Cronin, Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.Cronin, Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.2026-10-21T17:35:33Zhttps://www.cbzlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203492/2023/04/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[How do you turn apartments into condos in New Hampshire?]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469812026-10-21T17:35:33Z2026-10-21T17:35:33ZWhat steps are involved in a condominium conversion?
Under New Hampshire's Condominium Act, developers must draft key documents and establish the legal process of ownership before individual units can be sold. This generally includes:
Reviewing zoning and land-use requirements: You need to determine whether the proposed conversion complies with local regulations and whether additional municipal approvals are necessary.
Preparing condominium documents: These include a Declaration of Condominium, association bylaws, site plans and floor plans identifying individual units, common areas and ownership interests.
Evaluating the property's condition: Developers must assess structural components, major utilities and anticipated repair costs. These details are important because New Hampshire requires specific disclosures concerning the condition of converted buildings.
Establishing a condominium association: The governing documents must address how the association will operate, collect assessments and maintain shared property.
Registering the condominium: Unless an exemption applies, developers must complete the required registration process and prepare a public offering statement before offering units for sale.
One of the biggest considerations is how the conversion affects people already living in the building. Under New Hampshire law, apartment complexes with more than 10 units are generally subject to special tenant protections, including advance notice, an exclusive opportunity to purchase their own unit, and – in some cases – extended time to relocate (up to 18 months for elderly or disabled tenants). These requirements can significantly affect a proposed conversion timeline, particularly when the property has numerous occupied units.
Planning can prevent expensive problems
Converting apartments into condominiums requires careful coordination of legal requirements, financing, construction and tenant obligations. Mistakes in condominium documents, registration procedures or tenant notifications can delay sales and lead to expensive legal disputes.
Working with an experienced New Hampshire real estate attorney early in the process can help you identify potential obstacles, establish a realistic timeline and protect your investment.
]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[Denied a New Hampshire zoning variance? 3 steps to challenge it]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469122026-10-07T13:58:40Z2026-10-12T13:58:26Z1. Identify why your variance was denied
New Hampshire requires five findings before a zoning board can grant a variance. Your proposal must:
For unnecessary hardship, the focus is on special conditions that distinguish your property from others in the area. These may include its shape, topography, waterfront features, required distances from property lines or existing structures. Plans, surveys, engineering reports or expert analysis may help show how those conditions affect your proposed use and create the claimed hardship.
2. Address each issue in a motion for rehearing
If you want the board to reconsider its decision, you generally have 30 calendar days to file a motion for rehearing. The deadline generally begins the day after the board votes on the application. However, if the written decision and meeting minutes are not filed within five business days, state law provides additional time to amend, or update, the rehearing motion after the written decision is filed.
The motion should identify each reason you believe the decision was unlawful or unreasonable. A court generally will not consider a reason you did not first raise in the rehearing motion unless it allows the issue for good cause.
3. Understand the superior court appeal process
If the board denies rehearing, RSA 677:4 generally gives you 30 days after the board votes to deny the motion to petition the superior court. You would need to show that the decision was unlawful or unreasonable.
The court does not decide the variance application again from the beginning, so the record and the board's reasons for denial can play an important role.
Assess the next step before the deadline
A zoning variance denial does not necessarily end your project. Understanding the board's concerns, the evidence supporting your hardship claim and the cost of review can help you assess your options. Legal guidance can help you identify which issues must be raised and understand the deadlines before deciding how to proceed.]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[3 mistakes to avoid during the escrow process]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469712026-10-06T02:16:11Z2026-10-06T02:16:11ZBuying a home involves a lot of moving parts, especially once your offer has been accepted. For first-time homebuyers, the escrow period can be particularly confusing because there is still quite a bit that has to happen before you get the keys.
Escrow is the period between an accepted purchase agreement and the final closing. During this time, the buyer may have inspections completed, finalize financing, review title issues and prepare for closing. The sale may feel like a done deal, but it isn't yet. What you do during escrow can affect whether the transaction closes as planned.
1. Making a major purchase
That new house may need a new sofa, refrigerator or dining room table, but it's usually better to wait until after closing to start shopping.Your lender may check your credit and finances again before approving the final loan. Taking on a car loan, running up a credit card balance or financing a houseful of furniture can change your debt-to-income ratio and potentially affect your mortgage approval.
2. Making changes that affect your credit or finances
Keeping your finances steady during escrow is generally a good idea. Don't open or close credit cards, miss payments or take out new loans without first considering how the change could affect your mortgage.Even moving large amounts of money between accounts can create questions if the lender needs to verify where your down payment or other funds came from. When in doubt, talk to your lender before making a significant financial move.
