Condominium and Cooperative Law in Texas

Co-ops and condo communities 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 typically 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 Falfurrias, Texas

There are various laws in Falfurrias, Texas 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.

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 land on which these communities sit is private property, so the owners have substantial leeway when it comes to setting rules regarding what tenants can and can't do on the property. These rules usually govern things like noise levels, cleanliness, long-term guests, and pets. They are often designed with the goal of balancing residents' rights to a clean and quiet neighborhood, with their individual autonomy.

Some of these rules, however, may not be enforceable, if push came to shove. This would depend on the particular laws of Falfurrias, Texas which regulate landlords and tenants.

Can a Falfurrias, Texas Attorney Help?

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