Syracuse Condominium Law Lawyer

Name: Condominium Law
Brand: Schneider Buchel LLP
Rating: 4.4 (36 reviews)

Clear guidance. Focused results. Our attorneys assist condominium associations with governing documents, collection matters, regulatory compliance, and conflict resolution—ensuring your board operates legally, efficiently, and in the best interest of the community.

Legal Support for Syracuse Condominium Boards

Schneider Buchel understands the challenges condo boards face. Our team of condo association attorneys in Syracuse supports associations with clear, informed legal solutions for assessments, rule enforcement, litigation, and regulatory mandates, ensuring smooth operations and long-term protection for your building.

Non-Payment of the Monthly Common Charges and Assessments

Unpaid common charges can create serious cash flow issues for condominiums. The Board’s ability to maintain services and meet financial obligations depends on full and timely payment from all unit owners.

A Dedicated Legal Team for Complex Collections

We offer a full-service approach to collecting unpaid assessments, including filing liens and managing foreclosure proceedings. These cases are highly technical—just one error could invalidate a lien or compromise the recovery of additional charges.

Our attorneys work closely with Boards to determine the most effective route to collection. We offer guidance on foreclosure sales, negotiate with mortgage lenders, and provide practical recommendations for post-foreclosure use of the unit.

Our focused collection team has extensive experience recovering not just principal balances, but also legal fees, accrued interest, and other applicable charges. We aim to restore revenue flow to your association as efficiently as possible. Our experience ensures that your Condominium’s interests are protected from start to finish.

Reasonable Accommodations and/or Modification Requests

As communities evolve, so do the legal responsibilities of Condominium Boards. Requests for reasonable accommodations or modifications are one of the most frequent—and legally complex—issues Boards face.

Prevent Complaints With Proactive Counsel

Whether a resident is asking to keep an emotional support animal or install a ramp for mobility access, the law requires fair consideration and prompt response. Our attorneys have deep experience with federal, state, and city fair housing laws, including HUD guidance and evolving interpretations from New York's Division of Human Rights.

Marc H. Schneider, Esq. regularly lectures on this topic, equipping Boards across New York with knowledge that protects them from costly missteps. We guide associations in creating internal protocols that streamline request handling and avoid reactive decisions that may lead to legal exposure.

Strong Defense When Disputes Arise

When a dispute can’t be resolved amicably, we step in with strong representation. Our legal team is adept at navigating agency investigations and court proceedings. We also offer mediation services to resolve claims before they escalate. From internal documentation to evidentiary strategy, we provide Boards with comprehensive guidance throughout the process.

Through a blend of education, advocacy, and compliance support, our firm helps Condominium Boards maintain fairness, consistency, and full legal protection in every accommodation matter they encounter.

Application of the Business Judgment Rule and Board Decision-Making

The attorneys at Schneider Buchel routinely guide board members on how to meet their fiduciary responsibilities while acting within the protections of the business judgment rule. We help associations adopt best practices for decision-making that support board discretion, reduce risk, and align with statutory and regulatory requirements across New York State.

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

Protect Your Community Practical, Reliable Legal Advice.

Construction Defect Litigation

Homeowner-controlled boards frequently inherit construction defects from sponsor-controlled predecessors. These issues often include structural flaws, leaks, drainage problems, or substandard finishes that require costly fixes.

From Evaluation to Enforcement

Our firm is deeply experienced in construction defect matters. We assist boards in hiring engineers, gathering documentation, and satisfying warranty procedures. Our lawyers manage every stage of the process, from preparing warranty claims to pursuing litigation when necessary.

We take extra care to meet all procedural requirements under the offering plan, helping protect your association’s right to pursue recovery.

Vendor Failures and Legal Recourse

Aside from sponsor-related defects, we represent associations harmed by their own contractors. Whether it's poor workmanship or failure to complete a job, we guide boards through resolution—negotiating where appropriate or litigating when required.

We collaborate with engineers and construction professionals to build strong cases and identify the best path to resolution. Our representation includes full litigation support, including appeals. Boards rely on Schneider Buchel to recover repair costs, enforce warranties, and hold bad actors accountable. We focus on achieving real-world results that restore your property and peace of mind.

Office Tour New York’s Leading Community Association Law Firm

Schneider Buchel LLP proudly serves community associations statewide with offices in Long Island, New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Saratoga. From these six locations, our attorneys provide trusted legal counsel to boards across all 62 counties in New York State. Wherever your community is located, our team is equipped to deliver the focused guidance and efficient solutions your association needs to thrive.

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Repair, Improvements, and Other Contracts

Schneider Buchel’s attorneys regularly assist Condominium Boards with contract drafting and review for everything from Local Law 11 projects to façade repairs and roadwork. Our legal oversight ensures that your association’s interests are protected from the outset.

The Risks of Signing Without Counsel

Vendor proposals often contain vague or unfair terms hidden in the fine print. Many Boards mistakenly sign these documents, unaware that they may be accepting significant legal and financial risks. We’ve seen these issues escalate—sometimes into litigation—because the initial agreement lacked proper legal review. We ensure your contracts meet industry standards, minimize liability, and include essential protections around insurance, warranties, timelines, and scope of work.

Our Condominium Law Attorneys Can Also Help You With

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

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

Condominium ownership in New York offers legal rights distinct from those in co-op buildings. Unit owners hold fee simple title to their apartments and share ownership of the development’s common elements, which include hallways, lobbies, roofs, and often restricted-use areas such as balconies or storage units. Ownership interests in the common areas are assigned based on unit size and other factors, and these interests affect everything from financial obligations to voting rights.

Governing by Statute and Document

The operations of a condominium are managed by a Board of Managers that acts on behalf of all unit owners. The Board must act within the bounds of the community’s Declaration, By-Laws, and House Rules, and must also comply with the New York Condominium Act (Real Property Law Section 339 et seq.).

The Act sets the legal floor for what must be included in the governing documents and often controls where internal rules are silent or ambiguous. Common charges and assessments collected by the Board fund the repair and upkeep of the property’s shared spaces.

Owners may not always understand that their responsibilities extend beyond their units. When maintenance issues or legal disputes arise, legal counsel can help clarify the roles and obligations of the Board versus individual unit owners. A strong grasp of the governing framework can reduce liability and improve long-term outcomes for the community.

Going the Extra Mile

Board Meetings

Attending meetings is part of our full-service support. Schneider Buchel attorneys facilitate board and community meetings with clarity and precision, ensuring quorums, elections, and votes on amendments are properly executed. This helps boards avoid challenges later and maintain confidence in their governance.

We also understand the collective nature of condominium oversight. We gladly coordinate with managing agents, engineers, and other consultants to deliver seamless legal services without duplicating effort or creating confusion.

Insurance Carriers

Our firm is trusted by insurance carriers to defend community associations in litigation. With experience in a broad spectrum of claims—ranging from property damage to board malfeasance—we provide reliable representation, negotiation, and litigation support. Whether the case ends in mediation or trial, Schneider Buchel delivers smart, results-oriented legal counsel. Insurers seek us out for our proven ability to manage risk, our responsiveness, and our deep knowledge of condominium association dynamics.

Let our team be your legal safety net—whether in your board meeting or in the courtroom.

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Talk to a Syracuse Condo Association Attorney

Schneider Buchel delivers strategic legal counsel for condo boards throughout the city. Whether you’re navigating unit owner disputes or updating governing documents, our condo association lawyers in Syracuse know condominium law inside and out. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your board with steady, knowledgeable legal representation.

Our Location Syracuse

323 James Street
Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13203

Call on the phone at +1 315.953.0517

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