Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

Condo assessments prior to purchase.

My husband and I purchased a condo in NJ in October. We were told the previous owner paid a$30,000 assessment for siding and roofing and there was some talk of landscaping. Two weeks after settlement my husband went to the assoc. meeting and found out that the $30,000 assessment was over a 4 yr period and was going into the 4th year. The 4th year assessment is for landscaping. At this meeting there was a vote to pay this assessment in Jan. ($3000). The previous owner knew about this and didn't disclose. We asked about any assoc documents and were only given the original assoc documents (25 years old). My question is isn't the previous owner responsible for this assessment since it was assessed before we purchased the unit? What recourse do we have? I think she may own other rental properties (not in this assoc.). Can a lien be pur on her other properties for the amount of the assessment?


Asked on 10/28/07, 7:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bernard J. Berkowitz Berkowitz & Raiken

Re: Condo assessments prior to purchase.

At the closing you should have gotten a letter from the Association stating the current status of the unit's account. That should have mentioned the assessment. If the Seller did not disclose, there may be some liability on their part for failure to negotiate a sale price in good faith. Any lien would only come after you got a judgment in Court. If you need your file reviewed, please contact me. Mention LawGuru and the first half hour is free.

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Answered on 10/29/07, 10:53 am


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