Details

Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 28 January 2020

The Cook County Treasurer has released first installment 2019 property tax bills that must be paid no later than March 3, 2020.

These estimated tax bills are equal to 55% of last years total tax. Any change in your 2019 tax bill (exemptions, assessments, tax rates, or the Cook County equalizer) will be reflected in the second installment bill that will be issued this summer.

If you have a 2019 appeal pending, you must still pay this bill.

If you have a new Property Tax Index Number for 2019, your first installment tax bill will be $0 and all 2019 taxes will be payable on the 2nd installment bill issued this summer.

Details

Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 16 January 2020

On March 21, 2020, Brainy Board will host a Board Member Boot Camp powered by KSN.

During the 4-hour boot camp, KSN attorneys will review guidelines, expectations and qualifications for condo, homeowner, or townhouse community board members.

Topics include board member roles, governing documents, board operations, budgeting, and recreational cannabis use in associations.

The event will take place from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at The iO Theater in Chicago.

Find more information and register here.

Details

Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 08 January 2020

While removing a problematic tenant from a rental building is relatively easy, removing a condominium owner is very difficult.

From a legal standpoint, it is important to distinguish whether the person being removed is the owner of the unit or that owner’s tenant.

Removing a Condo Owner

Unlike any other state, Illinois law allows the eviction of condo owners. However, a condo association has recourse against a unit owner only for monetary default issues. Owners cannot be removed for bad behavior.

When an owner is evicted, there is a 60-day stay issued during which the owner can pay the money owed. If they do, the eviction order is vacated. If they don’t, the owner is evicted from the premises.

Once the condo association has taken the unit, it can lease and collect rent on it. If the unit is already leased out to an acceptable tenant, the association can choose to let them remain or take rent from them.

Removing an Owner’s Tenant

Condominium boards lack the legal standing necessary to remove unit owner’s tenants, regardless of behavior. However, the condo unit owner can evict the tenant.

To learn more, click here.

Details

Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

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

Created: 06 January 2020

The City of Chicago Shared Cost Sidewalk Program opens for applications at 12:00am on Tuesday (January 7th). Applicants can apply by calling 311 or creating a request online. 

The SCSP allows property owners to split the cost of needed sidewalk work with the city. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are eligible to receive an additional discount. The application period closes quickly, so be sure to enter your request as early as possible on Tuesday morning.

Details

Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 23 December 2019

Courtesy of Amy Peterselli, Attorney - Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit

1. What defines a hoarding situation?

Hoarding goes beyond normal clutter. It is a compulsion to accumulate items and an inability to discard them without distress.

You can identify a hoarding situation in residential units or garages in numerous ways. 

• Visibly, a hoarding situation will present itself as stacks or piles of items. However, a unit owner who is hoarding can easily shield their unit from sight by closing doors and blinds and preventing others from entering.
• Odor is another way to detect hoarding behavior. The smell of old food may emanate from the unit into hallways and nearby units.

2. Why is hoarding an Association issue?

Hoarding within an Association is a health and safety issue for all residents. Hoarding can create and mask structural and maintenance issues, attract and breed infestations of rodents and roaches, breed mold and bacteria, and become a fire hazard.

3. When should something be done?

Hoarding behavior should be addressed immediately to avoid health and safety hazards. If an association is aware of hoarding behavior and doesn’t take action, it can be liable for damage to surrounding units and health issues for neighboring residents.

4. How can an Association address a hoarding situation?

The Board has the authority to address hoarding unit owners if it is found that a hoarding situation is present and that the conditions are causing a safety issue. State and local Departments of Health and Human Services can assist in providing resources to the unit owner. Associations can also refer the hoarding unit owner to counseling. Finally, board members should be proactive to work with legal counsel to adopt rules addressing expectations regarding the condition of units, detail owner responsibility and outline steps to be taken if a unit owner is non-compliant.

Get help with a hoarding situation in your association.

To learn more, click here.