How to Submit a Story to Agencies and Outlets
What are Homeowners Assocation Doing to Thier Communities?
Common Homeowner Association Condominium Act Violations
1. Research Potential Outlets
Identify Suitable Publications: Look for magazines, newspapers, websites, and agencies that publish content similar to your story.
Read Submission Guidelines: Most outlets have specific submission guidelines detailing how to submit, what formats they accept, and any particular themes or issues they are focusing on.
2. Prepare Your Submission
Craft a Strong Piece: Ensure your story is well-written, thoroughly edited, and fits the style and tone of the outlet.
Prepare a Cover Letter: If required, write a cover letter introducing yourself and your story. Briefly explain why your piece is a good fit for the outlet.
Follow Specific Format Requirements: Many publications require certain formatting (like font size, spacing, and document type). Make sure your submission complies with these requirements.
3. Submit Your Story
Use the Preferred Submission Method: Some outlets accept submissions via email, others through online submission portals, and some still accept postal submissions. Choose the method specified in their guidelines.
Include All Required Documents: Attach your story, cover letter, and any other requested documents or information.
4. Keep Track of Your Submissions
Organize Your Submissions: Keep a record of where and when you have submitted your work. This can help avoid multiple submissions to the same outlet and help you follow up if necessary.
Be Patient: Response times can vary greatly. Some outlets will respond within weeks, while others may take several months.
5. Handle Responses
Be Prepared for Rejection: Rejection is a common part of the submission process. Don’t be discouraged. Use any feedback provided to improve your story.
If Accepted: Follow any instructions provided by the outlet. This might include signing a contract, making revisions, or discussing details about publication.
6. Follow Up
Send a Polite Follow-Up Email: If you haven’t heard back within the expected time frame, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email inquiring about the status of your submission.
Additional Tips
Network: Building relationships within the industry can help you learn about opportunities and get insider advice on how to successfully submit your stories.
Stay Informed: Regularly reading the content that your target outlets publish can give you a better sense of what they’re looking for and how your work might fit in.
By following these steps, you can increase the chances of getting your story published and begin to build a presence in the publishing world.
Here are Some Stories Involving Condominium Association Issues in Illinois:
These cases illustrate various challenges and legal complexities involved in managing condominium associations, highlighting issues of financial mismanagement, legal liability, and homeowner rights in Illinois.
Windermere West Homeowner’s Association Theft: In New Lenox, Illinois, the former President of the Windermere West III Condominium Association was charged with embezzling $150,000 from the association's bank account over several years (Community Financials).
Station West Homeowners Association Embezzlement: In Waterloo, Illinois, a board member of the Station West Homeowners Association embezzled over $73,000 from association funds collected for maintenance of the complex (Community Financials).
Park Ridge Condominium Association Theft: In Park Ridge, a property Managment stole $50,000 from the Hidden Court condominium complex's bank account, leading to his arrest in 2017 (Community Financials).
Legal Dispute at Kenmore Club Condominium: In Cook County, the owners of a unit at Kenmore Club Condominium sued the association and its management for mismanagement, leading to various legal battles over the association's responsibilities and insurance coverage issues (KSN Law).
111 East Chestnut Condominium Association Dispute: A lengthy legal battle over a $500 fine escalated into a $125,000 settlement after seven years of litigation. This case also involved significant legal fees and discussions on the rights of condo owners under Illinois law, particularly concerning First Amendment protections and the association's duty to disclose records (Independent American Communities).
These cases highlight a range of issues, from excessive fees and discriminatory practices to mismanagement and legal duty disputes, reflecting the complex legal landscape that condominium associations and their members often navigate in Illinois.
Bell & Arthur Condominium Association: This case involved owners filing suit against their condominium association and its board members in Chicago, alleging mismanagement and various misconducts. The legal complexities included insurance claims and coverage disputes related to the association's responsibilities (KSN Law).
Channon v. Westward Management, Inc.: Owners of a unit in the Kenmore Club Condominium, governed by Westward Management, challenged excessive fees charged for providing required documents during the sale of their unit, leading to allegations of violating consumer protection laws (KSN Law).
Wood v. Evergreen Condominium Association: A legal dispute where the association was involved in a negligence claim against an engineering company that allegedly misrepresented the condition of the building, affecting potential purchasers of the units (KSN Law).
Matthew Thai and Tuyetha Dinh v. Triumvera 600 Naples Court Condominium Association: This case involved claims of discrimination and retaliation against the association by two unit owners, which included violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act for national origin discrimination and familial status discrimination (KSN Law).
Stobe v. 842-848 West Bradley Place Condominium Association: In this legal challenge, plaintiffs contended with the condominium association over specific actions and decisions taken by the board, which were perceived as detrimental to the unit owners' interests (Justia Law).
These cases and legal updates provide a snapshot of the complex legal landscape surrounding condominium associations in Illinois, illustrating the breadth of issues that can arise, from operational changes due to state laws to disputes involving property rights and board management practices.
