Lancaster Condo and Co-op Lawyers

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Condominium and Cooperative Law in Ohio

Cooperatives and condominium developments are examples of arrangements identified as "common interest communities."

These residential communities are composed of a single piece of land, occupied by one or more buildings, each of which contains more than one housing unit. The units are owned or leased by the persons who live in them, but the buildings themselves, and the land they sit on, are owned either collectively by the residents, or by some third party. The residents are responsible for the upkeep of the buildings and the common areas of the property (walkways, lawns, swimming pools, etc.). To that end, they typically pay a periodic fee to cover maintenance.

If you simply look at a condominium or cooperative community, you probably won't be able to tell if it's one or the other.

There are no physical features unique 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 Lancaster, Ohio

Several Lancaster, Ohio laws affect common-interest communities. However, almost all of these laws govern real estate more generally, and there are very few laws written specifically for common interest communities. Such generally-applicable laws include zoning regulations, contracts, and the relations between landlords and tenants.

In general, the policies of the landowner or management board will have a much greater impact on the daily lives and conduct of residents than any state or local laws governing condominiums or cooperatives.

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 authority of landowners is limited, however, and there are some rules that cannot be given legal effect. For instance, in Lancaster, Ohio, 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 Lancaster, Ohio Attorney Help?

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

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Lancaster

Lancaster, Ohio is a city located in Fairfield County, Ohio. It has a population of about 35,000 people, as of the 2000 Census.

Several Native American tribes populated the area now known as Lancaster thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. European settlement of the area began in Earnest in the 1790s, at the earliest stages of America's westward expansion. Most early settlers of Lancaster, Ohio were of German descent, and emigrated from bordering Pennsylvania.

Lancaster rapidly grew as an agricultural center, and the canals that were being built in the region provided an easy way to quickly ship its produce to the large markets on the East Coast of the U.S.

Modernly, Lancaster is notable for its blend of 19th Century architecture, along with its natural beauty, with several nearby attractions (such as lakes and mountains) providing opportunities for hiking, swimming, and camping. Lancaster is also home to companies in several different manufacturing sectors, including glass.

As with any small-to-medium-sized American city, Lancaster has a fairly developed and tight-knit legal community. Lancaster, Ohio lawyers are well trained, experienced, and competent. They can handle just about any case that you might have.

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