{"id":215,"date":"2023-02-21T01:42:45","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T01:42:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/?page_id=215"},"modified":"2026-09-28T16:46:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T16:46:47","slug":"developer-transition-condominium-associations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/developer-transition-condominium-associations\/","title":{"rendered":"DEVELOPER TRANSITION &#8211; MARYLAND CONDOMINIUMS"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>Developer <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Transition for Maryland Condominiums\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>Legal Requirements and Transition Checklist<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>for<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong>Association Board Members\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><strong>&#8220;Developer transition,\u201d as it pertains to Maryland Condominiums, is the process by which the governance of a condominium association is transferred from developer to unit owner control. <\/strong><strong>This article contains an overview of the legal requirements governing the transition process and a \u201ctransition checklist\u201d for transitioning unit owner-controlled boards of directors.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>OVERVIEW OF<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a0LEGAL REQUIREMENTS<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>DEVELOPER TRANSITION &#8211; MARYLAND CONDOMINIUMS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h3>PERIOD OF DEVELOPER CONTROL<\/h3>\n<p>Developer transition in Maryland Condominiums begins with the fact that a condominium developer initially controls governance of a condominium association by reason of the fact it owns all unsold units in the newly created condominium association. As such, the developer has the controlling votes associated with majority ownership and can appoint its own employees and representatives as the initial members of the board of directors and control how the association conducts its affairs. This is referred to as the \u201cperiod of developer control,\u201d during which the developer makes all decisions on behalf of the condominium association and has the power to direct the actions of the condominium association through its developer-appointed members on the board of directors.<\/p>\n<p>The developer also creates a Maryland condominium association\u2019s governing documents, allowing the developer to dictate, subject to applicable law, the procedures and time periods under which control over the association&#8217;s board of directors will eventually be transferred to the unit owners.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, all Maryland condominiums begin their existence under the control of a condominium developer. The term &#8220;developer transition&#8221; refers to the condominium association&#8217;s transition from this\u00a0 \u201cperiod of developer control,\u201d to control by the resident unit owners, which occurs when non-developer affiliated unit owners are elected to the board of directors by the unit owner membership at a transition meeting. &#8220;Developer transition&#8221; also refers to the period immediately following the transition meeting takeover of governance of the a Maryland condominium association and the responsibilities of the newly elected unit owner-controlled board of directors to ensure that the the condominium association gets off to a proper start.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes condominium developers create &#8220;transition committees&#8221; during the period of developer control. These committees consist of resident unit owners who are tasked with acting on behalf of the condominium association so as to avoid a conflict of interest.\u00a0 However, a transition committee&#8217;s authority is limited and subject to the influence and ultimate authority of the developer-controlled condominium board of directors. See article entitled: &#8220;<em><a href=\"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/maryland-condominium-transition-committees\/\">Maryland CondominiumTransition Committees<\/a><\/em>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>THE TRANSITION MEETING<\/h3>\n<p>The period of developer control continues until a \u201ctransition meeting\u201d is held to elect members of the board of directors from amongst the the condominium unit owners. A developer-controlled condominium association must hold the transition meeting within 60 days after the date that units representing 50 percent of the votes in the condominium have been conveyed by the developer to the purchasing unit owners. Maryland Condominium Act (\u201c MD Condo Act\u201d) \u00a711-109(c)(16)(i)1. The transition meeting can be held earlier if the condominium developer specifies a lesser percentage of conveyances or sales in the governing documents as a trigger for the 60 day period to commence. MD Condo Act \u00a711-109(c)(16)(i)2.<\/p>\n<h3>OVERLAPPING TERMS OF DEVELOPER-APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS<\/h3>\n<p>The terms of board members appointed by the developer during the period of developer control must end 10 days after\u00a0a replacement board member is\u00a0elected at the transition meeting. MD Condo Act \u00a711-109(c)(16)(iii). This law is designed to prevent overlapping terms of developer-appointed and unit owner-elected board members.