Which Governing Document is Correct?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 13 August 2019

Because a community association is bound by a variety of documents, confusion often arises when provisions or requirements across different documents conflict.

However, there is a hierarchy of governing documents that can help clear up some of the confusion. The hierarchy is:

1. The Illinois Condominium Property Act (IL Condo Act) and The Common Interest Community Association Act (CICAA)
2. Declaration
3. By-laws
4. Rules and Regulations

When there is a conflict between a provision of the Condo Act or CICAA and any other governing document, the Condo Act or CICAA will always prevail.

To ensure consistency and continuity with the Condo Act and CICAA, an association’s  governing documents should be regularly reviewed and updated to avoid conflicting provisions and confusion.

To learn more, click here.

Tax Appeal Window Open for Jefferson Township Condos

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 12 August 2019

Post Sponsored by Relias Law Group, Ltd.
150 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 428-3016 Office

Property assessment notices for Jefferson Township properties were sent to owners on August 5th, 2019. The deadline to file an appeal is September 6th, 2019.

Neighborhoods in Jefferson Township on Chicago's Northwest Side include the following community areas: Jefferson Park, North Park, Albany Park, Irving Park, Avondale, Hermosa, Belmont-Cragin, Montclare, Portage Park, as well as parts of Forest Glen, West Ridge, Lincoln Square, North Center, Logan Square, West Town, Humboldt Park, Austin, Dunning, the suburb of Norridge, the suburb of Harwood Heights, and Norwood Park.

Your assessment affects your real estate tax bill. Take this opportunity to file an appeal before it's too late to save on your taxes! Contact Relias Law Group today.

Is Your Condominium Ready for the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 05 August 2019

Governor Pritzker has signed legislation that will legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Illinois starting January 1, 2020.

This legislation amends the Illinois Condominium Property Act by addressing the ability of condominiums to regulate the smoking and consumption of cannabis.

Condominiums can prohibit or limit the smoking of cannabis, but they are not allowed to otherwise restrict the consumption of cannabis by any other method.

Second hand marijuana smoke will likely  increase “nuisance” complaints from residents. Associations should be proactive in considering and addressing these complaints.

Associations should consider the following to be proactive:

1. Adopt an amendment to prohibit the smoking of tobacco and cannabis on the property
2. Adopt an amendment to restrict consumption of cannabis by other methods in common areas
3. Adopt rules to address secondhand marijuana smoke

Read more here.

How to Deal with Noise in your Condo

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 29 July 2019

Living in close proximity to others means that noise is an inevitable reality of condo living.

However, there are ways to control noise and foster a peaceful condo environment. Here are some things to keep in mind to reduce or control noise in your condo unit:

1. If you are installing hard flooring such as wood, ceramic, or stone tiling, be sure to first install a sound barrier to reduce noice.
2. If you are mounting a television, make sure it is an interior wall instead of a wall you share with neighbors.
3. Be mindful of the time and day that you are making noise or having construction done in your unit to be considerate of others.

To learn more, click here.