April 2025

Board of Directors April 29, 2025

Illinois Appellate Court Decision Reinforces Condo Association’s Right to Assess Deductible After Fire Damage

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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Board of Directors April 24, 2025

Illinois Court Decision Supports HOA Authority Over Common Area and Lake Access

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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Board of Directors April 17, 2025

Enforcing HOA Rules in Illinois: Are Unrecorded Regulations Valid?

In community associations, there is often a tension between a property owner’s desire to keep and maintain their lot in the manner that they see fit and the community’s desire, acting through a community association, to preserve a common set of community standards and expectations. In 2019, the Illinois Court of Appeals provided significant guidance to communities in Illinois in…
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Document Amendments April 1, 2025

How to Combine Condominium Units Under the Illinois Condominium Property Act (765 ILCS 605/29 and 765 ILCS 605/31): What Every Unit Owner and Board Needs to Know

As property values rise and unit owners look for ways to customize their living space, combining adjacent condominium units has become increasingly popular in Illinois. Whether creating a more prominent primary residence or expanding investment potential, the Illinois Condominium Property Act provides a pathway for combining units. If you’re a unit owner considering this option or a board member evaluating…
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