2008-11-12 "COMFORT ANIMALS": WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW SHOULD ASSOCIATIONS DEAL WITH THEM?The Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) prohibit discrimination against some protected classes, such as disabled individuals. Normally, a residential housing provider is required to make reasonable accommodations in its policies, procedures and practices to afford a disabled individual with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. These acts have been held to apply to community associations. In the context of pet and animal restrictions,...
2006-09-13 FREE TO FLY THE AMERICAN FLAG"Americans have long flown our flag as an expression of their appreciation for our freedoms and their pride in our nation. As our brave men and women continue to fight to protect our country overseas, Congress has passed an important measure to protect our citizens right to express their patriotism here at home without burdensome restrictions." President Bush in a statement regarding HR 42 The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 (HR 42), signed into law by President...
2006-07-01 CONSIDER THE COVENANT IN CONDO OR TOWNHOME PURCHASEAs a real estate professional, you are the first resource for your clients. They depend upon you to look out for their best interests, particularly in the purchase of real estate. More than likely, you are involved in more transactions in a month than the average buyer is involved in over the course of his or her lifetime. If your buyer is considering purchasing a home in a condominium or townhome community (or any community subject to restrictive covenants), you can provide a higher...
2006-06-10 THE RENTERS ARE COMING - THE RENTERS ARE COMING!
community associations are increasingly facing issues with non-resident owners. Over the last several years, the Minnesota housing market enjoyed dramatic increases in value, with above normal increases in duplexes and similar multi-unit housing. As real estate investors drive up the price of these multiple unit dwellings, a point is reached where the properties no longer provide cash flow, and real estate investors must look to other potential investments. Recently, real estate investors...
2003-02-25 WHAT DO YOUR ASSOCIATION'S DOCUMENTS SAY ABOUT GLASS?A case decided by the Minnesota Court of Appeals on August 26, 1997 could affect the way community associations deal with glass repair and replacement. In Swanson v. Parkway Estates, the Court of Appeals ruled that a townhouse declaration that requires the homeowners' association to maintain "exterior surfaces" requires the association to maintain sliding glass doors. The Swanson case calls into question how an association’s glass exclusion provisions are to be interpreted, and may thrust new unforeseen...
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