Navigating the Shadows: HOA Fraud and Community Safety (CA)

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a pivotal role in maintaining harmony and order in the fabric of community living. However, this structured environment is not immune to fraud and misconduct risks. HOA fraud casts a shadow over community trust and safety, raising concerns and demanding vigilance. This blog explores the intricacies of HOA fraud, offering insights […]

Navigating Financial Challenges: Structural Integrity Reserve Studies

Ensuring the structural integrity of buildings is a primary concern for community associations in Florida, where climate and weather events can pose a significant threat to buildings and their residents. Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) address this by offering crucial insights into a building’s condition and future maintenance needs, safeguarding buildings against potential damage and […]

Artificial Intelligence: Responsible Guidelines for Your HOA

Community association board members and managers should approach the use of artificial intelligence thoughtfully and responsibly. Consider the following:  Clearly define objectives. Outline your goals. Whether it’s building community, streamlining processes, or enhancing decision-making, understanding your objectives is essential.   Read the article…………………………….

Waging War on HOA Weeds

Why is it that the plants you want to keep green and living always brown and wilt, while the weeds you try to kill flourish and drive you nuts? It’s a problem that plagues every yard, in every community, no matter in what part of the country you live. While the problem is inevitable, there […]

Dos and Don’ts of Election Challenges in Community Associations (FL)

Pursuant to their relevant statutory provisions, election disputes that take place in condominium, homeowners’, and cooperative associations are subject to mandatory nonbinding arbitration before the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (the “Division,” for short). It is referred to as “nonbinding” because the arbitrator’s order is not final until 30 days after its […]

Realtors’ Settlement Will Lower the Cost of Selling a Co-op or Condo (NY)

The National Association of Realtors (NAR), a powerful organization that has set the guidelines for home sales for decades, has agreed to settle a series of lawsuits by paying $418 million in damages and by eliminating a bedrock of the industry: the 6% sales commission.   Read the article…………………………….

Mastering the Architectural Review Process

Reviewing architectural applications is typically part of a community association manager’s bread and butter. However, the architectural review process can be fraught with stumbling blocks, and architectural disputes with homeowners can be drawn-out, expensive affairs. A few practice tips for processing architectural applications are listed below to help master the architectural review process:   Read the […]

Holding Orderly, Efficient Annual Meetings – It’s Not as Hard as It Seems!

Talk to anyone familiar with common-interest community governance anywhere in the country, and they will tell you the same thing: apathy is rampant among residents of co-ops, condos, and HOAs. Not only is it difficult to get owners and shareholders to run for their boards of directors, but it’s a struggle to even get them […]

Homeowner challenges HOA over solar panels (FL)

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into usable electricity. They have been gaining popularity in recent years as homeowners seek ways to reduce their utility bills, as well as their carbon footprints. A Florida homeowner is reportedly feeling frustrated, however, regarding solar panel installation on a roof. The Homeowners Association where the individual lives […]

Security measures: How communities can protect residents while minimizing liability

Community associations need to tread carefully when it comes to security. Employing various security measures and creating a perception of security could make communities liable if a crime occurs.  For example, where a resident or member sees that the association has installed cameras or license plate readers or employed roving guards, the expectation naturally arises […]

Dealing with Difficult Owners in an Association

Living in a community can offer many benefits, such as shared amenities and a sense of community. However, associations come with their own set of challenges, particularly when dealing with difficult owners. Whether it’s disagreements over rules and regulations, or disruptive behavior, addressing these issues requires a delicate balance of assertiveness, diplomacy, and adherence to […]

Wellness Amenities and Their Impact on Resident Satisfaction (FL)

Wellness amenities can not only improve the health and happiness of your community members but can also drastically improve the property values and attraction to your neighborhood. As the leading HOA management company, Wise Property Management can provide the highest quality homeowners association management      Read the article…………………………….

How to Successfully Budget Your HOA

A homeowners association makes the big decisions for your condo or living space. These big decisions include a budget, which encompasses how your association will decide which areas of your property require financial spending. Creating a budget is a complex project; at Thayer Associates, we’d like to make the process easier.     Read the article…………………………….

Florida Condominium Terminations: Five Considerations

A condo termination, also known as a condominium deconversion, refers to the process where a condominium association legally dissolves. Condo terminations occur for several reasons including economic factors, aging infrastructure, or the desire of unit owners to capitalize on real estate market conditions.    Read the article…………………………….

Rules and Expectations of Managers and HOA Boards of Directors (CA)

If you have never owned a home that has a governing homeowners association (HOA), it can be difficult to sort out who does what. While collaboration among everyone involved is what helps to drive a community forward, it’s helpful to clarify responsibilities and align goals.   Read the article…………………………….

