Understanding the Surfside Law: Your Rights and Responsibilities

The Surfside Law, enacted in response to the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside, Florida, has significant implications for condo owners and homeowner’s associations (HOAs) across the state. Understanding this law and its impact on your financial responsibilities as a homeowner is crucial. Let’s break down the key aspects of the Surfside Law in a simple, easy-to-understand manner.

What is the Surfside Law?

The Surfside Law was enacted with the goal of preventing future building collapses like the one in Surfside. This law places new safety requirements and responsibilities on condo associations, including regular building inspections and the need for necessary repairs to be carried out promptly. These new requirements often result in unexpected HOA assessments for homeowners to fund the requisite building improvements.

What Does the Surfside Law Mean for Homeowners?

For condo owners, this law may mean increased HOA assessments. HOAs are now required to undertake more frequent and comprehensive building inspections, and any identified necessary repairs must be addressed promptly. The cost of these inspections and repairs is usually passed on to homeowners in the form of HOA assessments.

How We Can Help

We understand the financial burden that unexpected HOA assessments can impose. That's where Assessment Lenders can help. Our HOA Assessment Loans are designed to help you spread the cost of large assessments over a manageable period, allowing you to meet your financial obligations under the Surfside Law without undue stress.

Your Rights Under the Surfside Law

Despite the financial implications, the Surfside Law also establishes clear rights for homeowners. You have the right to transparency from your HOA about any building inspections, identified repairs, and related costs. You're also entitled to receive timely information about any resulting increases in your HOA assessments.

Challenges of the Surfside Law

While the Surfside Law undoubtedly improves building safety, it also brings financial challenges for homeowners. Increased frequency of inspections and necessary building repairs often leads to unexpected and potentially large HOA assessments. As a homeowner, it’s important to be prepared for these potential increases in assessments and understand your options for managing them.

Your Responsibilities Under the Surfside Law

With rights come responsibilities. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to contribute to the cost of building inspections and necessary repairs through your HOA assessments. If your HOA imposes an assessment to cover these costs, you’re legally obligated to pay your share.