Condominium and Cooperative Law in Massachusetts

Cooperatives and condominiums are forms of "common interest" communities.

These are communities in which each resident rents or owns a residential unit. The residential units are part of a larger building, or complex of buildings, which are owned by another entity, such as a corporation or association. The residents are accountable for the upkeep of common areas, such as lawns and walkways. Rather than personally tending to these things, residents normally pay a fee that covers these necessities.

Merely viewing one of these communities from the outside (or inside) will not let you discern whether it's a cooperative or condominium community.

The general difference is that, in condominium communities, the units are purchased and owned by their residents, and they also collectively own the common areas of the development. In a cooperative community, the land and buildings in which the housing units are owned by a single corporation or association. The individual units are rented by the inhabitants, not purchased.

Laws and Regulations Concerning Common Interest Communities in Ashland, Massachusetts

There are a huge number of laws in Ashland, Massachusetts that can affect condominiums and cooperatives, but few, if any, of them are unique to such common-interest communities. Rather, they're mostly governed by laws of general application, covering zoning, contracts, and landlord/tenant relations.

Your day-to-day life in a common interest community will likelyy be impacted more by the rules set by the owner or manager of the property, rather than any local or state laws.

The manager or owner of the land on which your residence is located will likely have a lot of rules concerning what can and cannot be done in and near the houses. These rules normally mandate cleanliness, keeping noise to a minimum, and regulate the presence of pets.

Some rules set by property owners or managers may not be enforceable, however. For instance, in Ashland, Massachusetts, any rule which purports to exclude residents based on race, color, national origin, or religion will not be legitimate. There are likely some others, as well.

Can a Ashland, Massachusetts Attorney Help?

If you are involved in an argument with your neighbor, in conflict with a zoning regulation, or in a dispute with your landlord, a seasoned Ashland, Massachusetts real estate attorney can help you prevail.