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Your Buffalo Condominium Law Partners

At Schneider Buchel, we focus on helping condo boards in Buffalo manage governance, collections, and legal compliance efficiently. Our seasoned condominium law attorneys deliver strategic legal support built on deep knowledge of New York’s condo laws and board obligations.

Non-Payment of the Monthly Common Charges and Assessments

When unit owners fail to pay their monthly common charges or other assessments, the financial stability of the condominium is at risk. These charges fund essential services like maintenance, repairs, and insurance. Prompt legal action is often critical.

Targeted Legal Action for Maximum Recovery

Condominium Boards are empowered to file liens and foreclose on units when common charges go unpaid.

However, to recover attorney’s fees, interest, and other permissible costs, Boards must follow precise legal procedures. Our firm maintains a dedicated team that focuses exclusively on assessment collection and lien foreclosures.

We guide Boards through every step—from preparing and filing liens to initiating foreclosure proceedings. We also offer strategic advice on what to do with a foreclosed unit, including lease-back scenarios, resale options, or collaboration with mortgage lenders. By working efficiently and in compliance with all legal requirements, we help minimize delays, reduce financial strain, and maximize recovery. Our practical approach ensures your condominium recoups what it’s owed quickly and legally.

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Reasonable Accommodations and/or Modification Requests

Requests for accommodations and modifications are governed by complex legal rules, not just internal policies. Condo Boards must proceed carefully—particularly with issues such as emotional support animals, disability-related parking spaces, or physical modifications to shared areas.

Legal Clarity on a Sensitive Issue

Schneider Buchel attorneys assist in evaluating, documenting, and responding to these requests in a way that balances community needs with legal mandates. We interpret applicable laws across jurisdictions and help Boards adopt defensible policies, including detailed response procedures and reasonable timelines for action.

Marc H. Schneider, Esq. has become a trusted speaker on these matters, training countless Boards to proactively manage these legal obligations and avoid discriminatory conduct or accidental violations of the Fair Housing Act.

Prevention, Resolution, and Defense

Our work begins the moment a request is submitted. We draft thorough replies, negotiate alternatives where appropriate, and defend Boards in administrative and court proceedings when necessary. We also prepare Boards for interactions with human rights agencies, enabling them to present a unified, informed front.

Having worked with many Boards statewide, we understand the emotional and legal tension these cases can cause—and we know how to defuse them before they explode into lawsuits or penalties.

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Application of the Business Judgment Rule and Board Decision-Making

We counsel community association boards on applying the business judgment rule to real-world scenarios. Schneider Buchel helps ensure that board decisions are reasoned, lawful, and defensible—supporting directors in fulfilling their obligations and shielding them from liability when their actions are challenged by members or regulatory bodies.

Construction Defect Litigation

Defect claims are among the most pressing legal challenges for newly transitioned associations. When the developer turns over control, hidden or ignored construction defects often come to light—placing the board in a difficult position.

Warranty Claims and Litigation Strategy

Our litigation team helps boards pursue these claims effectively. We advise on hiring experienced professionals, documenting issues, and complying with the offering plan warranties. Our team prepares and submits the proper notice, ensuring every technical requirement is met.

Should your claim escalate, our attorneys handle all phases of litigation, including appeals. We also provide boards with realistic expectations and tactical guidance at each step.

Post-Construction Contractor Disputes

Even after turnover, boards may face defective work by contractors they’ve hired. We represent associations in enforcing contracts, recovering damages, and ensuring work is completed to standard.

While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, our lawyers strive to resolve matters efficiently. With our support, boards make informed decisions that prioritize the long-term health of the community. Let Schneider Buchel help you address construction concerns proactively—and with confidence.

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Client Testimonials What Our Clients Have To Say

Highly skilled at navigating the complex web of laws that apply only to associations.

John, Board Member

Your diligence and commitment to our community has been the catalyst to solving our delinquencies.

Ralph, Board President

Your professionalism and strong determination was the leading factor in winning all of our litigations.

Steve, Board President

We've had the pleasure of working with this exceptional law firm over 25 years and couldn't be more impressed.

Paul, Property Manager

Extremely competent and an exceptional ability to communicate effectively with Board Members.

Alexis, Board Member

Deep expertise in HOA law and strong commitment to protecting the best interests of our community.

Billy, HOA Association

Results-driven and the best choice we ever made. Highly recommended to anyone seeking the best legal counsel.

