Reidenbach & Associates applies the same expertise and care to each case, whether working with a national developer or a first-time homebuyer. 

Homeowners’ Associations and Condominium Governance – Document Amendments and Legal Opinions

Assisted HOA and condominium communities in revising and updating their governing documents to align with current legal requirements and community needs. Provided detailed legal opinions on provisions within these documents, addressing complex governance questions and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. Our work enabled these communities to strengthen their operational frameworks, resolve disputes, and enhance governance clarity, fostering more effective and harmonious community management.

Residential Real Estate Transaction – Guided Family Through Property Sale

Represented a family in the successful sale of their residential property in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. We provided comprehensive legal guidance throughout the closing process, ensuring all contractual obligations were met and potential issues were addressed proactively. Our diligent review of the transaction documents and coordination with all parties facilitated a smooth and timely closing, allowing the family to achieve their goal of selling the property efficiently and with confidence.

Landlord-Tenant Dispute – Successful Eviction and Recovery of Damages

Successfully represented a landlord in a landlord-tenant dispute Delaware County, Pennsylvania, resulting in the eviction of a tenant who provided false information on her rental application. The tenant’s misrepresentation concealed critical background details, leading to non-payment of rent and lease violations. In Landlord-Tenant Court, we secured the tenant’s eviction, recovered unpaid back rent, and obtained partial reimbursement of the landlord’s attorney fees. Our strategic approach ensured the landlord regained control of the property and received appropriate compensation for losses incurred.

Clarifying Family Ownership of Inherited Property

A client contacted us to determine whether she and her relatives had legal ownership of a Philadelphia property passed down through generations. The property had been in the family for decades but was never properly probated after the grandmother passed without a will. We investigated deed, marriage, and probate records, and confirmed that the grandmother’s longtime companion—who was on title—was not legally married to her. Our research confirmed which family members held valid ownership claims, and we guided the client on the next steps to open the estate and protect her family’s interest. This matter shows how legal clarity is essential when managing family-owned property after a loved one’s passing.

Enforcing Warranty Rights in a Commercial Dispute

A veteran-owned subcontracting business completed work on a commercial project but was denied final payment because a manufacturer refused to issue a product warranty. The manufacturer claimed the warranty was conditional on a final inspection - something not stated in the warranty terms or purchase documents. We filed a declaratory judgment action and won a favorable summary judgment order, requiring the manufacturer to issue the warranty certificate. The release of payment soon followed. This case illustrates how clear contractual rights can be enforced when payment is improperly withheld.

Resolving Title Issues After a Sheriff’s Sale

A real estate investor purchased a residential property at a sheriff’s sale, unaware that the foreclosing lender held only a second mortgage. After the purchase, the investor received notice of a second sheriff’s sale related to the first mortgage. We investigated the chain of title, discovered that the first mortgage had not been paid or satisfied in the initial sale, and helped our client pay off the lien in order to convey clear title to a new buyer. We then successfully petitioned the court to reimburse our client from surplus sale proceeds held by the sheriff. This matter highlights the risks of distressed property purchases and the critical role of legal review before bidding.

Failure to Disclose Easement – Residential Real Estate Transaction  

Successfully represented the purchasers of a residential property in Wayne, Pennsylvania, in a case involving the sellers’ failure to disclose a substantial easement burdening the property (20’ wide x 160’ long). Despite the sellers—one of whom was a licensed real estate agent—indicating “No” to the existence of any easements on the mandatory Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement, they were fully aware of the easement, having lived in the home for several years and obtained a property survey shortly before listing it for sale. The easement, which significantly impacted the property’s side yard and driveway, was not discovered by the buyers until a neighbor informed them shortly after closing. Relying on the sellers’ representations, the buyers had opted not to commission a survey before closing. A post-purchase appraisal confirmed a material loss in value due to the encumbrance. We negotiated a favorable settlement on behalf of our clients prior to filing a formal legal complaint.

