Maintenance Articles from the Web
Buildings
- Ocean City Condo Complex Shut Down Amid Safety Concerns (MD) April 19, 2024An Ocean City condominium complex with a history of alleged structural problems dating back more than 40 years has been declared unsafe and was closed down by the city. Ocean City’s construction official issued “unsafe structural notices” and ordered the Seaspray condos to be vacated until repairs can be made, city spokesman Doug Bergen said. Read the article…………………………….
- California HOA Condos and Homes: Unveiling the Top 10 Pitfalls of Faulty Gutter & Fascia Installations April 18, 2024A common oversight with potentially significant financial impacts is the quality and installation of gutters and fascia. At Naumann Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how these defects can lead to extensive property damage and financial strain. In our most recent blog, we delve in a bit closer the top 10 construction defects resulting from poorly installed gutters and fascia in California HOA condos and homes. Read the article…………………………….
- Ask the HOA Expert: Gutters That Work April 18, 2024Rain gutters are an inconspicuous but necessary building component that homeowner associations deal with. Their need to perform consistently triggers ongoing maintenance and repair to themselves, exterior paint, siding, roofs and trees. Failure to keep the gutter system running smoothly causes overflows, water intrusion, interior damage, structural dryrot and enormously expensive repairs. There is a lot riding on this often ignored building component. Read the article…………………………….
- Surfside condo collapse investigators provide key insights into possible causes of the disaster. Here are the top takeaways (FL) April 17, 2024Federal investigators on Thursday shared updates on their probe into the cause of the catastrophic 2021 condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, providing key insights into the factors that may have led to the deaths of 98 people under a mountain of rubble. Investigators have identified hundreds of possible points of failure in the building, eventually narrowing down about two dozen hypotheses of what could have triggered the collapse, officials with the National Institute of Standards and Technology said in a ...
- New law mandates condo inspections for older buildings (FL) April 17, 2024Charlotte County sent notices to owners of 168 condominiums built decades ago that are at least three stories high, informing them the structures must undergo comprehensive inspections under a new state law. Charlotte County Building Official Shawn McNulty explained what the new law means and how it came about during the Board of County Commissioners April 16 workshop session. Read the article…………………………….
Grounds
- Aliso Viejo residents claim herbicide spraying near their homes is making them sick (CA) April 19, 2024Back home after the walk, McCuan emailed Mission Landscape, under contract by the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA), asking what was being sprayed at Canyon View Park. The following day, after McCuan had spent six hours in her backyard digging up roots and planting native plants for Monarch butterflies, a reply arrived from Mission’s vice president of operations, Jon Cernok. He identified the spray as the weed killer Cheetah Pro. Read the article…………………………….
- Landscaping and Covenant Enforcement (CO) April 19, 2024With spring being in full force and summer being just around the corner, we wanted to remind all Associations regarding policies, covenant enforcement and good practices as it relates to landscaping. Read the article…………………………….
- Trees keep falling in Cherokee Co. neighborhood, homeowners worry with every storm (GA) April 12, 2024Cherokee County homeowners say with each rolling storm they sit with bated breath because of trees randomly falling on top of homes. “If a bad storm comes through those trees could fall right down,” Chris Frymyer said. O’Neal Wilburn showed Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln the damage to his bedroom when a tree fell on his home last month. Read the article…………………………….
- Tree Care & Maintenance: Keeping Your Biggest Landscaping Elements Healthy April 4, 2024Trees provide us with many benefits, from the obvious to the not-so-obvious. Whether your community is an urban high-rise surrounded by hundreds of others, or a sprawling suburban development with acres of grounds, its trees are an integral part of the landscape—one that we often take for granted, but which requires specific, dedicated care and maintenance in order to stay healthy and lush for decades to come. Read the article…………………………….
- Good light, bad light: HOAs find out brighter isn’t necessarily better (AZ) March 31, 2024As he cruised up one street and down another, Grahame applauded some light fixtures as he groaned aloud about others. His nightly excursions have increased of late. Grahame is the outreach specialist for Southern Arizona Chapter of DarkSky International, and homeowner associations all over Green Valley have been inviting him into their neighborhoods to evaluate their lights and offer tips on extinguishing light pollution. Read the article…………………………….
Energy & Water Conservation
- House passes bill making it easier for condo owners to install solar (CT) April 19, 2024The bill serves as an expansion of the solar rights of members of common interest communities, which include condominiums, community apartments, planned developments, etc. A provision in the State’s Clean Air Act, passed in 2022, already prohibited common interest communities from adopting or enforcing rules that would prohibit community residents from installing solar panels. That law did not, however, include condominiums or housing cooperatives. Read the article…………………………….
