10/30/2014
How to deal with condominium association mismanagement and/or corruption?
The common causes of mismanagement at homeowner associations are negligence, manipulation, incompetence and embezzlement. Illinois has a good set of laws in place to protect homeowners from corrupt board members and property managers. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to association governance. Your association’s declaration and by-laws gives owners specific protections. You can learn the rights they provide you or hire a professional who specializes in community association law or management. Also property managers in Illinois now must be licensed by the state. The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation may be able to help with violations by paid property managers. If it is the property manager who is negligent, contact the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. Also ask to see the management contract for the termination clause and consider invoking it.
1 - Have you been granted access to the documents you are entitled to as a Homeowner?
2 - Has there been an Annual Meeting every year were you vote on your board members?
3 - Have you received proper notice, at least 10 days notice, of the annual meeting at which you vote on the board?
4 - Where are the ballots and proxies from last years annual meeting (you must keep ballots for 12 months)?
5 - Where are the notes for the past 7 years (you must keep notes on file for the past 7 years)?
This is just the beginning of a long list of unknowns!
