Innovative Legal Solutions for Long Island HOAs

Homeowners’ associations across Long Island rely on Schneider Buchel LLP for practical, forward-thinking legal solutions. Serving as general counsel to associations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, our attorneys have decades of experience advising HOAs on bylaws, assessments, disputes, and board responsibilities. We take pride in offering high-quality, relationship-based representation, and our clients often continue to work with us for years after their original matter is resolved.

Our deep understanding of community governance helps us offer proactive guidance that prevents problems before they escalate. If you’re facing an HOA issue—whether it's legal interpretation, enforcement, or litigation—we’re here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your Long Island community.

Enforcement of the Terms of the HOA’s Declaration, By-Laws, and House Rules

Enforcing the governing documents of a homeowners' association requires more than determination—it requires legal clarity. Our firm advises HOA boards on how to enforce their Declaration, By-Laws, and House Rules while remaining in full legal compliance. All too often, boards inadvertently implement policies without the proper authority, potentially violating their own documents and creating exposure to litigation.

We also defend associations facing homeowner lawsuits over enforcement-related disputes. One of our frequently recommended protections is a governing document provision allowing HOAs to recoup legal expenses when a homeowner brings an unsuccessful lawsuit against the association. Such clauses can dissuade frivolous legal actions and reduce risk.

Boards have significant authority to regulate and enforce—but that authority must be exercised strategically. Delayed or misinformed action can turn a minor violation into a major legal expense. We guide HOA boards through each step, helping ensure that enforcement is timely, compliant, and cost-effective. With our help, HOAs can uphold standards while protecting community harmony and legal security.

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Non-Payment of Assessment and Other Charges

Consistent payment of HOA dues is essential for a well-functioning association. When a homeowner stops paying monthly or special assessments, it affects everything from financial planning to community morale. We provide skilled legal support for every stage of the collection process. Our firm routinely manages lien filings, foreclosures, and negotiations post-judgment, ensuring Boards are positioned to recover what’s owed.

Recovering Full Value with Legal Precision

Once the foreclosure process concludes, we continue to support the Board by exploring all available recovery methods. That may involve selling the unit, negotiating with the first mortgagee, or renting the property to generate income.

Our team pursues every eligible cost outlined in the governing documents—legal fees, interest, and penalties—helping HOAs recoup their losses efficiently. With focused attention and proven legal tools, we support Boards in resolving delinquencies without unnecessary delay.

Contract Review, Drafting, and Negotiation

Our attorneys are well-versed in reviewing, negotiating, and drafting the full range of contracts community associations regularly require. We provide support for management agreements, vendor contracts (such as landscaping, snow removal, and security), employment and union contracts, AIA documents for construction or repair projects, and agreements with design professionals like architects and engineers.

Understanding Contractual Risk

Vendor-provided contracts often shift liability in ways that disadvantage community associations. We ensure indemnification, insurance, warranties, and scheduling provisions are clearly negotiated to protect your interests. Engaging legal counsel early in the contracting process prevents costly misunderstandings and ensures favorable terms. With our experienced guidance, associations are better positioned to meet project goals and limit exposure.

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Regulatory Agencies and Code Mandates

Staying ahead of regulatory mandates is essential for effective association governance. Our attorneys provide clients with timely updates and advice on new and emerging legal requirements. We support your compliance efforts by ensuring you understand what changes mean and how to adapt. If compliance issues develop into formal disputes, we offer skilled legal advocacy in administrative proceedings and court litigation to safeguard your organization’s interests.

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

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Governing Documents

It is not uncommon for HOAs to operate as overarching entities above individual condominium sections. Our attorneys assist these associations in revising and modernizing their governing documents to ensure consistency in board obligations related to maintenance, assessments, and decision-making.

Developer-prepared Offering Plans often lack the clarity and structure needed for long-term HOA governance. We’ve worked with numerous associations to amend outdated documents, eliminate redundancies, and consolidate authority under a single, functional HOA board. This creates better alignment between operations and legal responsibilities.

Construction Defect Litigation

When a sponsor-controlled Board turns over operations to homeowners, it’s not uncommon to uncover unresolved construction problems. Schneider Buchel has the experience to guide community associations through every stage of resolving these defects.

Building a Case for Recovery

We advise clients on hiring appropriate professionals, filing claims according to warranty protocols, and building a legal foundation for recovery. When construction defects threaten the quality or safety of the property, our attorneys are prepared to litigate and pursue justice through trial or appeal.

We also work with Boards that face noncompliant or negligent vendors. If a hired contractor underperforms or abandons a project, we’ll help pursue contract enforcement and damages. While litigation is a last resort, it’s a tool we wield skillfully when needed. Our litigation team helps ensure your property meets expectations and your association is made whole.

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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 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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Additional HOA Law Assistance

  • Financial security of the HOA
  • Contract drafting
  • Negotiate, mediate, and litigate practical solutions
  • Complex dispute resolution
  • Loans (CIRA Loans) for capital expenditures and repairs

Dedicated to Providing Excellent Client Care

We’re committed to serving your HOA with legal care that is coordinated and thorough. That’s why we regularly collaborate with our clients’ existing advisors, including accountants, engineers, and managing agents. We believe joint efforts among professionals strengthen decision-making and help protect your HOA’s interests through unified, well-informed representation.

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What Makes HOA Law Different

A homeowners' association (HOA) is established by a developer to create and maintain a structured residential community. By agreeing to follow community-wide rules, homeowners gain access to shared services and amenities like pools, clubhouses, security, and coordinated maintenance. Most HOAs in New York are formed under the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law and are governed by specific legal documents, including the Declaration, By-Laws, and House Rules.

Common Friction Between Homeowners and Boards

Trouble often arises when residents—especially those moving from standalone homes—are unaware of or resistant to the shared governance model. They may have previously been free to landscape their yards however they wished, paint their homes in any color, or install signs without restriction. Under an HOA, these activities are typically subject to rules.

This adjustment can be frustrating for new homeowners unfamiliar with association structures. Boards must enforce regulations while also educating residents on their responsibilities and the benefits of shared governance. When disputes escalate, the involvement of experienced HOA attorneys becomes critical to interpret the governing documents, apply legal standards, and resolve matters efficiently. Proper legal counsel ensures that Board actions align with both internal rules and applicable state law, reducing risk and maintaining community harmony.

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Get Legal Help for Your Long Island HOA

From board governance to enforcement issues, our team supports Long Island HOAs with responsive and knowledgeable legal counsel. Reach out to Schneider Buchel to schedule your consultation with an HOA attorney in Long Island and explore proactive solutions tailored to your community’s unique challenges.

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