Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

conflict of interest in condo

The President of our condo board is also a licensed realtor, actively selling condos in our complex. Why isn't this a conflict of interest?? Wouldn't his financial interest as a realtor potentially interfere with his fiduciary obligations to owners? If he came to dislike an owner, I imagine it wouldn't be that hard to find some excuse to fine them and possibly place a lien on the property

Can someone help?


Asked on 2/28/09, 5:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Tina Amodeo Law Office of Tina Nielsen Amodeo, LLC

Re: conflict of interest in condo

Disclaimer: By reading this response you understand that I do not represent you and that unless you enter a formal retainer agreement with me, I do not represent you nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship between you and me. This answer is given to you for informational purposes only and you are advised to formally retain counsel rather than rely solely upon the information provided in this communication.

Answer: His financial interest as a realtor is in gaining commissions from the sale of the condos. Whether his holding a position on the board is in conflict with his selling condos in the complex is not clear. This would depend upon many factors, including what the ByLaws and Regulations of the condo association state. I am sure that the President cannot vote by himself and "find some excuse" to fine an owner without going by the condo association rules. No lien can be placed either without him having gone through proper legal channels. If the realtor attempts to place a lien on property owned by someone, he needs to have a legal basis to do so. Without that, the owner would have a defense to the lien being placed. Despite what I have said, you do raise important concerns. You should review the condo association paperwork and bring these issues to the board's attention at the next open meeting. I hope this answer helps you.

Read more
Answered on 3/03/09, 2:06 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in New Jersey