Howard Dakoff

Howard Dakoff is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune.

Condo Adviser: Calculation of assessment increases is governed by the law

October 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Q. I live in a small condominium association and assessment increases are calculated by unit percentage of the annual budget. We have one of the larger units in the association...

Condo Adviser: Spending limits in condo association bylaws are valid

September 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Q: I reside in a high-rise condominium complex. Our condominium association's declaration and bylaws are over 30 years old and there is a $5,000 spending limit in the bylaws unless...

Condo Adviser: If properly adopted, smoking restrictions implemented by condo associations are legally enforceable

August 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Q. I purchased a unit in a condominium association that has an amendment to the condominium declaration that prohibits smoking in the units and limited common element balconies. Failure to...

The city's cooling ordinance was developed after three seniors died at the James Sneider Apartments in Rogers Park in May during a week of record-breaking heat.

Condo Adviser: New ordinance requires the establishment of ‘cooling spaces’ in high-rise residential buildings

July 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Q. What does the city's new cooling ordinance do? A. On June 22, 2022, the City of Chicago adopted a new ordinance commonly referred to as the "Cooling Ordinance." The...

Condo Adviser: Condo associations can rent portions of common areas to generate extra revenue

June 19, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Q. I am on the board of a midsize condominium association. We are considering renting a portion of the common area to unit owners to park motorcycles. How much income...

In a condo complex, the owner of a unit that a water leak is emanating from is responsible for damage to neighboring units.

Condo Adviser: Neighboring condo with leaky pipe is responsible for damages

May 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Q. I own a condominium, and I had a water leak that emanated from a pipe in the unit above. The water leak caused damage to my drywall ceiling. The...

No single member of a condo association board has the authority to take actions that require approval of the full board at a properly called meeting.

Condo Adviser: Single member of a condo board can’t act unilaterally

April 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Q. I live in a mid-rise condominium and we recently experienced an incident in which a unit owner accidentally plugged the garbage chute with his garbage. In response to this...

Now that the CDC has updated its mask recommendations and Illinois and Chicago have repealed most indoor mask mandates, condo associations can drop indoor mask requirements.

Condo Adviser: Condo associations now have the option of lifting their mask mandates

March 11, 2022 at 1:42 p.m.

Q: What do community associations need to know as mask mandates are lifted and CDC guidance evolves? A: On Feb. 25, the CDC announced updated and relaxed guidance regarding indoor...

If you believe there are irregularities in the way your condo association is operating, there are certain processes and types of information you can look for.

Condo Adviser: Unsure if your condo association is operating appropriately? Here’s what to look for.

February 11, 2022 at 2:27 p.m.

Q. I live in a large, professionally managed condominium association and believe there are irregularities regarding the board's administration of the association. Examples include disbursements of association funds and the...

Chicago's proof-of-vaccine mandate excludes locations in residential or office buildings.

Condo Adviser: Proof-of-vaccine mandate doesn’t apply to condo complexes

January 14, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

Q. The city of Chicago adopted a proof-of-vaccine mandate that took effect on Jan. 3, 2021, requiring proof of vaccination to enter certain locations. Does the Chicago proof-of-vaccine mandate apply...

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