Condominium Law Updates and Changes: Illinois has implemented several legal updates affecting community associations, including requirements for paid leave and increased minimum wage rates, which impact the employees of these associations(KSN Law).
Property Maintenance Issues: Many condo owners face issues due to subpar property maintenance by management companies, often leading to legal actions against condo associations and property management firms for failing to maintain property standards, which can adversely affect the property values (Norman J. Lerum, P.C.).
Solar Energy System Installations: Illinois law prohibits deed restrictions, covenants, or similar agreements from prohibiting the installation of solar energy systems in buildings managed by homeowners' associations, ensuring that property owners are not denied permission to install these systems (Homeowners Protection Bureau, LLC).
Legal Guidance for Condominium Deconversions: Illinois condominium boards can consult with real estate professionals before requiring ownership votes for the sale of all units, which is part of managing potential deconversions or sales of condominium properties (KSN Law).
Discrimination and Retaliation Claims: Issues of discrimination based on national origin and familial status, including cases where condo boards allegedly harass owners, leading to significant legal disputes and claims under the Illinois Human Rights Act (KSN Law).
These examples underscore the range of legal challenges that can arise within condominium associations, highlighting the importance of adherence to legal standards and the potential for significant legal repercussions in cases of mismanagement or failure to comply with statutory requirements.
Condominium Law Updates and Changes: Illinois has implemented several legal updates affecting community associations, including requirements for paid leave and increased minimum wage rates, which impact the employees of these associations (KSN Law).
Property Maintenance Issues: Many condo owners face issues due to subpar property maintenance by management companies, often leading to legal actions against condo associations and property management firms for failing to maintain property standards, which can adversely affect the property values (Norman J. Lerum, P.C.).
Solar Energy System Installations: Illinois law prohibits deed restrictions, covenants, or similar agreements from prohibiting the installation of solar energy systems in buildings managed by homeowners' associations, ensuring that property owners are not denied permission to install these systems (Homeowners Protection Bureau, LLC).
Legal Guidance for Condominium Deconversions: Illinois condominium boards can consult with real estate professionals before requiring ownership votes for the sale of all units, which is part of managing potential deconversions or sales of condominium properties (KSN Law).
Discrimination and Retaliation Claims: Issues of discrimination based on national origin and familial status, including cases where condo boards allegedly harass owners, leading to significant legal disputes and claims under the Illinois Human Rights Act (KSN Law).
Here are five additional cases involving condominium associations in Illinois, highlighting issues of mismanagement, legal disputes, and the complexities of condominium law:
Complex Legal Disputes Over Property Maintenance: In various cases, condominium owners have had to take legal action against their association boards and property management companies due to subpar maintenance, which can significantly impact property values and the quality of life for residents.
Violations of First Amendment Rights: The case of Boucher v. 111 East Chestnut Condominium Association is notable for establishing that condominium associations cannot penalize members for exercising free speech, even if that speech is critical of the association's decisions. This sets a precedent for protecting the rights of condominium owners against overreaching board actions.
Disclosure Requirements Under Illinois Law: Issues surrounding the adequacy of disclosures to prospective purchasers were highlighted in several cases. Associations are required to provide complete and truthful disclosures as mandated by law, but there have been instances where the associations' disclosures were deemed insufficient or misleading, complicating the sales process and leading to legal disputes.
Fiduciary Duties and Misconduct: In a landmark decision involving Spanish Court Two Condominium Association, a condominium owner received a substantial judgment against the association and its president due to malicious conduct and breach of fiduciary duty, illustrating the serious legal consequences of mismanagement and misconduct by condominium boards.
Complexities in Levying Fines: The legal landscape regarding the imposition of fines by condominium boards has evolved, particularly after key rulings that fines for certain types of conduct, especially those that might be seen as an exercise of free speech, may not be enforceable. This reflects a growing scrutiny of condominium boards' powers to enforce rules and penalties.
Here are five additional cases involving condominium associations in Schaumburg, Illinois:
BOARD OF Managment S OF WEATHERSFIELD CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION v. SCHAUMBURG LIMITED PARTNERSHIP: This case involved a breach of fiduciary duty claim where the defendants were accused of failing to assess and collect adequate reserves for replacements, ultimately leading to a legal dispute over the financial management responsibilities of the board members and developers.
Ritacca Laser Center v. Brydges: In this case, the Illinois Appellate Court affirmed that a condominium association could restrict the leasing of units through board action or by a vote of the entire association, as per the condominium declaration, addressing the limits of board authority in modifying use of property within the association.
Legal Challenges in Condominium Association Management: Schaumburg has seen various cases where condo associations were involved in legal disputes over property management issues, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring proper maintenance and management practices.
Board Discretion in Fine Enforcement: The legal landscape in Schaumburg includes cases where condo boards' decisions to levy fines were scrutinized, especially concerning their compliance with both Illinois statutes and the specific bylaws of the condominium association.
Mismanagement and Legal Remedies: There have been instances where the board members of condominium associations in Schaumburg faced accusations of mismanagement, leading to legal actions where the courts had to intervene to address breaches of fiduciary duties and other misconduct.