Steven, Co-Op Association

I am a property manager and have used Schneider Buchel for many years. They are extremely experienced in coop/condo law. Pete Weintraub recently advised a Coop Board on adopting a fine policy. He helped the Board develop the policy and gave them expert guidance on the process to get it approved by the shareholders. I highly recommend both the firm and Pete.

Richard Rush

Top Notch law firm. We entrusted Schneider Buchel LLP over the years as they provide us with their expertise on Co-Op Law. Justin Buchel has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to us, provides top tier representation and always delivers positive outcomes. Thank you.

Ingrid Baerwald

I've had the pleasure of working with Victoria Waller for a luxury condominium in the heart of Gramercy and can say, hands down, she is one of the best! Her construction background is just a bonus to her work ethic, professionalism, and thoroughness! When Victoria is involved, clients are confident that their concerns will be heard and addressed timely.

Maribel Vega

The firm exemplifies a high level of professionalism and great attention to detail. Throughout my years of experience collaborating with various firms in the industry, I have found this particular firm to be the most responsive and professional. Notably, Victoria Waller, who is extremely competent and has an exceptional ability to communicate effectively with Board Members, providing thorough explanations.

Alexis Fritz

We have had nothing but excellent interactions with Victoria Waller and the team at Schneider Buchel. Her advice is on point, clear and practical. She's readily available and always responds to messages and emails. She's a great addition to the team.

Tom Flood

Schneider Buchel LLP have represented our cooperative for over 20 years. Their staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and on target no matter what issue we present. They are result driven and the best choice we ever made. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking the very best legal counsel.

Steven Liss

I am an attorney in Florida and I have known Marc personally and professionally for almost 10 years. I would not hesitate in sending him any work relating to HOA or COA law; his expertise is amazing, and his ethics are second to none.

Craig Goldenfarb

Great law firm! Everyone is extremely helpful when dealing with all of our co-op issues. Big shout out to Anda! She is on top of everything all the time and constantly updates us! Highly recommend!

Lori Max

Love working with Victoria. She is very attentive and responses very quickly to e mails and calls. Working with Victoria makes the transactions go smooth and easy.:)

Elham Danialian

Marc has unmatched focus on everything an association needs to be successful and well run. His firm truly is one of the top in the country for this very specific area of law.

John Lin McCraw

I would like to share my experiences with this firm. All of my dealings with the entire team have been exceptional. All matters are dealt with efficiently, effectively and professionally. The level of expertise is beyond compare.

Joei Losito

Repair, Improvements, and Other Contracts

Condominium Boards often manage repairs that require careful legal planning—whether it’s a roof replacement, façade restoration, or engineering study. Our firm regularly drafts and negotiates contracts for projects of all sizes and scopes.

Preventing Future Problems

Without proper legal review, Boards risk entering into agreements that fail to protect them. We’ve encountered contracts that omitted key terms, failed to clarify responsibilities, or transferred liability to the association. Our attorneys step in to prevent such pitfalls by drafting strong, enforceable agreements.

We ensure your contracts protect against delays, address indemnity and insurance obligations, and clearly define the work to be completed.

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Our Condominium Law Attorneys Can Also Help You With

  • Issues concerning the interpretation of the condominium’s governing documents
  • Preparing contracts and financing for projects at the condominium
  • Unit owner-controlled board / sponsor-transition issues
  • Amendments to governing documents
  • Defending boards in litigation where Condominiums and their board members are sued
  • Election issues, among others
  • Dealing with regulatory agencies and code mandates
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Protect Your Community Practical, Reliable Legal Advice.

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This has enabled our firm to have an advantage over other attorneys who represent Condominiums in that we have personal knowledge of the issues the boards typically face. This perspective, combined with our proactive approach to risk management, means we can also help our clients with a wide range of both legal and practical solutions.

What Makes Condo Law Different

Condominiums are a distinct form of property ownership where individuals own their units in fee simple, unlike co-ops, where residents hold shares in a corporation. A condo owner typically owns everything from the surface of the floors, ceilings, and walls inward. In addition, each owner holds an undivided interest in the common elements shared by all unit owners. That interest is typically calculated based on the size of the unit and the presence of features such as designated terraces or assigned parking. The legal structure supporting this ownership is defined not only by the community’s internal governing documents but also by New York’s Condominium Act.

