Loberg Stevens LLC’s Chicago condominium law attorneys have begun learning more about new approaches to condominium management.  In an effort to determine new methods that may help clients solve condominium disputes, it may be beneficial for associations to consider mediation and alternative dispute resolution as options for solving disputes between the board and unit owners.

All too often, condominium disputes in Chicago have been solved by a simple equation: fine the unit owner, assess the fines, and send the case to collections when the unit owner refuses to pay.  This decision tree normally results in increased legal expenses for the association and a disrupted relationship between the board and the unit owner.

Mediation may be very useful in these cases to get to the bottom of the disagreement and encourage negotiation before the board and unit owners reach an impasse.  Many times, we see personal conflicts masked as board and unit owner conflicts.  Even more frequently, the solution to a condominium dispute is much simpler than it may seem.  Boards can garner a lot of respect and goodwill from unit owners, as well as a healthy base of collectable assessments, by making an effort to work out a dispute before things require an extensive legal solution.