Property Tax Assessment Appeal – Real Estate Tax Reduction

Successfully appealed a client’s over-assessed property tax in Chester County. The client had been paying an annual tax bill that we determined was not supported by the property’s fair market value. Acting on this analysis, we filed appeals before the Chester County Board of Assessment, challenging the valuations applied to the county, school district, and township portions of the tax bill. Our appeal resulted in a significant reduction in the assessed value of the home, lowering the client’s assessed value by over $750,000.00, saving them nearly $22,000 per year. Consistent with our firm’s approach to tax appeals, we handled this matter on a contingency fee basis—our client paid no legal fees unless and until we obtained a reduction.

Employment Discrimination & Wrongful Termination – Pre-Litigation Resolution

Successfully represented a long-standing employee of a national telecommunications provider who was wrongfully terminated following an incident with a customer. The employee, an African American gay man, was physically assaulted by a customer who became irate over her billing charges. During the confrontation—captured in full on the store’s surveillance footage—the employee raised his arms to protect himself, causing the customer to lose her balance and fall. Despite acting in self-defense and having no prior disciplinary history, the employer terminated him, citing alleged violations of internal policies. We engaged in pre-litigation negotiations and reached a favorable settlement for our client before initiating formal legal proceedings.

Property Within Two Counties

Represented buyers of a 3.3 acre residential property in Wayne, PA. The property and the main house, constructed circa 1848, had been in the seller’s family for seven generations. The property straddles two counties, Montgomery and Chester, and two townships, Upper Merion and Tredyffrin. 

Construction Defect Litigation

Handled construction defect litigation against a local builder. Damages to our client's home were in excess of $280,000. The case was unique in that the buyer of the home did not hire the builder; instead, the seller of the home had contracted the builder. Reidenbach & Associates obtained an assignment of rights from the seller to pursue all claims and damages against the builder. Numerous subcontractors were joined into the litigation. Case was successfully settled with the builder and several subcontractors. Case venued in Delaware County, however the home was located in Chester County.

Debtor/Creditor Rights 

Successfully settled debt collection matter of $115,874.80 for $20,000.00. The claim was brought by a Philadelphia law firm on behalf of the former divorce attorney of our client, who had to hire new counsel in order to obtain a divorce. The case was filed in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County, and the claim was for breach of contract. Reidenbach & Associates negotiated a settlement for our client based on overbilling and potential violation of the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct.

Purchase of Existing LLC

Successfully negotiated the purchase of a member interest in an existing LLC for below market value. The sale of the LLC was a complex matter involving potential fraud and theft by the seller of the LLC interest, along with the typical problems inherent in valuation of an existing, on-going business. Represented the buyer throughout the transaction, including the initial drafting of all documents used in this transaction, representing buyer at an emergency hearing in Delaware County Court before Judge Burr, where basic issues of corporate ownership and governance were negotiated and discussed on the record in order to preserve the claims for future filings. Case also involved guiding buyer through the winding down of the LLC (including assistance in obtaining tax clearance certificates for the LLC and filing to close the LLC).  

Tax Assessment Appeal 

Appealed the taxes of a new home (purchased in 2015 and improved since purchase with, among other things, the addition of a pool). The home was over-assessed by almost $200,000.00 in fair market value and $160,000.00 in tax basis value. Successfully appealed the current tax valuation and argued for a decrease in tax basis before the Delaware County Board of Assessment Appeals. Our successful appeal reduced the tax basis of the parcel by over $160,000.00 and saved the homeowners an estimated $3,323.41 per year in taxes.  

Condemnation of Raw Land 

Successfully negotiated the Condemnation of raw land in the City of Philadelphia from an original offer of $5,500.00 to a final price of $20,000.00 plus reimbursement of attorney’s fees and appraisal costs of up to $4,000.00. Represented the land owner throughout the transaction, including coordination of multiple appraisals of the land and being the sole communicator with the City’s Representative.