<\/p>\n<h3>DOCUMENT\/ASSET TURNOVER<\/h3>\n<p>Within 30 days following the transition meeting, a condominium developer is required to turn over specified documents and assets to the unit owner-elected board of directors. MD Condo Act \u00a711-109(c)(16)(iv), \u00a711-132. This includes financial records, contracts, architectural plans, condominium funds, unit owner records, etc. A complete list of these items is set forth as an Appendix to this article.<\/p>\n<h3>TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS<\/h3>\n<p>For 3 years following the date when non-developer unit owners acquire a majority of the votes among the membership of the association (an event which typically occurs at the transition meeting), the condominium association has a right, without liability, and upon 30 days prior notice, to terminate any association contracts entered into during the period of developer control for the purpose of handling the financial matters, maintenance, or other services for the condominium. MD Condo Act \u00a7\u00a7 11-133(a) and 11-109(c)(16)(vi). The condominium association\u2019s right to terminate, however, does not apply to contracts for the \u201cthe provision of utility services or communications systems\u201d or any \u201ccontract or grant between the association and any governmental agency or public utility.\u201d MD Condo Act \u00a7\u00a7 11-109(c)(16)(vi)2.B and 11-133(b).<\/p>\n<p><!-- x-tinymce\/html --><\/p>\n<h2><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"853\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/developer-transition-condominium-associations\/maryland-and-dc-condominium-lawyers\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Maryland-and-DC-Condominium-Lawyers.jpg?fit=1800%2C642&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1800,642\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Maryland and DC Condominium Lawyers\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Maryland and DC Condominium Lawyers&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Maryland-and-DC-Condominium-Lawyers.jpg?fit=1024%2C365&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-853\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Maryland-and-DC-Condominium-Lawyers.jpg?resize=875%2C312&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Developer Transition Maryland Condominium Associations Attorneys and Lawyers COWIE LAW GROUP\" width=\"875\" height=\"312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Maryland-and-DC-Condominium-Lawyers.jpg?resize=300%2C107&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Maryland-and-DC-Condominium-Lawyers.jpg?resize=768%2C274&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Maryland-and-DC-Condominium-Lawyers.jpg?resize=1024%2C365&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Maryland-and-DC-Condominium-Lawyers.jpg?w=1800&amp;ssl=1 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 875px) 100vw, 875px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>TRANSITION CHECKLIST<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>DEVELOPER TRANSITION &#8211; MARYLAND CONDOMINIUMS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Below\u00a0is a transition checklist of items to be addressed by the first unit owner-elected board once it assumes control over the association from the developer.<\/p>\n<h3><em><u>1. Document\/Asset Inventory &amp; Request<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Conduct an inventory of association documents and assets. Make a formal written request of the developer to turn over all documents, funds and assets listed in Appendix A (below) to the extent not already done so. These must be turned over within 30 days of the transition meeting.<\/p>\n<h3><em><u>2. Contract Review<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Review all contracts entered into during the period of developer control to handle the association\u2019s financial matters, maintenance, or other services. If there are any concerns, obtain competitive vendor proposals for comparison purposes. Contracts that do not appear to be in the best interest of the association can be terminated, without liability, upon 30 days in notice.<\/p>\n<h3><em><u>3. Audit Financial Records<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Have an independent auditor examine and audit the association\u2019s financial records during the period of developer control to ensure that all monies were properly collected and accounted for. An auditor can determine whether the correct amount of assessments were collected, whether the association\u2019s reserve accounts were properly funded, or whether there was any inappropriate use of association funds to pay developer obligations. In some cases, an auditor may determine that the developer owes the condominium association a substantial amount of money.<\/p>\n<h3><em><u>4. Transition and Reserve Studies <\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Obtain a transition study\u00a0and a reserve study in order to identify construction defects and determine whether the developer-created budget and reserve account are adequate to maintain, repair and replace the condominium common elements over time. For example, if a common element roof is found to be in need of immediate replacement because of construction defects, then a developer-created reserve budget based on a projected roof replacement in 30 years is grossly insufficient.