Provide services to update Association CC&Rs, Bylaws and Operating Rules to comply with the new Davis-Stirling Act (effective January 1, 2014, and amended frequently thereafter)
Advise Associations on disputes with Owners and others
Assist Associations with bringing Association records into compliance with the Corporations Code and the Civil Code’s Davis-Stirling Act
Assist Boards of Directors interpret governing documents and state law
Condominium Owners
Assist Owners independently interpret their Association’s governing documents
Advise Owners on their rights and on potential liabilities
Advise Owners who have issues or disputes with their Boards of Directors
Condominium Buyers
Review condominium documents and advise potential condominium buyers of possible issues
Review HOA corporate records, budgets, reserve studies, and other disclosures
Condominium Sellers
Review condominium documents, HOA corporate records, budgets, and reserve studies
Recommend seller disclosures to reduce liability exposure
Formation of Residential Condominium Projects
Residential Condominium Subdivision Services
Provide legal support services and CA Bureau of Real Estate processing for developers of new and conversion condominium projects
Prepare original CC&Rs, Bylaws, & Governing Documents for new construction and conversion projects
Bureau of Real Estate Processing Services
Provide Bureau of Real Estate processing services for property developers, from application through issuance of Final Subdivision Public Reports (“White Slips”)
Update, amend and renew Bureau of Real Estate Final Subdivision Public Reports (“White Slips”) for existing projects
TORCA Conversions
Paul DeSantis is the premier expert in Santa Monica’s unique “Tenant Ownership Rights Charter Amendment” (“TORCA”) condominium conversion law.
As co-author of the law and its chief proponent, Paul prepared the legal documents and assisted in the conversion of over 200 buildings from apartments to condominiums. In every case, this was done in cooperation with both the tenants and the owners.
Many “TORCA” homeowners associations use our firm to update their unique “TORCA” CC&Rs and Bylaws. Special care is necessary to bring these outdated documents into compliance with new state requirements while not violating the City of Santa Monica’s strict “TORCA” mandates in the process.
Our staff includes Rick Mills, a past long-term City of Santa Monica planner who processed many of these same “TORCA” projects for the City. Rick provides valuable expertise in handling special matters related to “TORCA” conversions along with all other condominium projects.
Title Issues
Evaluate real property title issues, including flawed legal descriptions, vesting issues and title chains, and provide findings and recommendations as appropriate.
