Community associations—homeowner associations, condominium associations, and planned community organizations—play a significant role in how residential life is governed throughout the Hampton Roads region. Over decades of growth in southeastern Virginia, these associations have become a standard feature of residential development, bringing shared amenities and community standards along with legal obligations that require careful management. Inman & Strickler provides legal counsel to community associations and their members throughout Norfolk and the surrounding area.
Our community association practice covers the range of legal matters that boards, property managers, and residents encounter. We advise associations on governance questions, help draft and amend governing documents including declarations, bylaws, and rules and regulations, and provide guidance on the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act and the Virginia Condominium Act—the state statutes that govern association operations and members’ rights.
We also represent associations in collections matters, enforcement actions, contract disputes with vendors and contractors, insurance coverage questions, and disputes with individual unit owners or members. When issues escalate to litigation, our attorneys handle those proceedings as well.
The governing documents of a community association—particularly the declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions—form the legal foundation for how the community operates. Outdated or ambiguous provisions can create disputes, complicate enforcement, and expose the association to legal risk. We help associations review, update, and amend their governing documents to reflect current law and the actual needs of the community.
Unpaid assessments threaten the financial stability of a community association and ultimately affect every member. Virginia law provides associations with specific tools to collect delinquent assessments, including liens and, in some cases, foreclosure. Our attorneys assist associations in pursuing collections matters efficiently and in compliance with applicable law.
Conflicts between a community association and individual members are among the most common sources of community association legal work. Whether the dispute involves enforcement of architectural standards, alleged rule violations, disputes over common area maintenance responsibilities, or a member challenging association action, our attorneys provide guidance to both associations and homeowners depending on who we represent.
Whether you serve on a board looking for ongoing legal counsel or you’re a homeowner navigating a dispute with your association, Inman & Strickler is ready to assist. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Norfolk community association attorney.