Dos and Don’ts of Election Challenges in Community Associations (FL)

Pursuant to their relevant statutory provisions, election disputes that take place in condominium, homeowners’, and cooperative associations are subject to mandatory nonbinding arbitration before the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (the “Division,” for short). It is referred to as “nonbinding” because the arbitrator’s order is not final until 30 days after its […]

Mastering NYC Building Codes and FISP

Welcome, Manhattan Coop and Condo Board Members! In the sphere of urban architecture and safety regulations, New York City sets the standard with its stringent building codes and standards. As stewards of your community’s safety and integrity, understanding these regulations, particularly the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), is paramount. Let’s dive into this informative explainer […]

Pros and Cons of Active Adult Communities

The terms “55-plus community,” “active adult community,” “lifestyle communities” and “planned communities” refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55.  These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their […]

Is it a Reserve Component (or a Capital Improvement)?

So the first criteria for a Reserve component is that it exists. If it does not exist, it is a new asset to the community, and therefore a Capital Improvement. But what about a black-and-white closed circuit camera system? Can it be replaced through Reserves with a color-digital system with a one-week digital video backup […]

The Road Ahead: Embracing EV Charging in Homeowners Associations (CA)

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a pivotal shift in our approach to transportation, marking a step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, for many living in communities managed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs), the adoption of EVs brings forth the challenge of setting up convenient charging infrastructure. This blog delves into how HOAs can […]

EV charging in FL condos – can an Association prohibit owners from installing EV charging outlets in their assigned parking spaces?

EV charging in Florida condo buildings and communities is much more involved than having a charging outlet installed in the garage of your Single-Family Home.  Today we are doing an overview of Florida Condominium Owners Associations (COAs) allowing unit owners to install a dedicated charging outlet at their individual parking spaces, and/or the Association installing […]

Evaluate Your Sign Restrictions Now To Avoid Legal Issues In the Future (OH)

As we are approaching the end of winter, it is a perfect time for boards to review their association’s governing documents and understand whether signs may be displayed outside homes in their community. With the warmer months ahead, many owners begin renovating and enter into agreements with contractors that may require them to display advertisements […]

What Happens to Owner Equity? (CA)

In past installments, we discussed why condominium projects are especially prone to a shortened service life. We analyzed why the condominium “business model” allows inadequate maintenance, leading to early deterioration. Finally, we listed the signs of failure—some obvious, some hidden—that will lead to a project’s obsolescence. In this installment, we will review what can be […]

Facing Property Insurance Challenges (CO)

Skyrocketing premiums for property insurance coverage for many common interest communities in Colorado, particularly condominium projects, are becoming a financial nightmare for those communities impacted by the premium hikes and the homeowners who live in them. In fact, the Speaker of the House in Colorado is sponsoring House Bill 24-1108 to require the Commissioner of […]

MCL 599.211: Who Is on the Hook for Those Unpaid Assessments? (MI)

Imagine this. After weeks, months, or maybe even years of searching, you finally found the condo unit of your dreams and have decided to make it your own. There’s only one issue—unpaid condo association assessments on the unit. Fear not, the Michigan Condo Act provides clarity on matters of this sort.    Read the article…………………………….

CA FAIR Plan

Many boards of directors have been asking about the California FAIR Plan (CFP) and wanting quotes. For communities that are experiencing difficulties in obtaining property insurance, it may sound like the perfect solution, but only because details important to community associations are often left out when the media and the CA Department of Insurance talk […]

Everything you need to Know about HOA Bylaws, Regulations and CC&Rs

As much as we might not like to admit it at times, homeowners associations have rules and regulations in place for a reason. Mostly, they are for community safety and structure. If you find yourself questioning whether your HOA has the authority to regulate a certain item or action, check its governing documents and bylaws, […]

The Vital Duties of Board Members in Florida’s Community Associations

Florida’s vibrant communities are not just defined by their picturesque landscapes; they are also shaped by the dedicated individuals who serve on the boards of community associations. Whether in homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or condominium associations, board members play a pivotal role in steering the community towards prosperity.   Read the article…………………………….

Video Surveillance Policy for Your HOA

From time to time, homeowners request copies of video surveillance footage. In general, the unwritten policy has been to not provide copies to homeowners. Should we have a written policy? What would it look like?  While it’s not necessary for the board to have a written policy when it comes to providing surveillance footage to […]

To Tow or Not to Tow – Towing Regulations Governing Community Associations (CO)

Is finding a parking space in your community challenging? Condominium and townhome-style communities often have open parking lots which may include individually assigned parking spaces and/or parking spaces which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Such communities commonly adopt parking rules that aim to increase safety, improve the flow of traffic, and maximize parking […]

Whe Do We Have to Submit an Insurance Claim?

