July 2, 2025
When unit owners fall behind on their assessments, condominium associations are often left holding the financial bag, forced to maintain common elements without the contributions they’re contractually entitled to receive. The Illinois Appellate Court’s decision in Bd. of Directors of Warren Blvd. Condo. Ass’n v. Milton, 399 Ill. App. 3d 922, 927 N.E.2d 176 (1st Dist. 2010), affirms a necessary…
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June 26, 2025
When an Illinois condominium association charges a unit owner for repairs or assessments, it must strictly follow the association’s governing documents and the Illinois Condominium Property Act (765 ILCS 605/1). That’s the clear message from the Second District Appellate Court in Onan Suites Condominium Association, Inc. v. Johnson, 2018 IL App (2d) 170455-U. The decision provides guidance to Illinois condominium…
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May 5, 2025
Apple II Condominium Case Explained: Understanding Illinois Condo Restriction Categories In 1995 the Illinois Court of Appeals issued its decision in Apple II Condominium Ass’n v. Worth Bank and Trust Co., 277 Ill. App. 3d 345 (1995) establishing a framework for analysis of the validity of restrictions imposed within a condominium. Though this analysis was conducted within the confines of…
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April 29, 2025
Illinois condominium associations can be placed in the difficult position of balancing equitable treatment of unit owners with fiscal responsibility following unexpected damage to the property. A recent decision by the Illinois Appellate Court provides critical guidance on an association’s authority to recoup insurance deductibles from a unit owner in circumstances where the damage originates from that owner’s unit. Gelinas…
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April 24, 2025
If you are a board member of a lake community association in Illinois, you have likely faced the challenge of balancing owner enjoyment with protecting the shared use of the lake. But what happens when your declaration and bylaws do not contain express rule-making authority that grants the community association board the power to create rules for the common areas? …
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March 13, 2025
Illinois condominium boards often overlook minor procedural details—until a lawsuit forces costly reversals. A recent Illinois appellate court case underscores why compliance with governing documents is critical to avoid legal trouble. In Gunnison Commons, LLC v. Alvarez, 2024 IL App (1st) 232176 (2024), an Illinois appellate court reinforced the importance of following condominium declaration requirements when amending governing documents and…
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