HB1608 Summary

• Creates the Office of the Condominium Ombudsperson within the Attorney General's office, effective July 1, 2011, to provide education, training, and dispute resolution assistance for condominium unit owners, associations, and boards of managers.

• Ombudsperson shall maintain a statewide toll-free number, operate a website with relevant statutes and dispute resolution information, and offer educational courses on condominium property operation and management.

• Every condominium unit owners' association must pay an annual fee to support the office, with an initial fee of $3 per unit per year, adjustable up to a maximum of $10 per unit per year based on operational costs.

• Condominium board members must certify within 60 days of taking office that they have read the condominium instruments and this Act, with certifications filed with the Ombudsperson.

• Attorney General shall submit annual reports to the General Assembly on office activities and submit recommendations by January 1, 2013 on expanding the Ombudsperson's enforcement and oversight authority; the Act automatically repeals on July 1, 2014.