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong><em>a. The Transition Study:\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>the purpose of a transition study (also referred to as a \u201cdeficiency report\u201d or \u201cwarranty analysis\u201d) is to evaluate construction of the common elements to identify construction defects while warranties are still enforceable so they can be submitted to the developer for warranty repair. Timely transition studies are essential because defects in newly constructed condominiums may not be apparent when unit owners first take control of the association. Defects in the original construction can remain hidden for years until they manifest themselves in the form of property damage. Left undiscovered and unrepaired, even minor construction deficiencies can result in extensive property damage requiring associations to borrow money and assess unit owners. Moreover, when defects are not identified in a timely manner, warranty rights may be barred by expiration of warranty periods or the applicable statute of limitations. Architectural and engineering firms can identify construction defects early on and investigate suspicious conditions before warranty rights expire so timely notice can be given to the developer. Once defects have been identified and then corrected by the developer, the condominium association can establish an accurate reserve budget. See article &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/cowielawgroup.com\/transition-studies-maryland-condominiums-use-them-to-identify-construction-defects-before-warranties-expire\/\"><em>Importance of Obtaining Timely Transition Study to Identify Construction Defects<\/em><\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong><em>b. The Reserve Study<\/em><\/strong><em>:<\/em> A reserve study does not seek to evaluate construction. Rather, its purpose is to determine the amount of annual assessments that should be placed into a reserve account to pay for future repair or replacement of the major condominium components for which the association is responsible, such as roofs, exterior walls, sidewalks, roadways, etc. A normal useful life, or \u201clife expectancy,\u201d is assigned to each of these components (e.g., a 30-year roof), as well as an estimated cost to repair or replace those components at the end of their useful life. Based on these projections, a reserve analyst estimates the amount of money that the condominium association should allocate to its reserve account each year so that the necessary funds will be available for future repairs and replacement. This type of planning avoids a one-time huge assessment for major repair\/replacement projects. Maryland laws, effective October 1, 2022, require Maryland condominium associations to obtain reserve studies every 5 years and fund reserves based on those studies. <a href=\"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/reserve-studies-and-reserve-account-funding-for-maryland-condo-hoa-and-co-op-communities\/\">Click here for details on the Reserve Studies and Rexerve Account Funding Requirements in Maryland<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><em><u>5. Retain Legal Counsel<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong><em>a. General Counsel<\/em><\/strong>: Retain general counsel to work with the board members and its management company handling a the wide variety of general legal issues that face a Maryland condominium association, such as interpreting governing documents, preparing legal opinions, delinquent assessment collection, contract negotiation, dealing with threatened litigation, amending governing documents, etc.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong><em>b. Warranty\/Construction Defect Legal Counsel<\/em><\/strong>: Few law firms have expertise in both general counsel and condominium construction defect law.\u00a0 If general counsel is not experienced in condominium construction defect law, request a consultation from an attorney who does have expertise in condominium construction defect law. Such expertise is crucial. An experienced condominium construction defect attorney can advise the association when applicable Maryland warranties and other legal claims expire and how to preserve the association\u2019s legal claims while negotiating proper repairs with the developer. Armed with such information, a transitioning condominium association can make informed decisions. This legal consultation should be requested as soon as the newly elected board assumes control of the association to ensure that no warranty and other legal rights are allowed to expire. For more information see article &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/cowielawgroup.com\/resolving-condominium-construction-defect-claims-in-maryland\/\"><em>Resolving Condominium Construction Defect Claims in Maryland<\/em><\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><em><em><u>6. Review Insurance Coverage<\/u><\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>Review association insurance coverage obtained during the period of developer control. Make sure coverage complies with governing documents, industry standards, and applicable laws (e.g., property insurance, comprehensive general liability insurance, fidelity insurance, directors &amp; officers\/errors &amp; omissions policy). In the event of a lawsuit, having proper coverage