The attorneys at St. John, Bowling & Lawrence, have a long history of representing Charlottesville homeowner associations and assisting them with their legal needs, whether those needs entail a smooth transition from developer to member control, day-to-day internal legal matters, the collection of fees and assessments, or issues arising under the Virginia Condominium Act and Property Owners Association Act. Our firm provides both advice and counsel and litigation support to help Virginia HOAs operate in compliance with applicable laws and serve their member’s needs.
Transition from developer to member control
Our lawyers serve as advisors to the board and help them understand the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition to member control. We provide advice and assistance with the following matters, among others:
- Examine the Association’s financial situation
- Inspect the property and determine any legal issues, such as warranty defects
- Obtain and review Association books, records, contracts, site plans and other documents
Virginia Condominium Act and Property Owners Association Act
Our firm fully understands all applicable state laws which govern so many aspects of HOA operations, including:
- Condominium conversion
- Master deeds and leases
- Declarations and bylaws
- Plans and plats
Fees and Assessments
The assessment and collection of fees is an integral function of the homeowner association, but care must be taken to see that assessment and collection are conducted in compliance with all applicable laws, while also pursuing the most effective means available. Our team helps with:
- Special individual assessments
- Fair debt collection laws
Litigation
St. John, Bowling & Lawrence represents HOAs in Court on many matters, including enforcement of architectural rules and general regulations.
Day-to-Day Internal Matters
HOA boards face a myriad of legal issues as they carry out daily operations. We provide counsel to HOA Boards for any legal matters which arise, including:
- Records and elections
- Rulemaking authority
- Reserve accounts
- Contracts with vendors
