Codes and Standards

Illinois governor vetoes bill that would restrict condo owners’ rights

Aug. 21, 2015

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that he said would restrict condo owners' rights.

A law that took effect last year allows owners to override rules requiring the approval of 75% of owners. Some condo associations where developers hold unsold units, giving them seats on the board, have adopted a rule requiring 75% of unit owners in the building have to approve a lawsuit, according to a member of the Chicago Bar Association's condominium subcommittee.

For developments where the owner holds a significant percentage of units, the 75% threshold is rarely reached, preventing other owners from recouping the cost of repairs due to construction flaws. A recent change in the state's condo law made it easier for owners to sue if they wanted to hold their developer accountable. The governor’s veto preserves this change in the law.

According to Chicago Business, many of the thousands of condos built in the city during an early 2000’s building boom were poorly built. The faulty units reportedly had leaky windows or cracks in walls. 

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