3. Missing deadlines or underestimating closing costs
A real estate contract may contain important deadlines for inspections, financing, contingencies and other requirements. Missing one can delay the transaction or, depending on the contract and circumstances, jeopardize the deal.Buyers also need to be prepared for the money required at closing. In addition to the down payment, that may include lender fees, title-related expenses, prepaid taxes, insurance and other costs.Escrow isn't simply a waiting period. It's an important part of the transaction, and problems can still arise before closing. An experienced real estate attorney can help buyers understand their obligations, meet important deadlines and address issues that could interfere with the purchase.]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[Can property formerly used to manufacture meth be redeveloped?]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469082026-09-23T22:07:43Z2026-09-23T22:07:43ZSeller disclosures are required by law
Under New Hampshire law, a seller must disclose any known past methamphetamine production on the property in writing to the buyer before the purchase and sale agreement is signed if the property hasn’t yet been determined to meet remediation cleanup standards.
A seller’s disclosure alerts the buyer to the history, but it doesn’t tell a developer how much work needs to be done or what that work will cost. New Hampshire law provides for the Department of Environmental Services or a licensed environmental or hazardous substances removal specialist to determine whether the property meets cleanup standards. The seller should provide any available cleanup and testing records so the buyer can properly evaluate the site.
Who pays for additional cleanup and testing?
A developer would be wise to add a contingency to any purchase agreement that allows time to investigate the property’s status and withdraw the offer if the expense or time required for cleanup makes their project unfeasible.
Both the seller and the developing buyer can negotiate how the costs for cleanup will be handled. They may divide the costs, the seller could agree to complete all remediation before closing or the buyer could agree to do the work in exchange for a lower purchase price.
A former meth lab site can definitely be a viable redevelopment opportunity. However, any agreement must be carefully crafted, with detailed information about who will direct and pay for the testing, work and final determination that the property is clean. An experienced attorney can help make sure that your interests are protected.]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[What is a condo board executive session?]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469052026-09-16T14:53:43Z2026-09-16T14:53:43ZWhen is an executive session permitted?
A board cannot move behind closed doors simply because a discussion may be uncomfortable or because board members would prefer privacy. Under the New Hampshire Condominium Act, a board or association committee may use an executive session to:
Consult with the association’s attorney
Discuss existing or potential litigation
Discuss mediation, arbitration or administrative proceedings
Address labor or personnel matters
Discuss certain contracts, leases or commercial transactions being negotiated
A private discussion involving a contract or commercial transaction may be appropriate when premature disclosure would put the association at a disadvantage. Privacy concerns, particularly when litigation, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution processes are involved.
For example, suppose a condo owner repeatedly violates a parking rule and threatens to sue when the board imposes a fine. The board cannot necessarily enter executive session merely because the owner has been problematic. It may, however, meet privately to consult its attorney and discuss the litigation threat and decide on a strategy.
The board cannot make final decisions in private
An executive session must occur during a regular or special meeting of the board or committee. It is not supposed to be a separate, secret meeting where association business is decided away from the eyes of the condo owners and other interested parties.
In addition, while the board may discuss a qualifying issue during executive session, it cannot take a final vote or action. If a vote or action is necessary, the board must return to the regular – open – meeting before making its decision.
An executive session is also different from a board meeting that is closed but recorded and later made available to unit owners. The rules governing these meetings are distinct, so boards should understand which procedure they are using.
A condominium association should have clear procedures for entering executive sessions and documenting any action taken afterward. Legal guidance can help board members protect sensitive information and situations, while still adhering to the law and retaining the trust of those whom they govern.]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[What should an HOA do before hiring a contractor?]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469012026-09-02T14:23:05Z2026-09-07T14:22:25ZConfirm the project and your authority
Before requesting bids, make sure the work falls within the HOA's responsibilities and that you have authority to approve it. Review your declaration, bylaws and other governing documents for requirements about board approval, owner votes or spending limits.
If you manage a New Hampshire condominium association, state law generally allows the board to act on the association's behalf. The condominium documents can place additional limits on that authority.
Compare several contractor bids
When practical, obtain multiple bids and compare what each contractor actually proposes to do rather than choosing based only on price. Look at:
The scope of work and materials
The estimated schedule
The total cost and payment terms
Any exclusions or additional charges
A lower bid may not cover the same work as a higher one, so make sure you are comparing similar proposals.
Check qualifications and insurance
Before selecting a contractor, verify the qualifications and insurance that fit the project. Ask about experience with similar work, check references and confirm any required trade licenses or permits.
You should also request proof of appropriate insurance, such as general liability coverage and workers' compensation when applicable. Confirm that the coverage meets the needs of the work you plan to have completed.
Document the board's decision
Once you choose a contractor, document approvals and keep the bids, supporting materials and final agreement with your association records.
New Hampshire law allows condominium board members to discuss and compare vendor proposals outside a formal board meeting in certain circumstances. The board must still take any final action at a properly scheduled meeting.
Review the arrangement before signing
Before work begins, make sure the final agreement matches the project you approved, including the work to be completed, expected costs and timing. Reviewing the governing documents, bids and proposed agreement with an attorney can also help you identify approval requirements or contract issues before they become costly problems.
