Elliot Berton on Rules Enforcement in Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations

Community association lawyer Elliot H. Berton gave an interactive presentation on April 25, 2025 at the Delaware County Bar Association, where he addressed one of the most vexing and controversial aspects of living in or owning property within a condominium or community association: controlling resident and owner conduct.

Hosted by the DCBA’s Real Estate Practices Committee, Berton’s presentation on “Rules Enforcement in Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations” offered practical guidance for navigating challenging scenarios and enforcement strategies within the legal foundations of association authority. Berton explored real-life issues such as:

• Noise complaints
• Home remodeling or repairs
• Pet ownership
• Levying fines
• Legal proceedings

Berton concentrates his practice in protecting condominium and homeowners’ associations in both state and bankruptcy courts. Drawing on his background representing banks, financial services companies and other creditors, he advises community associations on loan negotiation and documentation, service and vendor contracts, assessment recovery and other financial matters. He also supports associations through declarant transitions, operational challenges, governing document amendments and interpretations, and defense litigation.

A frequent lecturer, Berton has led roundtables and seminars for property managers and management companies on topics including rules enforcement, managing difficult residents, assessment collection and alternatives to special assessments such as borrowing. He has served as a panelist for multiple Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) courses, including “Who’s on First? Lien Priority in Pennsylvania,” “What’s on Second? Sophisticated Issues in Lien Divestiture & Priority,” and sessions at PBI’s annual Real Estate and Bankruptcy Institutes. Berton has also been a featured speaker for the Delaware County Real Estate Committee and has taught attorneys and professionals best practices for collections and procedures.