FEATURED
- January 28, 2021
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It is not uncommon for HOA Boards to need and want additional help with projects around their HOA community. This help often can come in the form of volunteer Homeowners and self-help projects undertaken by Board members. While this form of help can be cost-saving for many HOAs, the Boards must consider the potential liability […]

FEATURED
- January 28, 2021
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We have faced a lot of new frontiers as a community this year—Zoom meetings, increased digital sharing of information, how to safely open community common areas, how to allow business partners to complete their work at the community without disrupting concerned residents—all while handling the additional influx of action items and working in a new […]

FEATURED
- January 20, 2021
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There may be times when an HOA Board may be in a situation where it needs to enter a condominium or townhouse Unit in their community. The Board does not have unrestricted access to the Units in their community, and the limits and the authority to enter a Unit are governed by the HOA’s Declaration.  […]

FEATURED
- January 4, 2021
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If you’ve come to one of our collections classes or read your Association’s Collection Policy, you may have heard the term acceleration. But what exactly is that? Accelerating means calling due all of the year’s assessments now. If it’s January and you accelerate assessments, all the monthly (or quarterly) assessments due this year are now […]

FEATURED
- December 29, 2020
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The business of collecting outstanding HOA dues is often fraught with roadblocks. Payment promises are routinely broken, checks bounce, debtors are self-employed or frequently change jobs making wage garnishments ineffective, and bank garnishments often yield pennies on the dollar compared to the cost of issuance and service of the writ. If you are a board […]

FEATURED
- December 23, 2020
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Master policies are a form of property and liability insurance carried by associations that the members pay for as part of their assessments. Master policies typically cover common elements in a community as well as portions of units at times. State laws pertaining to condominiums and most project legal documents creating condominiums require condominium associations […]

FEATURED
- December 1, 2020
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Many believe that associations are not required to pay taxes because they are non-profit corporations. However, in most cases, that is not accurate. In order for an association to be exempt from taxes, it must qualify as a tax-exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code.     Read the article……………………………

FEATURED
- November 24, 2020
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Hey, boss, my coworker just cleared her throat twice. Can you send her home?  As a manager in a pre-COVID office environment, what would you have done? Maybe nothing. Overreaction by a manager could have been seen as invading someone’s personal space and intruding upon someone’s private health concerns.  However, during a pandemic, it is […]

FEATURED
- November 7, 2020
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As of the moment of this writing, we are in the thick of vote counting in our national election, with allegations of fraud, cheating, and mishandling ballots running rampant. On the flip side are allegations of voter intimidation and ballot counting intimidation. While these stories surely affect all of us in different ways, even though […]

FEATURED
- November 4, 2020
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Homeowners associations, the private, usually nonprofit, corporations that govern residential communities, are often maligned as intrusive, nit-picky coalitions of busybodies. These entities, however, are meant to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of properties — and property values — within their respective communities. HOAs have the authority to set rules, and when those rules aren’t followed, […]

FEATURED
- November 3, 2020
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An association’s maintenance and insurance obligations are typically set forth in its governing documents, and ideally should be contained in the declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions. Although one might expect that a board member, manager, or homeowner would be able to read their communities’ governing documents and find answers to questions concerning their maintenance […]

FEATURED
- November 3, 2020
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With annual meeting season upon us, along with the restrictions and complications attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for associations to continue to conduct business, it is a fair assumption that many boards, managers, and homeowner are trying to figure out ways to take action without being physically present at a meeting. There […]

FEATURED
- October 24, 2020
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For HOA’s, it can be very useful to have a tool to document a house or property to view later. Often, this would entail just taking photographs of anything relevant or particularly specific on a property. However, photos can only get you so far. Say perhaps you want to have a measurement on a wall […]

FEATURED
- October 24, 2020
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In today’s day and age, associations are looking for more convenient, flexible, and safe ways to conduct association business. The ongoing pandemic has only amplified the need for associations to explore their options to conduct business virtually. The good news is the Colorado Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act (“Nonprofit Act”) under section 7-127-108 states, “Unless otherwise […]

FEATURED
- October 24, 2020
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Are you dealing with leaks from an outdated plumbing system? Piping issues, whether defective or age-related, can be one of the worst problems a community can experience, especially given the potential damage to a building’s structure and personal property that can be caused by flooding, leaks, and mold.  Facing the prospect of replacing and modernizing […]

FEATURED
- October 24, 2020
33 views 57 sec

What do Millennials actually want? This question has been front and center in recent years for anyone who is interested in marketing services or products to the globe’s largest rising group with purchasing power. Millennials have been accused of being “flighty” and “killing off” everything from “the concept of the starter home” to “napkins,” according […]

FEATURED
- October 19, 2020
26 views 36 sec

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its course, state and local governments are still struggling to adjust to the up-and-down statistics of the pandemic. In his most recent Executive Order, Governor Polis ordered the Department of Public Health to create “levels” of restrictions based on the number of outbreaks a county has experienced. The […]

FEATURED
- October 17, 2020
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Many HOAs are hosting their required annual meetings towards the end of the year. In addition to the stress of making sure such meetings run smoothly, Boards and managers have to also navigate annual meetings during the COVID pandemic.    Read the article………………………………….