will not only provide the condominium association with a legal defense and pay any judgment, but can also provide immunity to directors and officers and cap association liability to the amount of insurance coverage.For a more detailed discussion of the types and levels of insurance that can provide statutory immunity to directors and officers of Maryland Condos, see article &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/cowielawgroup.com\/director-and-officer-immunity-maryland-condominium-hoa-law-attorneys\/\"><em>Statutory Immunity From Lawsuits for Condominium and HOA Directors and Officers<\/em><\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><em><u>7. General Housekeeping Matters<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of housekeeping matters not covered by this checklist involving association governance and business that will need to addressed by the first board to transition from developer control. An association\u2019s property manager and\/or its attorney typically guides the board in these matters. Some examples include: selecting officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer); appointing committees (e.g., architectural review committee);\u00a0updating resident agent information with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation; scheduling meetings required by the governing documents (e.g., annual and regular meetings of association); defining maintenance obligations and establishing a maintenance schedule; amending developer-created governing documents and promulgating new Rules and Regulations based on the needs and concerns of the unit owner-controlled association, etc.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">APPENDIX<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">DOCUMENTS &amp; ASSETS TO BE TURNED OVER BY DEVELOPER<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Articles of incorporation, recorded declaration, and all recorded covenants, bylaws, plats, and restrictions of the condominium<\/li>\n<li>All books and records, including financial statements, minutes and completed business transactions<\/li>\n<li>Policies, rules, and regulations<\/li>\n<li>The financial records from the date of creation to the date of transfer of control, including budget information regarding estimated and actual expenditures by the condominium and any report relating to the reserves for repairs and replacement of common elements<\/li>\n<li>All contracts to which the condominium is a party<\/li>\n<li>The name, address, and telephone number of any contractor or subcontractor employed by the condominium<\/li>\n<li>Insurance policies in effect and all prior insurance policies<\/li>\n<li>Any permit or notice of code violation issued to the condominium by the county, local, State, or federal government<\/li>\n<li>Any warranty in effect<\/li>\n<li>Drawings, architectural plans, or other suitable documents setting forth the necessary information for location, maintenance, and repair of all condominium facilities<\/li>\n<li>Individual owner files and records, including assessment account records, correspondence, and notices of any violations<\/li>\n<li>A roster of current unit owners, including mailing addresses, telephone numbers and unit numbers<\/li>\n<li>The condominium funds, including operating funds, replacement reserves, investment accounts and working capital<\/li>\n<li>The tangible property of the condominium<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h5><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1919\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/developer-transition-condominium-associations\/cowie-law-group-p-c-formerly-cowie-mott-construction-law-attorneys-and-condominium-and-hoa-lawyers-in-maryland-and-washington-dc\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?fit=1200%2C220&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,220\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cowie Law Group MD and DC HOA Law Attorneys and Condominium Lawyers article on HOA&amp;#8217;s obligation to provide lot owners with association records under Maryland HOA law\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Picture of Maryland Condominium and HOA Act Law Booklet by Cowie Law Group, P.C. stacked on a table &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?fit=1024%2C188&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-1919 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?resize=495%2C91&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Developer Transition for Maryland Condominium Associations by COWIE LAW GROUP, condominium attorneys serving Maryland, and Washington DC\" width=\"495\" height=\"91\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?resize=1024%2C188&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?resize=300%2C55&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?resize=768%2C141&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?resize=570%2C105&amp;ssl=1 570w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/COWIE-LAW-GROUP-P.C.-formerly-Cowie-Mott-Construction-Law-Attorneys-and-Condominium-and-HOA-Lawyers-in-Maryland-and-Washington-DC.png?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px\" \/><\/h5>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Maryland and Washington DC Condominium and HOA Attorneys<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">410-327-3800\u00a0|\u00a0202-670-6289\u00a0|\u00a0301-830-8315<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cowielawgroup.com\/contact-us\/\">cowielawgroup.