Common Interest Communities: Private Governments and the Public Interest

More than 35 million Americans live under private governments with broad powers. As residents of condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities, they are required to join associations with sweeping control over their daily lives. Here, for the first time, experts examine these private governments and describe the bitter conflicts spawned by their strict regulations and forced obligations. Common interest communities manage property, enforce life-styles, provide services, and assess members to finance common expenses. This fascinating book is a must read for planners, property owners, government officials, environmentalists, and anyone who is thinking about investing in a condominium, cooperative, or planned community.