Condominium and Cooperative Law in Arkansas

Condominiums and cooperatives are forms of "common interest" communities.

They are communities where each individual or family resident rents or owns an unit which is part of a larger building, containing other, similar, residential units. The residents are accountable responsible for the maintenance of the common areas of their living areas, such as gardens, walkways, lawns, and swimming pools. They typically meet this responsibility by paying a monthly fee to support this maintenance.

If you just look at one of these communities, you won't be able to tell whether it's a cooperative or a condominium community.

There are no physical features distinct to either one, which can be used to distinguish them. Rather, the difference lies in the legal arrangement that regulates the relationships between the residents and managers. In condominium communities, the residents own the units they live in, and collectively own the land and buildings in which they are located. In a cooperative community, the units are rented, and are owned by a single entity.

Laws and Regulations Concerning Common Interest Communities in Pocahontas, Arkansas

There are numerous laws in Pocahontas, Arkansas that might be applicable to common interest communities. But most of these laws are not unique to common-interest communities. Rather, they usually concern zoning, land use, and contract law, which are applicable to most other types of real estate, as well.

One's daily life in a cooperative or condominium community is more likely to be affected by the rules set by the owners or managers of the property, rather than the regulations of your state or city.

The owner or manager of the property on which your unit sits will likely have a substantial number of regulations concerning what can be done in and around the housing units. These rules will likely concern cleanliness, noise, and policies governing the presence of pets and long-term guests.

The power of landowners is limited, however, and there are some rules that cannot be given legal effect. For example, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, any rule which would exclude residents based on their race is completely unenforceable. Such discrimination is clearly prohibited under federal law, private property rights notwithstanding.

Can a Pocahontas, Arkansas Attorney Help?

If you are in a dispute with your homeowners' association, a neighbor, or your landlord in Pocahontas, Arkansas, a reliable real estate lawyer may prove extremely helpful, if the dispute cannot be otherwise resolved.