Pet Perks in Condo Buildings Increasing

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 13 July 2017

Many condo buildings are beginning to boast increasing amenities for pets. These buildings treat animals as valued guests with perks like spas, dog runs, grooming, toys, pictures with the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, and “Yappy Hours.” 

Smaller condos often struggle with managing pets in their buildings. Noise and waste can be a problem, but when rules & regulations clearly communicate expectations for pet owners and can be effectively enforced, pet owners and non-pet owners can live in harmony.

To read more how condo buildings are creating pet-friendly communities, click here.

2nd Installment Real Estate Tax Bills for Cook County On Their Way

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

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

Published: 11 July 2017

Condo owners in Chicago are now receiving their 2nd installment 2016 property tax bills. Payment is due August 1, 2017.

Note that the 1st installment is issued for an amount equal to 55% of your total prior year tax bill. Once the Cook County Treasurer's office has calculated your final total tax bill, the 2nd installment is sent reflecting the total less the amount billed in the 1st installment.

Tax rates and property valuation assessments for Chicago property owners have increased, so many condo owners will be seeing an increase in their final bill. For more information about the effects of this year's property tax changes, see this article by our friends at Elliott and Associates.

Find FREE Answers at "Condo Therapy" for Condo Owners on Wednesday July 19th!

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

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

Published: 29 June 2017

"If I had only known how many problems there would be in my condo building, I never would have bought a condo!"

Does this sound like you? Unfortunately, this is a common refrain among condo owners. Condo living is complicated and confusing at times, and conflict is inevitable. Condo owners who look forward to owning property, building equity and being able to make alterations that aren't possible when renting often find that condo living isn't quite what they'd expected.

Sometimes, you just need someone to listen and sympathize. Sometimes, you need someone to give you guidance on how to tackle your condo conundrums. Sometimes, you need both.

On Wednesday, July 19th, CCR will be hosting a "Condo Therapy" session with the Experts. Come for FREE food, drinks and advice from industry leaders. This is an opportunity to connect to solutions and to other condo owners who can relate.

Details on our Calendar. Please spread the word!

Amendments to Condominium Documents May Not Require 2/3 Approval by Owners

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

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

Published: 14 June 2017

We've long held that the magic number for passing an amendment to a condominium association's governing documents is 2/3 of unit owners, unless the governing documents state otherwise, except that no more than a 3/4 vote can be required.

The IL Condo Act states: 27. (a) If there is any unit owner other than the developer, the condominium instruments shall be amended only upon the affirmative vote of 2/3 of those voting or upon the majority specified by the condominium instruments, together with the approval of any mortgagees required under the provisions of the condominium instruments, except in cases where this Act provides different methods of amendment or with respect to property whose declaration is recorded on or after July 1, 1984, no condominium instrument shall require more than a three-quarters vote of unit owners to amend the bylaws. Except to the extent authorized by other provisions of this Act, no amendment to the condominium instrument shall change the boundaries of any unit or the undivided interest in the common elements, the number of votes in the unit owners' association, or the liability for common expenses appertaining to a unit.

However, a strict reading of this section would indicate that the 2/3 applies to "those voting" and not "all members." 

If the association's governing documents do not specify otherwise, a condominium association could conceivably pass an amendment with far fewer than 2/3 of owners voting in favor. Per the IL Condo act, 20% of owners constitutes a quorum (the minimum number required to hold a vote) and if 2/3 of "those voting" vote in favor, an amendment can pass.

The operation of your association is largely dependent on your individual governing documents. It's important to review your Declaration and Bylaws and potentially have them clarified by a condo attorney to ensure that you are operating properly, particularly in regards to a major change such as an amendment to the governing documents.