January 2023

T he concept behind the adage “you get what you pay for” is relevant in virtually all industries but rings particularly true in the context of common interest communities (CICs) when it comes to hiring vendors. CICs in New Jersey are currently subject to more laws than ever. Everything from the ever-expanding Non Profit Corporation Act, Condo Act, Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act to the Radburn Bill and accompanying regulations – New Jersey CICs are highly regulated and must be well run in order to not only thrive but survive. For this reason, communities that rely on the services and guidance of vendors such as management companies, attorneys, engineers, contractors, landscapers, and scores of other CIC-related vendors are urged to use care and due diligence in awarding vendor contracts. As an active member of CAI, I have heard horror story after horror story of communities that hired bad vendors (usually motivated by looking solely at cost) but ultimately paid a much higher price. I have heard about management companies completely disregarding common legal and industry standards in their day-to-day management. I have heard about attorneys giving bad advice, engineers and contractors breaching their respective standards of care, and countless other instances of bad vendor services. New Jersey is fortunate to have CAI-NJ, which is thriving with members and vendors. Communities can use their CAI membership to their advantage when it comes to vetting and hiring vendors. Many prospective vendors are highly involved in CAI and frequently participate in educational events such as round tables, manager training programs, writing articles for Community Trends, or even just face-to-face discussions at the many CAI-sponsored events held each year. Focusing on CAI-NJ member vendors also brings a degree of accountability and credibility – it is unlikely that a vendor active in CAI-NJ will turn out to be a “fly by night” company Protect Your Association By Andrew J. Podolski, Esq., Stark and Stark Attorneys at Law

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