Massachusetts Condo Law: Chapter 183A for Small Condominiums

• Each owner's share of common expenses follows the unit's percentage interest in the common areas, or the unit's area if a recorded amendment says so. Such an amendment needs the consent of every owner whose share changes materially.
• Costs caused by one owner breaking the rules, or by misconduct of the owner, family, tenants or guests, can be charged to that owner alone.
• The cost of a limited common area, such as a deck or yard, can be charged to the unit it serves, or that owner can be told to maintain it.
• Metered water and utilities can be charged by meter after a majority of owners at a properly noticed meeting approve it.
• Late charges, fines, collection costs and interest can be added to the owner's account as part of the lien.
• Common profits are shared the same way as common expenses.

• The owner is personally liable for the assessments, late charges, fines, interest and collection costs.
• Once any part is 60 days delinquent, the organization sends a notice of the amount to the owner, and to the first mortgagee if the lender has given its address, both by certified and first class mail.
• Thirty days before suing to enforce the lien, the organization sends the lender notice of its intention.
• Priority: the lien ranks ahead of an earlier first mortgage for up to six months of regular budgeted assessments, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees. Special assessments, late charges, fines and interest are left out of that priority amount.
• If the lender agrees in writing and pays the six months and costs within 60 days, and keeps paying future assessments, the organization stops enforcing the priority lien against that unit.

When a unit is sold or refinanced, the organization issues a statement of unpaid common expenses and other sums owed, including the amount it claims has priority over the mortgage. It must be furnished within 10 business days after a written request, for a reasonable fee, and binds the organization and every owner. Once recorded, it discharges the unit from any lien for other sums then unpaid (s. 6(d)).

• Each owner's interest in the organization equals the unit's interest in the common areas, and passes with the unit (s. 10(a)).
• The organization can insure the common areas in its own name, sue and be sued, charge late fees and interest, and levy reasonable fines for breaking the master deed, by-laws or rules.
• It keeps the master deed, by-laws, minute book and financial records, including records of the replacement reserve fund. Minutes go to owners by email on request.
• Owners holding a majority in beneficial interest can vote for an independent CPA review of the financial report, paid as a common expense.
• The by-laws may set up arbitration of disputes about running the condominium (s. 12(b)).