Elliot Berton on Collecting Unpaid Assessments from Unit Owners

Community association lawyer Elliot Berton was the the presenter at a key breakout session for CAI Keystone’s Annual Conference “Community Live,” the region’s premier event for cooperatives, condominiums and homeowners associations.

In his presentation “Chasing Ghosts: Collecting Assessments When the Owner Has Disappeared or Died,” Berton addressed the significant challenges that communities face when a unit owner passes away, leaving assessments unpaid and responsibilities unclear. The session explored the complex and practical issues that arise in these situations and provided actionable strategies for managing ongoing assessments, minimizing financial loss and maintaining operational stability when ownership transitions are uncertain or delayed.

The presentation took place April 16, 2026 at CAI Keystone’s Community Live! Annual Conference held at Valley Forge Casino and Conference Center.

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.

To contact Elliot, e-mail eberton@gawthrop.com or call 610-696-8225.