Living in or managing a condominium community comes with unique legal responsibilities. Whether you're a unit owner, board member, property manager, or developer, understanding condominium law can help prevent disputes and protect your interests.

What Is Condominium Law?

Condominium law governs the legal relationships between condominium associations, unit owners, boards of directors, and developers.

These relationships are controlled by several sources, including:

• The condominium declaration
• Association bylaws
• Rules and regulations
• Applicable New Hampshire condominium statutes

Together, these documents establish how the community is governed and the rights and obligations of everyone involved.

Do Condo Associations Have to Follow Their Governing Documents?

Yes.

Condominium associations are legally required to follow their own governing documents. Boards cannot simply ignore bylaws or create rules that conflict with the declaration or applicable law.

When a board exceeds its authority or fails to follow proper procedures, owners may have legal options to challenge those actions.

What Can You Do If You Disagree with Your Condo Board?

Disagreements between owners and boards are common, but they don't always require litigation.

Depending on the circumstances, options may include:

• Reviewing the governing documents
• Requesting association records
• Attending board meetings
• Using internal dispute resolution procedures
• Negotiating a resolution
• Pursuing legal action when appropriate

An attorney can help determine which approach best protects your rights.

Representing Condo Associations and Unit Owners

Legal issues look different depending on who you represent.

Associations often need guidance on:

• Governance
• Rule enforcement
• Collections
• Contracts
• Risk management
• Bylaw amendments

Individual owners often seek assistance involving:

• Disputes with the association
• Improper assessments
• Rule enforcement
• Board misconduct
• Access to records
• Violations of governing documents

Because our firm represents both associations and individual owners, we understand the legal and practical considerations from both perspectives.

Can Condo Governing Documents Be Amended?

In most cases, yes.

However, amendments typically require specific voting thresholds established by the declaration or bylaws and must comply with New Hampshire law. Boards should seek legal guidance before proposing amendments to ensure the process is legally valid.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Condominium Communities

Condominium disputes often involve complex governing documents, statutory requirements, and competing interests among owners and boards. Whether you're seeking legal advice before a dispute escalates or need representation in active litigation, experienced condominium counsel can help protect your interests while working toward practical solutions.