The Rickel Law Firm, P.C., is a national, full-service, Centennial law firm specializing in a range of legal services essential to the ongoing success of every Association. Our Chicago HOA dues lawyers provide respectful, thorough, and cost-effective collection of delinquent association assessments for both condominium owner associations (COA) and homeowner associations (HOA). Our Chicago condo fees collections attorneys operate professionally and considerately, always remembering that delinquent owners are also neighbors, friends and potential voters at annual meetings.
Rickel Law is one of the most experienced collections firms in the nation. As a full-service law firm, they provide community association services that include:
As an experienced Chicago assessment recovery law firm, Rickel Law utilizes the ONYX Case Management System in the recovery of delinquent assessments for community associations. ONYX Case Management System is a user-friendly, proprietary software program that allows our Chicago assessment recovery lawyers to process the collection of delinquent association assessments with fail-safe accounting accuracy and timing. Our equitable flat fees are significantly lower than hourly attorney fees, resulting in substantial savings for our customers while providing increased quality of service and reduced risk of litigation. The ONYX system maintains current state and county statutes, with the flexibility to provide associations and property managers with customized, detailed information and expansive reporting capability. ONYX also gives clients fully transparent access and control of files, as well as real-time email updates of case transactions and related documents, all at no extra cost.
For professional, experienced assessment recovery services, contact Rickel Law to speak with a Chicago HOA Dues Lawyer to assist with your delinquent assessments today!
What costs do condo association assessments in Chicago generally cover?
Chicago condo association fees generally cover maintenance of an association’s common areas such as entrances, reception areas, community rooms, patios, landscaping, swimming pools, elevators, tennis courts, ponds and campus gardens. Some regular association fees also cover items like water, electricity and even property tax. Most condo associations in Chicago make a clear distinction between routine maintenance and renovation. Swimming pool maintenance would most likely be covered by regular association assessments. Swimming pool renovation or replacement may call for a special assessment. Always refer to your association bylaws and governing documents to determine what applies to your particular circumstance.
What is considered a special assessment in Chicago?
HOA and Condo special assessments in Chicago are one-time charges that pertain to costs which fall outside the scope of usual and customary operations and maintenance. New roof installation, construction of common areas, exercise facility installation or a swimming pool installation are examples of items that most likely fall into special assessment circumstances. Lawn cutting, general landscaping and snow plowing are examples of services that typically do not fall into the special assessment category. When special assessments run into high dollar amounts, the assessment may be divided into multiple smaller payments to make the expense more bearable for owners.
Can you write off Chicago condo assessments on your income taxes?
Chicago condo assessments are typically a consolidation of various costs which may include maintenance, utilities, water usage, and sometimes even property taxes. Elements of a Chicago condo assessment can normally be written off, such as property taxes, may be eligible for a tax write-off. Personal, non-deductible elements which do not normally quality for a write-off, such as water, electricity or maintenance are likely not eligible for a write off when they are part of association assessments in Chicago. One should always review association by-laws and governing documents, as well as consult with a tax professional to determine if an expense is eligible for a tax write-off.
Does condominium insurance cover assessments in Chicago?
Condominium insurance generally does not cover assessments in Chicago. There may be some policies that cover a very narrow scope of special assessments, but in most cases, assessments are not covered by condo insurance.
What happens when an owner fails to pay association assessments in Chicago?
If the owner of property governed by an association in Chicago does not pay the required association assessments, as well as any special assessments, the association may take legal action against the delinquent owner. The extent of the association’s authority is determined by the association’s bylaws, governing documents and state statutes. Association recovery actions may include late fees, liens and even foreclosure if the owner falls far enough into arrears with the association. The reason associations in Chicago take action against delinquent owners is because the subsequent shortfall in total assessment collections affects all of the other community members. Common areas, maintenance and services may suffer due to lack of funds. As a result, a Chicago condominium association may have to collect a special assessment to cover the deficit caused by the delinquent owner(s). Shared benefits require shared financial responsibility.
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