Condominium and Cooperative Law in Wisconsin

Cooperative and condominium communities are examples of a class of housing developments recognized as "common interest communities."

This is a type of community in which the individual residents rent or own residential units in a building, or collection of buildings, but are collectively accountable for taking maintaining the common areas in their communities, such as lawns, gardens, swimming pools, and the like. This responsibility is normally taken care of by charging the residents a periodic maintenance fee, to pay for the upkeep of the common areas.

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 covers 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 Hales Corners, Wisconsin

There are numerous laws in Hales Corners, Wisconsin 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.

The daily lives of residents, and what they are and aren't allowed to do in their residences, will be far more heavily impacted by rules and regulations that the homeowner's association, or the owner of the land, has imposed.

The land that common interest communities occupy is normally private property. Therefore, the owners of the property are free to make certain rules governing what is and isn't allowed on it. A good manager or owner will normally make every effort to strike a balance between residents' freedom to do what they want in their homes, and the rights of their neighbors to a safe, clean, and reasonably quiet living space.

Some of these rules, however, may not be enforceable, if push came to shove. This would depend on the particular laws of Hales Corners, Wisconsin which control landlords and tenants.

Can a Hales Corners, Wisconsin Attorney Help?

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