FEATURED
- October 12, 2020
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I say that the best practices are born out of lessons learned from the worst practices. If you have been a board member or manager for a few years, you may have come across some worst practices. They can result from incompetence, or in the extreme, criminal activity (embezzlement). Read on to learn about the […]

FEATURED
- October 12, 2020
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In trying to explain Reserve Study concepts for clients, Reserve Study companies and their lingo may have created some unintended consequences. Unfortunately, this just makes a board’s job more difficult.  The board hires a Reserve Specialist to put together a budgetary action plan, the board reviews, then distributes the findings and votes on an action […]

FEATURED
- October 12, 2020
31 views 6 sec

For HOA’s, it can be very useful to have a tool to document a house or property to view later. Often, this would entail just taking photographs of anything relevant or particularly specific on a property. However, photos can only get you so far. Say perhaps you want to have a measurement on a wall […]

FEATURED
- September 22, 2020
15 views 34 sec

As of today, the General Election is 43 days away. While like most Americans I have very strong opinions and beliefs regarding the cultural and electoral issues facing our country, I also live in an HOA and am taking the signage rules and my neighbors into account when putting up signs that mirror my beliefs […]

FEATURED
- September 18, 2020
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As the Colorado Legislature’s Regular Session closed for the year, two HOA related bills were passed into law, and another bill was put on hold. Below is a summary of the new changes these laws will introduce into the realm of HOAs and managing companies:    Read the article…………………………………

FEATURED
- September 1, 2020
18 views 55 sec

What are policies and why do they exist? The purpose of policies is to set forth a process to be followed with respect to various issues. A policy, in most cases, is a safety net for associations to ensure everyone is being treated the same and the same processes are followed every time. If an […]

FEATURED
- August 28, 2020
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The last several months have been all about COVID-19 and compliance with Public Health Order 20-28 (which, I might add, is now on its 10th amendment as of August 21st!). But don’t forget about the need to comply with the new changes to the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (“CCIOA”), which were put in place […]

FEATURED
- August 26, 2020
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The State’s HOA Information Office and its HOA Officer were continued for 5 more years. The State office was due to end (or “sunset”), but was renewed by HB 20-1200 (“Bill”). The Bill also establishes a state law standard on limited religious displays on the door or door frame of a residence.    Read the article………………………….

FEATURED
- August 19, 2020
23 views 34 sec

Many times, Homeowners express their passions and interests in the form of signs and/or flags on their property. However, HOAs are sometimes asked to restrict signs and flags that are controversial or politically charged. Legally, some signs and flags cannot be prohibited under Colorado law, although HOAs are given discretion to restrict the number, size, […]

FEATURED
- August 4, 2020
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2020 has been a crazy year for associations. We have all been forced to deal with new realities – many of which still pose unanswered questions. How are we going to have meetings when the state says we can only have a limited amount of people? Are we going to be able to open the […]

FEATURED
- August 4, 2020
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One of the most difficult questions posed to a condominium association board is: Who is responsible for damage caused by a water leak? For example: water comes through the roof, intrudes into and damages upper condo unit #1, passes through and damages the common element walls and floors along the way, then ends up in, […]

FEATURED
- July 19, 2020
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Many clients are facing difficult decisions related to COVID-19. Should we open the pool? Should we waive late fees? Should we tell that owner she needs to repaint her house? Service as a director on a community association Board is never easy, but the pandemic has created stark and binary decisions that are not easy […]

FEATURED
- July 13, 2020
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On July 8, 2020, Senate Bill 20-126 was adopted. SB 20-126 amends CCIOA at C.R.S. §38-33.3-106.5 to require licensed daycare centers to be allowed in all Colorado associations (with the exception of communities qualified as housing for older persons under the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995), regardless of whether or not daycare centers […]

FEATURED
- July 13, 2020
14 views 48 sec

This spring, in the middle of the COVID pandemic, I decided, finally, to stain my fence. This was early- or mid- April, when we were all still a little freaked out about the whole thing, when there was so much information flying around that no one was quite sure how safe it was to even […]

FEATURED
- June 19, 2020
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Some insurance companies have indicated that claims related to COVID-19 will be denied (depending on the nature of the claim and the specifics of the individual policy). In light of this risk, what protections exist for the individual board members in the event of a claim where insurance coverage does not apply?    Read the article……………………………..