One of the more confusing concepts in HOA world is insurance and knowing when to submit a claim. All too often associations get in trouble for failing to submit claims and requiring an owner to pay for damages out of pocket instead of using insurance proceeds. In this article, we will discuss how to determine […]

How to Handle Absent Condominium and Homeowners Association Board Members

Each election season, condominium association members elect one or more directors to serve on the association’s Board of Di­rectors. Many members consider their options carefully, understanding the importance of the board and the impact its decisions have on each condominium owner. Each candidate should also consider the responsibilities before running for a board position. But, […]

HOA Collections Policies: Ensuring Financial Stability and Fairness (NC)

In the realm of community management, one of the pivotal aspects often overlooked until it becomes a pressing issue is the collections process. Community association board members serve as stewards of the community’s financial well-being, necessitating a disciplined approach towards collections and delinquency management to maintain fiscal stability for the community association. This article delves […]

When has a Condominium Building Reached the End of its Service Life? (CA)

If you read the earlier installments of this series, you know that the service lives of condominium buildings are shortened by inspection, maintenance, and funding failures. Recognizing when a building may begin to reach the end of its service life may be easy or hard, depending on the type of failure. A catastrophic failure by […]

Mastering Architectural Guidelines for Arizona HOAs

Architectural guidelines are more than mere regulations. They’re the keystones that shape the character and quality of our communities. These guidelines serve as the compass guiding homeowners and HOA boards alike, ensuring that every change and addition enhances the collective aesthetic and value of the neighborhood. In this comprehensive exploration, we explore the nuances of […]

Why Condo, Cooperative, and HOA Boards Need a Legal Eye on Their Documents

As a board member or property manager for a condominium, cooperative or HOA, you shoulder significant responsibility. You make decisions impacting the finances, safety, and quality of life for a whole community. Your actions are, of course, guided by your entity’s governing documents – but were these documents designed to protect the association and its […]

HOA Transitions from Declarant to Homeowner Controlled Boards

Transitioning an association from a developer-controlled Board to a homeowner-controlled Board can be a complex process with various challenges. However, with careful planning and execution, it can be a smooth and successful endeavor. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps and considerations for the newly elected HOA Board members to ensure a seamless transition,  […]

HOA Emergency Preparedness: How to Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Your Community

When it comes to HOA (Homeowners Association) emergency preparedness, having a well-thought-out evacuation plan is crucial. Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time, from natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires to unexpected events like gas leaks or fires within the community. To ensure the safety and well-being of your community members, it’s essential to […]

NYC Condo Boards: Know When Unit Owner Approval is Required

Last year, the Circa Central Park condominium decided to spend $60,000 to make the building’s many windows more visible to birds. The board decided to add translucent dots to the windows so the birds would see them and not crash. If this was your condo board, would you get unit owner approval before doing that […]

A Parking Primer (FL)

So many of our condominiums were built in the days that it was basically unheard of for a family to own more than one automobile. Many homes didn’t even own one automobile. As a result, the laws were a lot different than they are today and allowed a building to be built with far less […]

Preparing HOAs for the Future: 3 Tech Trends Changing Community Management

Homeowner associations (HOAs) have rapidly grown in popularity over the past few decades. Nearly 30% of American households now live in an HOA community. With this growth comes new opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to leveraging technology to meet rising homeowner expectations. HOAs that fail to adapt and embrace innovation will quickly fall […]

How to Handle Absent Condominium and Homeowners Association Board Members (FL)

Each election season, condominium association members elect one or more directors to serve on the association’s Board of Di­rectors. Many members consider their options carefully, understanding the importance of the board and the impact its decisions have on each condominium owner. Each candidate should also consider the responsibilities before running for a board position.  Read the […]

What’s on Your Agenda? (FL)

Over the last several months, several questions concerning agendas have resurfaced. For ease of reading, I have listed some of these questions below with a shortened version of my responses.    Read the Q&A………………………………..

Are HOAs required to ensure ADA compliance? (CT)

Per ADA stipulations, every public facility is required to provide reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. The ADA applies to “public accommodations.” Homes are generally private. However, there are ways in which the usage of spaces like common areas can transform certain areas into “public spaces” that are subject to ADA compliance requirements.  Read the article…………………………….

Property Lien In North Carolina: What Does It Do?

When a homeowner encounters a property lien in North Carolina, it can be a source of confusion and frustration. As such, all homeowners must understand property liens, their possible consequences, and how they can affect them. It is not always easy to navigate the ins and outs of liens, especially without a lawyer or an […]