This document provides a general synopsis of various bills that affect community associations. This list is by no means complete. Further, the information contained herein can change throughout the legislative process. Bills can be amended and language originally proposed can be deleted. In order to assure you have the most accurate information about any given bill, please go to www.ilga.gov and review not only the synopsis but the actual language of the bill and any relevant amendments. This information is provided as April 4, 2016.
HB4489 (Rep. Drury) – UNIT OWNER LITIGATION. This bill amends the Illinois Condominium Property Act by creating Section 33 entitled “Unit owner’s right to fairness in litigation.” The bill states that an owner has a right to “fairness” in all litigation between the owner and a condominium association regardless of whether the owner commenced the litigation or the litigation is commenced against the owner. The bill voids any covenant or rule which limits the owner’s right to commence litigation. The bill provides an owner be awarded attorney’s fees if the owner prevails in any litigation or if the unit owner prevails on any affirmative defense against the association. The bill further provides for a judicial reduction of attorney’s fees in litigation (except assessment collection matters) and a complete bar to an association recovering attorney’s fees in an assessment collection matter if the owner prevails on any affirmative defense or counterclaim. Finally, the bill prevents an association from being represented by counsel of it’s choosing in any litigation if such counsel “also represents the board of managers either individually or collectively.” On February 4, 2016 this bill was assigned to Judiciary – Civil Committee. On March 2, 2016 this bill lost in Judiciary by a vote of 3-8.
CAI ILLINOIS OPPOSES THIS LEGISLATION
CAI - Illinois Chapter
The Illinois Chapter of Community Associations Institute serves the educational, business, and networking needs of community associations in the Chicagoland Area. Members include condominium, cooperative, and homeowner...
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Laura Lau Marinelli 
