How Condominium Trusts and Property Managers Can Respond to Extra-Judicial Pressure Campaigns

Stephen W. Wiseman

Condominium governance is designed to function within a defined legal and procedural framework. Trustees adopt and enforce rules

pursuant to the master deed and bylaws, property managers carry out day-to-day operations, and disputes are typically resolved through internal processes or, if necessary, through the courts. In certain situations, however, a unit owner may pursue pressure campaigns outside that system, whether through public reviews, direct outreach to fellow owners, social media posts, and even organized protests, in an effort to force the board to capitulate to their demands.

While unit owners unquestionably have rights to express concerns and advocate for change, extra-judicial tactics can destabilize condominium communities, damage reputations, and disrupt operations. Condominium trusts and property managers must respond to such conduct carefully, lawfully, and strategically. An overreaction can inflame tensions or create liability, but a passive response can embolden misconduct and undermine governance. The purpose of this article is to provide a blueprint for any board or management company dealing with these types of situations.

Before responding to such actions, it is important for the board to conduct a careful review of the condominium’s governing documents. It may be that the unit owner’s conduct violates the provisions of the condominium’s governing documents, and therefore the board may be within its rights to issue fines or other violations to the offending unit owner. If the condominium’s governing documents are not sufficient to cover these types of circumstances, the board should consider adopting additional rules and regulations that permit the board to curtail such activity, at least where it occurs on condominium property. For example, conduct such as harassment of unit owners, disruptive behavior in common areas, and interference with condominium operations should be expressly prohibited. That way, in the event these types of situations arise down the road, the board will be well equipped to address them expeditiously.

At the same time, boards must also carefully distinguish between protected speech and conduct that crosses legal boundaries. The First Amendment protects many forms of expression, including criticism of management. Whether certain conduct indeed constitutes a violation depends on the circumstances. Merely posting online, contacting fellow unit owners, or even protesting may be considered protected expression. However, certain conduct may cross the line into valid claims, such as defamation, harassment, intimidation, or violations of the rules and regulations of the condominium. Whether the conduct constitutes a violation may depend on a nuanced analysis of the conduct, and it may be necessary to consult with counsel to make a determination as to whether it is a violation or protected conduct.

If a unit owner contacts other unit owners directly, it is likely appropriate for the board to respond, particularly when the communication contains false or incomplete statements or is otherwise inflammatory. In such circumstances, silence from the board can allow the one-sided narrative to take hold. However, any such response should be measured and factual, to avoid further inflaming the situation. The response should include a factual, accurate explanation of the issues and describe the steps the board is taking to address those issues. Transparency and professionalism are essential to ensuring the board retains credibility within the community.

If a unit owner’s conduct escalates beyond routine criticism, the condominium trust should consider contacting an attorney. Counsel can assist with evaluating whether the conduct is a violation of the condominium documents and, if so, formulate an appropriate response, such as a cease and desist letter. Early legal guidance can also help prevent unnecessary escalation of the conflict. If attempts to resolve the situation peacefully are unsuccessful, the next step may be to seek court relief, whether through a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or otherwise. The board should carefully consider whether it is worth the time, money, and stress of proceeding with litigation, and likely only do so as a last resort.

To help avoid the potential for litigation, boards should also consider implementing alternative dispute resolution provisions into their condominium documents, such as procedures for unit owners to file internal grievances, meetings with the trustees, mediation, and/or arbitration. In addition to helping boards stay out of court, when residents believe their concerns will be heard through established channels, they may be less inclined to resort to public pressure tactics. Counsel can assist with drafting those provisions and incorporating them into the condominium’s governing documents.

As with all circumstances, trustees must guard against retaliatory conduct, such as selective rule enforcement or punitive fines unsupported by the governing documents against the offending unit owner. Selective enforcement can expose the condominium to counterclaims, so enforcement must be even-handed, documented, and consistent with established policies. The best response to a pressure campaign may be steady, professional governance. Boards should also keep meticulous records, refrain from personalizing the conflict, and focus on fiduciary duties to the entire ownership. In many cases, extreme tactics ultimately undermine the credibility of the person employing them. A disciplined board that communicates clearly and acts within its legal authority will often prevail in the court of public opinion.

Conclusion

Extra-judicial pressure campaigns present real, unique challenges for condominium trusts and property managers. Whether through negative online reviews, direct outreach to fellow owners, or even organized protests, such tactics can strain relationships and disrupt governance. The appropriate response is likely neither capitulation nor aggression. Instead, boards should ground themselves in statutory authority under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183A and authority under the governing documents of the condominium, communicate transparently, and enforce governing documents consistently.

When conduct crosses into harassment, trespass, or actionable wrongdoing, the association should contact an attorney early in the process. Ultimately, court intervention, such as a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction, may be appropriate. However, proactive governance tools, such as mediation procedures and clear communication policies, can reduce the likelihood of escalation in the first place. Thoughtful legal guidance, combined with measured leadership, can preserve both the rule of law and the stability of the community.

An Associate in the litigation and real estate practice groups of the Quincy law firm of Moriarty Bielan & Gamache LLC,  Steve handles a variety of real estate related matters, including title clearing, adverse possession, condominium disputes, commercial and residential leases, landlord-tenant disputes, conveyancing, and probate matters.  He can be contacted at swiseman@mbgllc.com.