Once everything is in order, you can give the contractor clear instructions and let the work begin with fewer surprises. A thoughtful process at the start can make it easier to manage the project and protect the community's interests throughout the work.]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[Can neighbors challenge a proposed real estate development?]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469022026-08-22T13:18:51Z2026-08-22T13:18:51ZWhen can neighbors object to a development?
Development proposals frequently require government approvals before work can proceed. Depending on the project, that could include:
Rezoning
A variance
A conditional use permit
Another form of land-use approval
Some approval processes include public notice and hearings and giving nearby property owners an opportunity to voice concerns. Common objections involve:
Traffic
Parking
Building height
Noise
Density
Drainage
Environmental effects
Incompatibility with surrounding uses
However, strong opposition does not necessarily mean the proposal violates the law. A decision-making body must apply the governing standards rather than decide an application solely according to which side attracts more supporters. That makes the legal basis behind an objection more important than the number of people making it.
How can an objection affect your project?
Even when a challenge ultimately fails, it can still have business consequences. Some of the things that can affect a project’s timeline include:
Additional hearings
Appeals
Requested design modifications
Disputes over approval conditions
Delays may:
Increase carrying costs
Complicate financing arrangements
Disrupt construction schedules
Interfere with agreements involving future tenants
Therefore, developers should consider potential neighborhood opposition during due diligence rather than treating it as a problem to address only after objections arise.
If neighborhood opposition threatens a proposed development, consider seeking reliable legal representation before the dispute causes avoidable delays or expenses. An experienced legal team can evaluate the objections, review the applicable land-use requirements and help to determine a appropriate response.]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[New Hampshire law concerning ADUs continues to evolve]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=469002026-08-08T00:01:44Z2026-08-08T00:01:44ZHow the new law is intended to lessen “red tape”
Last year, New Hampshire changed the law to minimize the red tape previously required to convert part of their property to an ADU or build one on the property. However, according to one legislator behind the most recent law, some constituents were complaining that they still had to go to their local zoning board to get a building permit for their ADU.
One of the problems was that they were told they had a “non-conforming” structure because it didn’t meet current zoning requirements. Therefore, they had to get a variance (waiver) from the Zoning Board of Adjustments, which “adds, time, hassle and cost.”
Under the new law, non-conforming structures built prior to July 1, 2025 don’t need a variance for the owner to get an ADU permit. Those built after that won’t need a variance if zoning requirements change in the future as long as it was in compliance with the regulations in place at the time it was built.
Those who oppose the new law argue that it’s unnecessary and is only going to cause confusion -- both for local officials and those seeking ADU permits. Thus, they argue, it could actually curb ADU construction. With experienced legal guidance, however, property owners can better navigate the changing laws and regulations around ADUs, which is evolving regardless. Top of Form]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[Can a condo association keep people from flying the U.S. flag?]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=468992026-07-25T23:21:12Z2026-07-25T23:21:12ZFederal and state law
Most people don’t realize that there is a federal law called the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005. That law says that community associations can’t restrict or prevent someone from displaying the flag correctly on their own property.
New Hampshire has a law that strictly applies to condominium associations. It says that an “association shall not prohibit the outdoor display of the United States flag in a manner consistent with the United States flag code…” and New Hampshire law governing the display of the flag.
It also states, “The association may adopt reasonable rules regarding the size of the flag and the manner in which the flag is displayed.” For example, it can’t extend into a common area or another unit owner’s property.
That means as long as someone is displaying the flag appropriately (for example, not upside down) and it remains within the space that they own and/or occupy, the association generally cannot require them to remove it.
Some people have very strong feelings around the American flag and what it represents. It’s critical for condo associations to ensure that they apply the law and their own regulations consistently. Having experienced legal guidance in codifying and enforcing these regulations can help prevent costly and time-consuming disputes accordingly.]]>On Behalf of Cronin Bisson & Zalinsky P.C.<![CDATA[Can a condo association prohibit pets?]]>https://www.cbzlaw.com/?p=468982026-07-17T13:27:51Z2026-07-17T13:27:51ZYes, a condo association, just like an HOA, may have restrictions regarding pets. The CC&R documentation that a person signs when they purchase the condo should inform them of these restrictions.
They can be different from case to case. For instance, some condos may ban pets entirely, or they may focus on a certain type of pet, such as banning dogs. In other cases, certain breeds of dogs may be prohibited, but others may be allowed. In still other situations, there may be size or weight restrictions. So while owning a dog would be allowed in general, it may only be permitted if it is a relatively small animal that fits within these guidelines.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, there are sometimes exceptions, or a person may be able to get a variance. This allows them to break the standing rules that would apply to other condo owners.One example could be if someone has a disability and has a service animal. It may be necessary for their health and well-being to live with the service animal, which is viewed much differently than someone who simply wants to own a pet for companionship.Naturally, this can sometimes lead to conflict. A person may claim that they need a service animal or an emotional support animal, while the condo association classifies the animal as a pet and says that it is prohibited.In cases like this, it is very important for the parties involved to understand exactly what documentation is on file, how the rules and regulations apply and what legal steps they can take to navigate a dispute.
]]>