Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

A seller is required to provide to the buyer a Section 3407 Certificate and copies of the governing documents. The Association is entitled to charge the Unit Owner [meaning the seller] a reasonable fee for preparing the certificate.

If the seller refuses to pay the fee, the Association may not issue the Certificate.

Since it is the seller's obligation to provide the required information, the fee may not be passed along to the buyer. It is similar to any other requirement that the seller must satisfy by law, such as a township resale certificate or a use and occupancy certificate.

The right of the Association to make a reasonable charge is contained in the PA Uniform Condominium Act. When a requirement is a matter of law, it need not be included in condo governing documents.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.