Condominium Disputes
We advise both housing co-operatives and shareholders in disputes. Additionally, we consult both parties by engaging in mediation, where our goal is to reach settlement between the parties without unnecessary court proceedings.
A condominium is a special limited company that is distinctive from an ordinary limited company in which shareholders own shares. Due to the uniqueness of a condominium, it has its own applicable law to which it is subjected to.
A condominium has a broad autonomy. The decision-making process of the condominium happens at the general meeting if the matter is far-reaching. When the matter is not far-reaching, the decision will be undertaken by the condominium’s board. In principle, the majority voters’ decision will take effect; however, the minority shareholders will be protected with multiple detached protective legislative provisions, such as the principle of equality.
Naturally, condomiums are susceptible to disputes and the most common source for such disputes derive from renovation works or where appropriate renovation work has been omitted. Additionally, disputes arise from compensations. We also advise shareholders and housing co-operatives in recovering possession of rental properties. Repair costs are also a frequent source of dispute in which we advise our clients in.
We advise both housing co-operatives and shareholders in disputes. Additionally, we consult both parties by engaging in mediation, where our goal is to reach settlement between the parties without unnecessary court proceedings.
How Does the Process Proceed?
It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible with regard to disputes that are related to real estate, rental apartments, condominiums and construction. A real estate dispute lawyer can promptly assess the situation and advise on the next steps to be taken. The above-mentioned disputes would require, at the very least, a complaint to be made to the respondent so that the innocent party does not lose their right to submit their claims. Additionally, where the concern relates to a building contract or a home which is molded or does not otherwise meet the threshold of an adequate standard as to what has been agreed in the said contract, it is important to proceed promptly as doing so will maximizes the chance of resolving the dispute at minimum costs and regular occupancy can resume.
We are a unique service in Finland, capable of offering an all-encompassing package, which remarkably expedites the whole dispute resolution process. At the start of a dispute, we will perform a thorough inspection, which will include a real estate dispute lawyer, a condition inspector and a building contractor. This will enable us to obtain a comprehensive depiction of the situation by visiting the premises on one occasion. Immediate action can be taken to when all of us work seamlessly together.
Once the subject of the dispute, the scope of the dispute and an estimate of the repair costs has been established, we can draft a claim document to the respondent without delay. This will enable us to abbreviate the length of the dispute by months and save costs on a substantial level.
It is common to avoid long and burdensome court proceedings by being in touch with a lawyer at an early stage. We will try to resolve the dispute between the parties involved whenever possible. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible will provide both parties with the greatest benefit, as it is the fastest and most cost-efficient way forward. However, if for some reason the parties are unable to reach settlement, we shall assist our client by taking the matter to court.
Legal Expenses Insurance and Legal Aid
Nearly everyone will have an insurance that covers their legal expenses as part of their household insurance. The household insurance will cover costs associated with a real estate dispute lawyer in accordance with the insurance policy. Therefore, the client will merely have to cover the costs associated in the risk for own account. It is advisable to ensure that your insurance is valid prior to their being any disputes insight. When a dispute arises, our client can either by themselves or via our real estate dispute lawyer seek for an insurance company’s decision on whether they will cover the real estate dispute lawyer’s costs.
Moreover, legal aid is available to those of limited means, meaning that a real estate dispute lawyer will not induce any costs to the client. Some clients will be expected to cover a small sum associated with the risk for own account policy. You can check whether you have the right to legal aid from the following website: https://asiointi.oikeus.fi/web/asiointi/koelaskelma.