Strategic Legal Support for Syracuse HOAs

Schneider Buchel LLP offers homeowners’ associations in Syracuse access to a team of legal professionals with deep experience in HOA matters. We regularly serve as general counsel to a wide range of communities across New York, providing hands-on legal guidance on board operations, rule enforcement, dispute resolution, and collection of dues.

Our firm stands apart for its ability to craft effective, custom legal strategies that reflect the goals and needs of each association we represent. Many of our clients have chosen to maintain an ongoing relationship with us long after the initial legal issue has been resolved. If your Syracuse HOA is seeking thoughtful and experienced legal support, schedule a consultation today and let us put our knowledge to work for you.

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

Schneider Buchel LLP helps homeowners’ associations across New York enforce the terms of their governing documents in a manner that is both legal and strategic. Many boards implement rules without realizing they lack the authority to do so, especially when homeowner approval is required for certain amendments. Our attorneys help boards assess their authority, draft enforceable policies, and take corrective action when needed.

In disputes, we offer both guidance and representation, defending HOAs in lawsuits involving the enforcement of declarations, bylaws, or house rules. We often recommend including a provision in governing documents that permits the HOA to recover legal expenses when homeowners initiate and lose lawsuits against the association. It’s a powerful deterrent against meritless litigation.

Enforcing community rules is essential, but must be done carefully and with legal oversight. Poor enforcement strategies can cost more than the original violation. Our firm ensures enforcement actions are timely, measured, and defensible. From simple violations to complex disputes, we provide the tools and insight boards need to enforce confidently and avoid unnecessary legal battles.

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Non-Payment of Assessment and Other Charges

When homeowners default on assessments, the HOA may struggle to fund essential operations. Uncollected dues can limit everything from common area maintenance to long-term capital projects, leaving communities vulnerable to deterioration and legal disputes. Our firm leads an experienced team dedicated to assessment collection and lien foreclosure. We understand how to move efficiently and effectively—from filing liens to pursuing foreclosure and post-judgment recovery.


Recovering What the Association is Owed

After a foreclosure, we help the Board decide how to proceed: lease the unit, resell it, or negotiate with lienholders. We also pursue the full balance of assessments owed, including interest, attorney fees, and collection costs—ensuring the association doesn’t absorb avoidable losses.

Our goal is not just legal enforcement but practical resolution. We empower Boards to act swiftly and legally, restoring financial stability while keeping homeowners informed of their rights and responsibilities.

Contract Review, Drafting, and Negotiation

Our firm works closely with community associations to draft, review, and negotiate all types of contracts they may need—from management and vendor agreements to employment and major construction contracts. We also handle agreements involving licensed professionals such as engineers and architects.

Preventing Contractual Pitfalls

Many vendor-issued contracts contain problematic language that shifts legal or financial risk to the HOA. We help associations catch these issues early and revise terms to address things like indemnity, insurance requirements, warranty terms, and project timing. With our guidance, your contracts will reflect your goals and shield the board from avoidable liability.

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Regulatory Agencies and Code Mandates

We assist clients in understanding and complying with complex regulatory codes and mandates. Our attorneys closely follow legislative developments, enabling us to inform clients about changes before they become enforceable. This forward-thinking approach empowers our clients to make smart, compliant decisions. In cases where enforcement becomes adversarial, we provide strong representation—defending or initiating legal action as necessary to protect your association’s interests and ensure favorable outcomes.

Governing Documents

HOAs that oversee various condominium sections benefit from strong, cohesive governing documents. Our attorneys work with these umbrella associations to review, revise, and restructure documents to unify control under the HOA board for tasks like collecting dues and maintaining property standards.

We frequently identify and correct issues originating from developer-drafted Offering Plans that lack efficiency or long-term viability. With carefully crafted amendments, we help clients establish governing frameworks that support clarity, authority, and efficient administration.

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Construction Defect Litigation

When homeowners take over an HOA or condominium Board, they often inherit significant construction issues from the sponsor. At Schneider Buchel, we help Boards manage the legal complexities involved in asserting their rights and addressing construction failures.

Comprehensive Litigation Support

We advise on hiring experts, adhering to the offering plan, warranties, and filing timely claims. From evaluating Warranty Claim Forms to preparing litigation strategy, we offer end-to-end guidance. When disputes escalate, our attorneys litigate and, if necessary, pursue appeals to ensure your association recovers the value it’s entitled to.

We also assist when Boards face challenges with contractors who perform defective work or abandon their obligations. Our attorneys provide strategic advice tailored to the facts and seek to resolve claims early, reserving litigation as a powerful tool if necessary. Our mission is to restore confidence in your property’s quality and help your community thrive.

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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

Additional HOA Law Assistance

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

Exceptional service goes beyond legal advice. We understand your HOA may rely on a broader team of professionals, and we’re always willing to work alongside them.

By engaging with your management company, consultants, or financial advisors, we help ensure your community receives comprehensive, strategic guidance grounded in coordinated representation.

What Makes HOA Law Different

Homeowners Associations are formed to manage planned communities in an organized, efficient way. They offer services and amenities in exchange for a structured environment where residents follow community rules. These associations are regulated by their governing documents and the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law.

Where Conflict Often Arises

The challenge begins when new residents enter the HOA from independent living arrangements. These homeowners often expect to maintain full control over decisions like landscaping, exterior paint, and signage. However, HOA life operates under agreed-upon restrictions that apply to all members. Boards must balance enforcing these restrictions with communicating their purpose clearly. Friction increases when residents resist the notion that the Board can dictate property use. This misunderstanding leads to disputes that require legal intervention to resolve. Experienced legal counsel can guide Boards through everything from rewriting problematic provisions to litigating noncompliance. Legal backing ensures that Boards act within their authority and with minimal exposure to risk, preserving the integrity of the community.

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Legal Guidance for Syracuse HOAs

Protect your community with skilled legal support. The HOA attorneys in Syracuse at Schneider Buchel offer comprehensive services, from document review to litigation. Schedule your consultation today to ensure your board’s actions align with current laws and association obligations.

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