Who Regulates Condo Associations in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has no single state agency that supervises condominium associations. The organization of unit owners governs the condominium under Chapter 183A and its governing documents. Where to take a concern depends on the issue. Start with the board for a fee, rule or records question, the appropriate municipal office for a potential code violation, and…
Massachusetts has no single state agency that supervises condominium associations. The organization of unit owners governs the condominium under Chapter 183A and its governing documents. Where to take a concern depends on the issue. Start with the board for a fee, rule or records question, the appropriate municipal office for a potential code violation, and a Massachusetts condominium attorney for a disputed legal right. Massachusetts condominium guidance
What law governs Massachusetts condominiums?
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183A establishes the condominium framework. To understand how your association operates, read its master deed, the document that establishes the organization of unit owners, its bylaws and any applicable rules. The bylaws address matters such as common-area maintenance, collection of common expenses and procedures for hiring a manager. This article covers condominiums governed by Chapter 183A. If a community uses the term HOA, check its recorded documents to identify its legal structure. Chapter 183A, §§8, 10 and 11
Who handles a condo association complaint?
| Who | Role | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Organization of unit owners and its authorized board or trustees | Manage shared property and administer common expenses and rules under the statute and governing documents. | Ask the board in writing about a charge, a records request or the rule it applied. Chapter 183A, §§10–11 |
| Municipal building or health office | Handles building or housing code matters within its authority. | Ask the municipality which department handles the condition and how to request an inspection. Massachusetts State Sanitary Code |
| Registry of deeds or land registration office | Records the master deed and provides a place to look for recorded condominium documents. | Locate the recorded master deed and amendments for the property’s district. Send disputes about their meaning to condominium counsel. Chapter 183A, §8 |
| Massachusetts courts | Decide legal disputes within their jurisdiction. Chapter 183A recognizes that the association can sue or be sued in matters involving common areas or enforcement of specified governing provisions. | Ask a Massachusetts condominium attorney which court or other process fits the claim and remedy. Chapter 183A, §10(b)(4) |
| Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office | Accepts consumer complaints involving businesses. Whether a particular issue fits that process depends on its facts. | Review the state’s consumer complaint guidance if the concern involves a business practice. Raise ordinary board governance issues through the association. Massachusetts consumer complaint guidance |
What should you do first as an owner or trustee?
Identify the specific decision or condition and collect the relevant documents. For a fee or rule dispute, gather the notice, the relevant bylaws or rules, and any written board response. Ask the board to identify the provision and explain its process. If the issue remains unresolved or you need to understand your rights or deadlines, consult a Massachusetts condominium attorney. For a potential code violation, contact the municipal department responsible for the condition.
A management company can handle work assigned by the association, such as meeting records, vendor coordination and routine administration. Boards can review Green Ocean’s condo and HOA association management services and its guide to condominium reserve studies and maintenance reserves.
How the Proposed Rent Control Ballot Measure Could Impact Landlords & Property Managers
What’s in the Proposed Measure? The measure would impose rent increase limits in Massachusetts, limiting annual rent increases to 5 percent or inflation. It would be up to each municipality whether or not to permit the control, so this would not be a universal law throughout Massachusetts. But Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville are all…
Why Choose Green Ocean Property Management?
In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainability is becoming a central focus in property management. Green Ocean Property Management (GOPM) offers a comprehensive approach that benefits property owners and tenants alike. Benefits of Choosing Green Property Management Company When selecting property management services, it’s crucial to assess the advantages provided by each option. GOPM…
When Should a Massachusetts Condo Board Call an Attorney?
A Massachusetts condo board should contact its attorney promptly when a legal deadline, fair housing request, serious enforcement dispute, or uncertainty about board authority could affect its next step. For routine vendor, maintenance, and budgeting decisions, start with the manager or the appropriate technical professional. When the board needs legal advice, one designated contact can…
4.9 stars on 1,000+ Google reviews. Managing Boston property since 1977.
