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By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. December 11, 2013 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Landlords, take note--a recent ruling made by the New Jersey Supreme Court in Darnice Green, et al. v. Morgan Properties, et al. might be opening the door to New Jersey renters pursuing consumer fraud claims against their landlords. Given the ruling, a well-versed New Jersey landlord tenant lawyer is likely to suggest that landlords double and triple check the language of their leases. The case came to the NJ Supreme Court on the defendants' petition for certification of the Appellate Division's ruling which reversed the lower court's decision to dismiss the complaint with prejudice.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. December 3, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Individuals, both young and old, are having a tough time making ends meet for a variety of reasons. However, the situation might be even more precarious for individuals who are older that live on very limited incomes that may or may not be sufficient to cover their monthly obligations. Many of those older individuals who are facing financial difficulties live in age-restricted communities that often call for the payment of association fees in addition to their required mortgage payments. Homeowner and condo associations typically rely on the payment of such fees to cover things such as ground maintenance and overall community upkeep. However, as just about any New Jersey condo association lawyer knows, struggling individuals quite often decide to focus on paying other bills rather than their association fees. 

October 30, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Condo owners purchase more than just a living space when they sign their deeds; they also gain access to a community of condo owners, sharing common areas such as pools and lawns, and decisions about maintenance, decoration, and expansion within the community. Condo owners benefit from the influence of a homeowners association in protecting the residents’ shared interests and living spaces. The attorneys at Griffin Alexander, P.C., condominium association lawyers in New Jersey, find that the legal processes and documentation involved in condo ownership and governance are vital to ensuring that both parties are satisfied and protected in their rights.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. October 23, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Several states in the country, including New Jersey, have super lien laws that affect mortgages and property costs. Condominiums in New Jersey are also subject to these laws, and the attorneys at Griffin Alexander, P.C., condominium association lawyers in New Jersey,  say that understanding the consequences of these liens and the existing state laws can protect condo owners from losing money or filing liens incorrectly, as a result of an unknown or unfulfilled condition of their state’s laws.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. October 16, 2013 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Renters in New Jersey are typically asked to put down first month’s rent when they sign a lease on a new place, as well as a pre-determined amount for a security deposit, in some cases equal to or even more than a month’s rent. Landlords collect these payments as an insurance policy, to hold tenants responsible for the overall condition of the apartment during their rental period. Before entering into a lease agreement, the attorneys at Griffin Alexander, P.C., landlord tenant lawyers in New Jersey, recommend that both parties review the state laws regarding security deposits.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. September 10, 2013 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

A new bill awaiting the governor’s signature outlines plans to change the renting process and housing options for senior citizens and other renters, the landlord tenant lawyers at New Jersey law firm Griffin Alexander, P.C., say. 

August 16, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

An association may provide a dated and signed statement on association letterhead affirming that no units within the condominium project are leased for a term of less than 30 days and tenants are not provided services commonly associated with a hotel.

Hopefully, this is will ease the certification process, which will lead to greater flexibility in the sale of units.  And with increased sales, comes increased prices.

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. August 7, 2013 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

In April 1968, the federal government enacted the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate in the selling, financing, renting of houses, or any other housing-related transaction. This anti-discrimination law extends to the basis of race, country of origin, gender, religion, familial status, pregnancy, handicap or disability, and any other minority group. 

By Jennifer L. Alexander, Esq. July 23, 2013 Posted in Community Association Law Share

A recent article in The New York Times claims that the New Jersey market for condominium complexes is heating up, and with the increase in development comes an increase in consumer interest. One thing to keep in mind when exploring condo living is the safety of the premises, and the state laws that govern liability and responsibility in the condo itself, as well as the grounds surrounding the building.