- New nationwide laws limit power of homeowners associations to dictate residents’ yards — here’s why it’s important April 12, 2024Across the U.S., a growing legislative trend is empowering homeowners to cultivate native plants in their yards, even when homeowners associations forbid it. In 2022, 84% of new, single-family homes belonged to an HOA that sets landscaping rules, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But thanks to new state laws, HOAs in some areas can no longer require pristine grass lawns or prohibit native vegetation. Read the article…………………………….
- Bill advances to give condo owners a new way to buy into rooftop solar (HI) April 10, 2024Condo owners may have a new pathway to access benefits from rooftop solar. The Hawai?i Senate is considering a bill to create a Solar Hui Program, allowing multi-family property owners to pay into a collective investment fund that would go towards energy projects and loans. Read the article…………………………….
- Harnessing Sustainability: HOA Community Composting and Rainwater Harvesting Programs (CA) April 8, 2024In the global pursuit of sustainability, homeowners associations (HOAs) are taking the lead by adopting innovative practices to make their communities greener. Two key initiatives, community composting, and rainwater harvesting programs, are gaining traction worldwide. These eco-friendly practices not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among residents. Let’s explore the global significance of these programs and how they are revolutionizing HOAs. Read the article…………………………….
- City of Chicago Adopts New ‘Cooling Ordinance’: What Do Chicago Community Associations Need to Know? (IL) April 3, 2024On June 22, 2022, the City of Chicago adopted a new ordinance commonly referred to as the “Cooling Ordinance”. The Cooling Ordinance modifies the cooling requirements for certain residential buildings, which does include condominium and community associations as well as residential cooperative high-rises that meet the building criteria discussed below. Read the article…………………………….
Energy & Water Conservation Archives
Fire Safety
- Storing e-bikes, e-scooters in your condo? A handful of B.C. strata councils say no March 21, 2024Faced with growing concerns about e-bike and e-scooter battery fires, a small but growing number of strata councils in the province are banning them from buildings. “The number of strata corporations, … probably 15 or 20, have in the last year taken the position, ‘We’re not going to permit them at all,’” said Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. Read the article…………………………….
- New law means an HOA can’t stop you from hardening your home against wildfires (CO) March 15, 2024A new state law voids homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using building materials that are more resistant to wildfires. Gov. Jared Polis signed the legislation this week. In a statement, he said the new law should help homeowners safeguard their homes and save money on insurance. Read the article…………………………….
- Green Valley HOAs get Firewise ball rolling (AZ) March 9, 2024Three communities in Green Valley have become designated Firewise USA sites, and are encouraging homeowners associations to do the same to help protect Green Valley from wildfires. The Firewise USA award is given to communities that have put in a lot of time, effort and planning to educate homeowners in wildfire safety and mitigate the impact of wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
- Some Colorado HOAs ban using fire-resistant building materials. This proposed law could overrule that February 22, 2024A Colorado Senate committee on Tuesday advanced legislation that would block homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using fire-resistant building materials, a change that firefighters and insurance experts say would give communities more options to harden properties against climate-fueled wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
- Lawmakers advance bill that would void HOA rules that block wildfire-hardening (CO) February 21, 2024A Colorado Senate committee on Tuesday advanced legislation that would block homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using fire-resistant building materials, a change that firefighters and insurance experts say would give communities more options to harden properties against climate-fueled wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
Security
- Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities April 18, 2024A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
- Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities April 16, 2024A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
- Someone stole a master mailbox key in Sacramento. What’s being done to stop break-ins? (CA) April 15, 2024Mail theft has been an ongoing issue in her Arden Arcade condominium community, Woodside Homeowners Association, over the past few years, she said. Braden filed a report with the inspection service to help her recover her stolen credit card in February. “You’ll receive an email response in 1-3 days,” the confirmation said. She never heard from them. Read the article…………………………….
- 2 Wynmoor Village employees arrested for allegedly stealing up to $10,000 worth of items from a resident (FL) April 12, 2024Two men have been arrested following a stunning crime at a South Florida condominium making the 83-year-old victim’s family ask questions. Coconut Police Police said that a building manager and director of security who were employed by a Coconut Creek retirement community were arrested for allegedly stealing from one of its residents. Read the article…………………………….
- ‘I would blow it all up’: Suspect arrested for threats to Palm Beach condo board (FL) April 6, 2024A man was arrested in Palm Beach on Wednesday after he allegedly threatened to blow up a residential building during a condo board meeting. According to the Palm Beach Police Department, Paul Cataldo was arrested shortly after an April 3 condo board meeting during which made statements about blowing up the building. He was booked on a count of threat to throw, project, place or discharge and destructive device. Read the article…………………………….