FEATURED
- June 19, 2020
17 views 40 sec

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, our land of HOA Struggles is no different. As boards are busy trying to decide whether pools and playgrounds will be open this season, they oftentimes forget to look at the issue of liability insurance and whether they would be protected should an owner […]

FEATURED
- June 16, 2020
14 views 47 sec

Having reconvened on May 26, 2020 following the roughly two-month long COVID-19 recess, the Colorado General Assembly officially adjourned sine die on Monday, June 15, 2020. Considering the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, Colorado’s legislature was forced to make difficult fiscal and policy decisions during its last weeks of business. Throughout the session, Altitude Community […]

FEATURED
- June 10, 2020
17 views 35 sec

As COVID-19 continues its course, state health orders still limit public gatherings and how many individuals can be together indoors. Additionally, there are still plenty of people who do not feel comfortable attending public gatherings or are in a high risk category and simply cannot take the chance to be out in public surrounded by […]

FEATURED
- June 9, 2020
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Now that the final health order is out addressing pool openings, it’s time for boards to make a difficult decision. Specifically, boards need to decide whether their community pools will open for the season or remain closed.    Read the article………………………………

FEATURED
- June 6, 2020
19 views 37 sec

Over the past twenty (20) years, plaintiff attorneys in Colorado have routinely asserted Colorado Consumer Protection Act (“CCPA”) claims in addition to the “standard” construction defect claims that are the foundation of CD lawsuits. This article sets forth the elements a plaintiff must establish under Colorado law to prevail on a CCPA claim and, in […]

FEATURED
- June 4, 2020
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As we continue up and down this rollercoaster ride called COVID-19, the biggest question on the table right now for community associations is what about pools? Can we open them, and if so, under what conditions? With the latest directives issued by Governor Polis on June 2nd, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment […]

FEATURED
- June 2, 2020
23 views 49 sec

As summer fast approaches, many of us are looking forward to using our community swimming pool areas. Unfortunately, due to the ‘old Covid-19, that may not happen, at least not any time soon. And, if the new draft guidelines on pools just released by the CDPHE come into effect, boards will have to determine whether […]

FEATURED
- May 20, 2020
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Promoting a culture of transparency in the governance of your association will lead to a more effective and efficient association, a more informed membership and a more accountable board of directors. Here are some items to consider in promoting transparency:     Open the PDF……………………………………

FEATURED
- May 14, 2020
17 views 44 sec

Enter COVID-19 into our lives. Should fairness still be your top priority?   The Pandemic is challenging because it changes everything. It’s all-encompassing and all-consuming of time and energy. It changes our priorities, and it changes our plans. It changes us mentally, and it changes us physically. It changes our routines, and it changes our ability […]

FEATURED
- May 4, 2020
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Damages resulting from hail storms and water leaks are two of the most common insurance claims for townhouse and condominium associations.   Read the article…………………………

FEATURED
- May 1, 2020
16 views 35 sec

For those of us that were involved with associations in the late 2000s and early 2010s, collections were difficult. The economy was in a recession and people were unemployed or underemployed. Homeowners often owed more on their homes than they were worth and mortgage companies were foreclosing at an alarming rate. Collections were difficult because […]

FEATURED
- May 1, 2020
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As we continue embracing our lives and living “la vida covid,” we have few economic certainties. Here’s what we do know: collection of assessments in Colorado has slowed but has not stopped, lender foreclosures in Colorado are being significantly delayed, and many of our friends and neighbors are struggling with reduced income or in some […]

FEATURED
- April 23, 2020
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“This is a marathon – not a sprint, which was the easy part – now we need to pace ourselves and these distancing measures need to be sustainable.”  So said Governor Polis on April 20th, when he announced the pending end of the Covid-19 Sprint, which was intended to flatten the Covid-19 Curve, and to […]

FEATURED
- April 1, 2020
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Whether it be an unexpected repair or an insurance deductible, homeowners associations are more commonly turning to lenders for community association loans. This is especially true for condominium associations who may be facing large insurance deductibles related to hail damage.   Read the article…………………………….

FEATURED
- March 26, 2020
19 views 24 sec

As you likely know, Governor Polis issued a state-wide lockdown last night, which took effect at 6:00 am today. I started receiving phone calls late last night from managers and board members wondering what this meant for their associations, their boards, and their ongoing activities and projects.   Read the article…………………………

FEATURED
- March 23, 2020
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Sample policy for Colorado Read or download the PDF………………………………..

FEATURED
- March 18, 2020
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As we continue to move through the unchartered territory of the coronavirus, we will try to keep you up to date on the various questions sent our way. Here are a few more:  What is the fiduciary duty of the Board when it comes to the general welfare of the residents and keeping them healthy?  […]