Grandfathered Improvements/Additions

[BasilHayden]

What is the name of your state?Hi, any help on this matter is appreciated (I'm in NJ)

I bought a studio condo about 7 years ago. I have not done any additional construction, but the previous owner constructed a dividing wall so there is a small bedroom. I have not had any problems, but recently the building gossip (she knows I have a wall) has found out that a new tenant is doing something similar and that it is not allowed by the association. I have no idea if the association knows that my unit has this wall, but they probably will soon.

If a situation arises when they do find out, can they force me to take this down? I bought this unit in good faith and had no knowledge of the restriction. Is this protected by the grandfather clause? If I do have to take this down, is anyone else responsible like the former owner, real estate agent, closing lawyer, association for allowing resale?

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state?Hi, any help on this matter is appreciated (I'm in NJ)

I bought a studio condo about 7 years ago. I have not done any additional construction, but the previous owner constructed a dividing wall so there is a small bedroom. I have not had any problems, but recently the building gossip (she knows I have a wall) has found out that a new tenant is doing something similar and that it is not allowed by the association. I have no idea if the association knows that my unit has this wall, but they probably will soon.

If a situation arises when they do find out, can they force me to take this down?


**A: yes.
******
I bought this unit in good faith and had no knowledge of the restriction.


**A: you would have knowledge if you reviewed the condo docs (CC&R's) before closing.

****
Is this protected by the grandfather clause?

**A: no.........and it's not protected by Santa Claus either.

*******

If I do have to take this down, is anyone else responsible like the former owner, real estate agent, closing lawyer, association for allowing resale?

**A: the Seller would have been if your brought it up before closing or soon thereafter. Now it's your problem.