Matthew W. Gaines
Email | mgaines@meeb.com
Direct Line | 781.849.3675
Areas of focus: Condominium Law; Commercial and Residential Real Estate Acquisition and Development; Legislative Action
Matt is a partner in the firm, and concentrates his practice on commercial and residential real estate acquisitions, as well as condominium and community association law.
Matt’s commercial and residential real estate practice entails handling all aspects of real estate acquisition, development, and financing, including: drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements; reviewing commercial loan documents; reviewing title examinations; issuing title insurance policies; and reviewing zoning, subdivision and other land use matters.
Matt’s condominium and community association law practice focuses on drafting of governing documents for condominium and community associations, interpreting documents, lien enforcement actions, amending documents, enforcement of rules and covenants, reviewing and drafting easements and other title matters, and fair housing and discrimination matters, including requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications. Matt frequently represents clients before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, defending condominium associations.
Matt plays an active role on legislative issues impacting condominiums and community associations. Matt brings valuable insights and invaluable experience to those activities, courtesy of his previously work as chief of staff and legislative director for a Massachusetts State Senator.
Matt frequently writes and lectures on a variety of topics related to condominium law.
EDUCATION
Connecticut College (2001)
New England School of Law (2008)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association
Member of Board of Directors
Co-Chair Legislative Section
Community Association’s Institute (New England)
Co-Chair Massachusetts Legislature Action Committee
ADMISSIONS
Massachusetts
NOTABLE
Recipient of the 2009 CAI-NE Volunteer Award for his efforts in ensuring the passage of legislation that exempts many condominiums from the corporate excise tax.
Recipient of the 2014 CAI-NE Outstanding Service Award
Recipient of the 2015 CAI-NE Excellence in Government & Public Affairs
PUBLICATIONS
“Changes to the tax code and their effect on condominiums” in REBA News (Fall 2009)
“Run-Off Rules; Proposed Stormwater Regulations and Their Effect on Condominiums” in Condo Media (February 2010)
“New and Notable; Massachusetts 2009/2010 Legislative Updated” in Condo Media (May 2010)
“New Funding Source; Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill to Encourage Energy Conservation Projects” in Condo Media (July 2010)
“Buyer Beware; Provisions of Condo Act May Be Waived” in Condo Media (August 2010)
“Pieces of the Pie; Gov. Patrick Signs Legislation Amending How Condominium Percentage Interests Are Established” in Condo Media (October 2010)
“Service Animal Regs Provide Guidance for Home Owner Associations and Landlords but Don’t Alter their Obligations” (December 2010)
“Oil Heating Systems Upgrades” in Condo Media (August 2011)
“Boston Energy Ordinance” in Condo Media (October 2013)
“Change to Condominium Law Will Make it Easier for Associations to Obtain Mortgagee Consent when Amending Documents” (January 2015)
“HUD Restrictions on Criminal Background Checks May Affect Condominium Sex Offender Ban” (June 2016)