The Role of the Board

A Board of Managers oversees the community’s affairs and is tasked with maintaining common areas and enforcing the Declaration, By-Laws, and House Rules. The Board’s authority to impose assessments and collect common charges allows it to fund everything from building maintenance to capital improvements.

Unit owners contribute financially based on the percentage of their undivided interest. These contributions are not optional—they’re legally binding obligations governed by both the community’s foundational documents and the state’s statutory requirements.

When questions arise about governance, responsibility, or the legality of specific provisions, the Condominium Act serves as the final authority. Understanding the balance between statutory law and private agreements is essential for ensuring smooth operations and effective conflict resolution within the condominium structure.

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Going the Extra Mile

Board Meetings

Schneider Buchel often attends condominium board meetings and broader community sessions to ensure that governance matters are handled in accordance with internal and statutory requirements. Our attorneys keep meetings flowing, help control debate over amendments or elections, and ensure the legality of every official action taken. This oversight protects boards from challenges to meeting validity or board authority.

We know our role is part of a larger support structure. From property management consultants to engineers and auditors, we work closely within your advisor network to provide coordinated and well-informed representation.

Insurance Carriers

Schneider Buchel is routinely engaged by insurance carriers to act on behalf of community associations in legal matters. Our litigation services cover a variety of issues, including personal injury claims, construction disputes, and enforcement challenges. We bring both practical insight and deep legal knowledge to each case.

Because insurers value our consistent track record and strategic handling of socially complex condominium issues, our firm has earned long-term partnerships in the insurance industry as well as across client boards. With us, your association is backed by both procedural excellence and litigation strength.

Preeminent Specialists Meet Our Attorney Teams

At Schneider Buchel, every attorney is focused on a specific area of Community Association Law. When legal issues arise, you don’t get a generalist. Here, you get a coordinated team of legal specialists, each bringing deep experience in their field. Whether it’s day-to-day governance, contract negotiation, or complex litigation, you have the right attorney with the right experience working to protect your community’s interest and deliver the legal outcome you need.

Transactional
Landlord, Tenant & Foreclosures
Real Estate
Litigation
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Transactional Department:

Handles all day-to-day legal needs, including governance and contract matters.

Landlord, Tenant & Foreclosures Department:

Manages complex disputes and represents boards and associations in court.

Real Estate Department:

Specialists in all real estate transactions—drafting and negotiating leases, closings, etc.

Litigation Department:

Manages complex disputes and represents boards and associations in court.

Justin S. Buchel

Partner

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George J. Mullane

Foreclosure and Landlord/Tenant Department Chair

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Cassidy R. Kalmenson

Landlord Tenant Litigation Attorney

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Ivana Garbowski

Foreclosure Attorney

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Jason Goodman

Transactional Department Chair

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Jason Mohabir

Landlord Tenant Litigation Attorney

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Mitchell J. Flachner

Litigation Department Chair

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Amy Zamir

Attorney

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Pete Weintraub

Attorney

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Sloan Zarkin

Attorney

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Suzanne Player

Foreclosure Attorney

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Vanessa Wilcox

Attorney

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Victoria M. Waller

Real Estate Department Chair

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Jennifer Anderson

Paralegal

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Idalia Innocent

Paralegal

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Margarita Morales

Paralegal

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Meet Our Founder & CEO Marc H. Schneider, Esq

Having served as a Board President of a community association himself, Marc knows firsthand the unique needs of associations and what it takes to protect and elevate a community for all. He built his entire New York law practice around meeting and solving these needs. Today Schneider Buchel is very much a reflection of Marc’s personal affection for and sense of commitment to the people who manage community associations.

Group icon media Former Board President of a NY Community Assn.
Work icon media Three Decades of Community Law Experience
Co-Chair icon media Co-Chair NY State Bar Condo & Co-Op Committee
Building icon media Council of New York Co-Ops & Condos Member

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Work With a Buffalo Condominium Law Lawyer

Legal issues can disrupt even the most well-managed buildings. Our condo association attorneys in Buffalo help boards address conflict, enforce assessments, and ensure compliance with confidence. Schneider Buchel delivers timely, targeted legal support that empowers boards to make sound decisions. Call today to book a consultation with a firm that understands your community.

Our Location Buffalo

300 International Dr
Suite 100
Buffalo, NY 14221
Call on the phone at +1 716.274.5880
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