How Can We Resolve Condo Disputes Short of War?
Question: I’m on the board of our community association and wonder how disputes between residents can be quickly resolved without litigation or bad blood.
Answer: There ought to be a better way to resolve disputes short of lengthy and costly lawsuits and there is: Many contracts require that disputes must be resolved by binding arbitration. This makes sense — but only as long as the arbitration is conducted by an impartial party such as the American Arbitration Association.
Every condo and co-op should have a by-law requiring first mediation ( “hey let’s talk about it–) and then, if required, binding arbitration (whatever the arbitrator rules is final) with an independent third party. Such rules should apply to disputes between residents as well as arguments between residents and condo and co-op officers. Your association attorney can provide specific information.
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Syndicated originally by Content That Works and posted with permission.
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