Recent Developments in Associations and Federal Takings Laws
January 20, 2014

Seldom do we see federal cases pertaining to homeowners and condominium owners associations.  The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has recently decided a case involving a townhouse development in Louisiana, United States v. 0.073 Acres of Land, 705 F.3d 540 (5th Cir. 2013).   Admittedly, this case is about a Louisiana development and this is…

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Reporting Crimes and Sex Offender Restrictions
December 31, 2013

Liability for associations is a common concern for Boards of Directors.  Some associations in Tennessee, in an attempt to mitigate liability, have inserted provisions in their CCRs or master deed that prohibit sex offenders from residing in the development.  Setting aside whether such provisions are enforceable in Tennessee, there is a question as to whether…

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Tennessee Associations and Real Estate Taxes
December 16, 2013

How common areas and general common elements are treated for real estate tax purposes is often a concern for Tennessee associations.   It should be noted that common areas are found in homeowners associations, and general common elements are found in condominium associations.  Common areas are typically conveyed to the association.  Consequently, the association owns the…

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Assessments, Reserves, and Maintenance Obligations
December 2, 2013

The biggest concern we often hear about at association meetings is assessments.  Association members are right to be concerned about the cost of maintaining their association.  That being said, often there seems to a disconnect between the realities of the amount of the assessments and what the assessments are for.  Simply put, many associations appear…

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