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em style=\"font-size: 0.82em;\">FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DEVELOPER TRANSITION FOR MARYLAND CONDOMINIUMS, <\/em><em style=\"font-size: 0.82em;\">CONTACT AUTHOR NICHOLAS D. COWIE AT NDC@COWIELAWGROUP.COM<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em style=\"font-size: 0.82em;\"><br \/>\nNOTE ABOUT AUTHOR:<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 0.82em;\"> Nicholas D. Cowie is a partner in the law firm of Cowie Law Group, P.C. and has been representing Maryland condominiums for over 25 years. Mr. Cowie is licensed in Maryland and Washington DC and has extensive experience representing condominium associations with developer transition issues for Maryland condominiums, including financial disputes regarding payment, collection and use of assessments as well as construction defect claims. Mr. Cowie participated in the drafting and efforts to obtain passage of Maryland laws that benefit Maryland condominiums and their associations in the transition process by requiring developers to turnover the specified documents referred to above and by extending warranty periods for Maryland condominiums and HOAs. <a href=\"https:\/\/marylandcondoconstructiondefectlaw.com\/new-maryland-construction-defect-warranty-laws-are-now-applicable-to-condominiums-and-hoas-transitioning-from-developer-to-homeowner-control-is-your-community-aware-of-it-rights-under-the-new-laws\/#more-436\">Click here<\/a> for an article on the Maryland legislation drafted by Nicholas D. Cowie that extends warranties for Maryland condominium associations and HOAs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>NOTE ABOUT ARTICLE:\u00a0<\/em>The original version of this article entitled &#8220;Developer Transition for Maryland Condominiums&#8221; appeared as a two-part series in the Community Associations Institute, Chesapeake Region Chapter, publication\u00a0 \u201cThe Beacon.\u201d Part I appeared in the Summer 2017 issue at pages 16-17 and Part II appeared in the Fall\/Winter 2017 issue at pages 20-21. Unlike this blog post, which deals solely with Developer Transition for Maryland Condominium Associations,\u00a0 the referenced Beacon articles combined Developer Transition for Condominium Associations and Declarant Transition for Homeowners Associations into a single two-part article discussing the laws applicable to transition under the Maryland Condominium Act and the Maryland Homeowners Association Act. <a href=\"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/declarant-transition-homeowners-associations\/\">Click here<\/a> for an article dealing with declarant transition for Maryland homeowners associations. <a href=\"https:\/\/cowielawgroup.com\/adverse-domination-doctrine-and-maryland-condominium-association-claims-against-developers\/\">Click here<\/a> for an article dealing with the inherent conflict of interest that occurs during the period of developer control, and how the doctrine of adverse\u00a0 domination can extend statue limitations on association claims for developer wrongdoing occurring during the period of developer control.<\/p>\n<p><em>NOTE ABOUT TERMINOLOGY:\u00a0<\/em>Under the Maryland Condominium Act, a condominium association is referred to\u00a0as a &#8220;council of unit owners,&#8221; which is\u00a0the legal entity that governs the affairs of the condominium as set forth in\u00a0the MD Condo Act\u00a0\u00a7\u00a711-101(f) and 11-109 (Maryland Real Property Article, Annotated Code of Maryland).\u00a0A council of unit owners can be an incorporated or unincorporated and its members are comprised of all unit owners. For purposes of convenience and simplicity, this article refers to a Maryland council of unit owners as a &#8220;condominium association.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Developer Transition for Maryland Condominiums\u00a0 Legal Requirements and Transition Checklist for Association Board Members\u00a0 &#8220;Developer transition,\u201d as it pertains to Maryland Condominiums, is the process by which the governance of a condominium association is transferred from developer to unit owner control. This article contains an overview of the legal requirements governing the transition process and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":476,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-215","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","czr-hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Developer Transition - Maryland Condominiums<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"COWIE LAW GROUP - Developer Transition for Maryland Condominium Associations with Transition Checklist. 410-327-3800 | 301-830-8315\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/developer-transition-condominium-associations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Developer Transition - Maryland Condominiums\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"COWIE LAW GROUP - Developer Transition for Maryland Condominium Associations with Transition Checklist. 410-327-3800 | 301-830-8315\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/marylandcondominiumattorneys.com\/index.php\/developer-transition-condominium-associations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Maryland &amp; 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