolved by notifying homeowners of violations and requesting compliance with CC&Rs, but legal action may be needed in certain situations to address issues that may affect other association members or the values of properties in the neighborhood.
• Assistance with dispute resolution - Should a homeowner association be faced with a dispute over an alleged violation of CC&Rs, our attorneys will be able to provide guidance and legal representation. We can help determine whether disputes may be resolved through mediation or other methods, or we can provide representation in litigation when necessary.
• Legal compliance - Our team is well-versed in homeowner association laws, including the laws and regulations that apply at the federal, state, and local levels. We can help ensure that homeowner associations remain compliant with all relevant regulations, including the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act.
• Collections - Our attorneys can assist homeowner associations with matters related to unpaid dues or assessments. We can help determine whether penalties may be imposed against delinquent homeowners, and we can assist with filing liens when necessary.
• Forcible/eviction actions - In cases where homeowners have unpaid assessments, we can advise an HOA on its options for evicting the person, taking possession of the home, renting the property to tenants, and collecting rent that may be used to pay the fees and assessments that are due.
• Foreclosures, bankruptcies, and evictions - An HOA may need to ensure that its interests are protected in situations where homeowners file for bankruptcy or are subject to foreclosure proceedings. Our lawyers can provide assistance with these matters, and we can also provide legal representation in eviction proceedings involving residential tenants or foreclosures.
• Addressing issues related to an HOA's board of directors - Board members have certain fiduciary responsibilities to an association and its members. If a board is accused of committing a breach of fiduciary duty, it may need to defend against legal action by association members. Our attorneys can provide representation in these situations and determine how to resolve legal disputes efficiently and effectively.

Contact Our Cook County Homeowner Association Lawyers

If your homeowner association is in need of legal guidance, the attorneys at Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. have the knowledge and experience to help you. We are committed to helping HOAs manage their affairs in accordance with the law. Contact us today at 847-593-5595 to learn how we can help your homeowner association address its legal needs.

We represent real estate owners, homeowner associations, and business owners located throughout Illinois, including Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, Kane County, McHenry County, Winnebago County, Champaign County, St. Clair County, Kankakee County, Boone County, Grundy County, Rock Island County, and Sangamon County. We also provide legal help to clients who do business throughout the United States and internationally.