Amenities
- Should a tennis court be converted into pickleball courts? Debate intensifies in one Austin community (TX) April 15, 2024In the Steiner Ranch Community in northwest Austin, there are three areas with neighborhood tennis courts, and some of them have pickleball lines. Residents can make reservations to play either game, but recently a debate has landed on the courts at the Bella Mar community center over whether a tennis court should be converted into four pickleball courts. Read the article…………………………….
- Making a splash: Developing a community association pool policy April 11, 2024Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for pool season. Maintaining the perfect oasis is about more than just warm weather and water. Creating a safe, positive environment for residents to escape, unwind, and make cherished memories requires an ongoing process of routine checks, equipment upgrades, and meticulous planning. Read the article…………………………….
- Steiner Ranch residents vie over pickleball court proposal (TX) April 11, 2024Two groups of Steiner Ranch residents are at odds over the proposed introduction of pickleball courts within the homeowners association community. On April 4, a group of residents created a petition that advocated for converting one tennis court at the Bella Mar Community Center into four semi-permanent pickleball courts. The petition alluded to a recent meeting between the HOA board and the tennis committee, which included conversations on the proposed initiative. Read the article…………………………….
- Pickleball in your Community Association: 10 Considerations (IL) April 10, 2024Pickleball is sweeping the nation as a popular activity for all ages. It’s one of the fastest growing sports with over 8 million estimated pickleball players in the US. Before jumping on the bandwagon, consider whether your condominium, homeowner (HOA), or townhome community association has the space, budget, and interest to support a pickleball court. Read the article…………………………….
Maintenance – General Articles
- Important Construction Contract Provisions for Major Repairs in Condominiums & HOAs (MI) April 19, 2024The overwhelming majority of condominium and homeowners associations will, at some point in time, need to enter into a large construction contract for a major repair or replacement. Complex construction contracts are more frequent in condominiums, where associations have a much larger number of items that they are responsible for maintaining. However, even smaller homeowners associations may have to contract for a repair or replacement to certain large items, such as private roads/drives or shared stormwater drainage systems for their ...
- California HOA Condos and Homes: Unveiling the Top 10 Pitfalls of Faulty Gutter & Fascia Installations April 18, 2024A common oversight with potentially significant financial impacts is the quality and installation of gutters and fascia. At Naumann Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how these defects can lead to extensive property damage and financial strain. In our most recent blog, we delve in a bit closer the top 10 construction defects resulting from poorly installed gutters and fascia in California HOA condos and homes. Read the article…………………………….
- Spring Has Sprung! Is Your Community Association Ready? April 18, 2024Spring has sprung! Which means that community associations through North and South Carolina will begin seeing increased community traffic, amenity use (including use of playgrounds, pools, tennis and pickleball courts), and increased social events. So, is your community ready. Read the article…………………………….
- Ask the HOA Expert: Gutters That Work April 18, 2024Rain gutters are an inconspicuous but necessary building component that homeowner associations deal with. Their need to perform consistently triggers ongoing maintenance and repair to themselves, exterior paint, siding, roofs and trees. Failure to keep the gutter system running smoothly causes overflows, water intrusion, interior damage, structural dryrot and enormously expensive repairs. There is a lot riding on this often ignored building component. Read the article…………………………….
Maintenenace – General Articles Archives
Mold
- HOA Homefront: Myths mold consultants use to scare residents, homeowners (pt 2) (CA) March 30, 2024Although mold trade organizations have created their own credentials and extensive and expensive cleanup protocols, the EPA recommendation to clean up a moldy area of up to 10 square feet is to wipe it with a cloth dampened with a diluted bleach solution. Misleading and self-serving statements by the “toxic mold” industry continue to grab attention. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Homefront: Why ‘toxic mold’ myths continue to panic residents (CA) March 22, 2024In 2000, a new panic swept the country — “toxic mold.” Twenty-four years of lawsuits and untold billions of dollars later, major mold myths continue to frighten residents and cause exaggerated repairs and unnecessary conflict. On one side of the debate is the mold industry: testers, consultants and mold clean-up contractors. On the other side are the federal and state governmental health agencies. Read the article…………………………….
- Tenant says mold grew for 3 years in Downtown condo while condo board stalled repairs (FL) February 8, 2024It’s one of the premier luxury condos in downtown Jacksonville, however a resident at Berkman Plaza says his experience has been anything but luxurious. Nearly 3 years ago a pipe burst on the 10th floor of Berkman Plaza and created massive damage in Nick Rosado’s 8th floor condo. Rosado is still trying to get his condo repaired and says the condo board is standing in the way of the repairs. Read the article…………………………….
- Condo owners frustrated with leaking, possible mold in Prince George’s Co. building (MD) June 2, 2023Some condominium owners in a Prince George’s County building said they are dealing with leaks and living with mold. The owners said the issue is starting outside of their unit, which means the “condo” association should be taking care of it, and owners say they’re not handling it properly. Read the article………………………..