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 […]
Understanding the options: 7 steps to consider as communities face skyrocketing insurance premiums
Community association legal experts and insurance professionals shared their insights and solutions on several topics changing the way community associations across the country operate at CAI’s Community Association Law Seminar in Las Vegas in February. Skyrocketing insurance premiums were a major focus. Read the article…………………………….
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 […]
Understanding the options: 7 steps to consider as communities face skyrocketing insurance premiums
Community association legal experts and insurance professionals shared their insights and solutions on several topics changing the way community associations across the country operate at CAI’s Community Association Law Seminar in Las Vegas in February. Skyrocketing insurance premiums were a major focus. Read the article…………………………….
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 […]
Addressing Burdensome Records Requests via the Rule-Making Power of Condominium Associations (FL)
Records requests can become quite daunting when a board of directors is faced with a high volume of demands from unit owners asserting their right of inspection of the association’s official records. Read the article…………………………….
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 […]
From Developer to Homeowners: A Brief Overview of Transition in New Jersey Community Associations
Congratulations on becoming homeowners in your new community! As you settle in and start to personalize your spaces, an important milestone awaits: the transfer of control from the developer to the unit owners. This process, known as “transition,” marks the moment when you and your fellow residents take the reins of your community, shaping 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 […]
The Surfside Effect: Adjusting to new regulations in the aftermath of the Surfside collapse
Carriers were quick to yank up insurance premiums when the first major hurricane in over a decade slammed Florida in 2017. Still, state and federal actions to mitigate the impact of climate change on housing infrastructure have been unrushed in the six years since. Then, on June 24, 2021, when a 12-story beachfront condominium in […]
Creative Ways to Use HOA Amenities for Community Events
Your homeowners association (HOA) plays a vital role in cultivating a strong sense of community in your neighborhood. While their primary responsibility is overseeing and enforcing neighborhood regulations, association benefits typically include community amenities. Community amenities provide more than just recreational spaces – they offer a canvas for fostering connections among residents. Beyond the traditional […]
HOA Reserve Funding: Real-Life Lessons from 3 Associations
When managing a homeowners association, reserve funding decisions made by the HOA board have a profound impact on the community’s financial health and quality of life. By examining the REAL experiences of three different communities, we can put into practice valuable lessons from their reserve fund wins and fails. Which HOA are you? Watch the […]
How Should Florida Community Associations Answer Residents’ Requests for Emotional Support Animals?
A right to an emotional support animal has been a heavily discussed topic for years, especially for certain extreme requests involving the use of an exotic animal for emotional support purposes, or when there is a claim that the emotional support animal needs its own emotional support animal, in a relatively clear attempt to circumvent […]
Architectural Reviews
February is the time of year when those of us in Ohio start thinking about sunnier and warmer days to come. For many people, that means making plans for summer projects and improvements to their homes. Establishing architectural standards and reviewing applications for exterior improvements is one of the most important jobs for many HOA […]
Hidden Trouble: How Aging Infrastructure Threatens Homeowner Associations
It’s easy to overlook the critical infrastructure subtly running behind the scenes of every homeowner association (HOA) community. While residents enjoy manicured lawns, sparkling pools, and pothole-free roads, the inner workings powering these amenities face a ticking clock. Read the article…………………………….
Why the Chair Never Asks “Is There Any Old Business?”
At some point in some board meeting, you’re likely to hear a presiding officer ask, “Is there any Old Business?” and wait for a reply. It’s intended as an opportunity for members to raise issues that were addressed at an earlier meeting. The problem with this question is twofold Read the article…………………………….
How to Fix the Roads in your Condo or HOA: Increase Assessments or A Special Assessment District? (MI)
The majority of new residential condominium and subdivision developments in the State of Michigan are established with private roads. When a new condominium project or subdivision is established with private roads, the roads are typically identified as a “common element” or a “common area” and are owned collectively by all members of the applicable condominium […]
Here Is How To Handle a Homeowners Association Dispute the Right Way
People seem to have a love/hate relationship with Homeowners Associations, or HOAs. Some love them, while others will never live in another HOA community again. Disagreements and disputes can arise between residents and the HOA, causing tension among residents. And these tensions can be stressful. And sometimes, they can drastically increase the cost of homeownership. […]
Improving HOA Finances During Economic Uncertainty: Key Strategies
Homeowners associations (HOAs) across the country are increasingly concerned about how inflation, rising interest rates, stock volatility, and whispers of a looming recession could impact their communities. As the stewards responsible for maintaining shared assets that preserve neighborhood appeal and property values, HOA boards carry the weighty duty of shielding their finances from economic storms. […]
Understanding HOA Liens: What Homeowners Need to Know
Facing an HOA lien can feel like standing at the edge of a financial cliff. No homeowner wants to find themselves there, yet it’s a reality for many. It’s not just about the immediate stress of financial dues. It’s the looming threat to your home’s security. HOA liens are powerful tools associations use to ensure […]
Top 10 Tips for Effective Condominium Governance: A Board Member’s Guide to Success (AZ)
Steering a condominium board towards success demands more than just good intentions and hard work. It requires a blend of strategic foresight, legal savvy, and community spirit. In our latest guide, we share the key strategies for crafting a harmonious, well-managed condominium association. From mastering the nuances of legal compliance to nurturing a vibrant community […]
Understanding the Role of Community Managers and Dispelling Common Misconceptions
Homeowners’ Association (HOA) community managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning and upkeep of residential communities. Often misunderstood, their duties encompass various responsibilities, ranging from administrative tasks to facilitating communication between residents and the board of directors. Let’s delve into the intricacies of their job description and dispel some common misunderstandings surrounding […]
Getting Your Utah HOA Community Ready for the Spring Thaw
Winter is one of the most beautiful and exciting times to live in Utah. We have majestic mountains with stunning vistas, over 22 million acres of public land, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation during our long winter season. Read the article…………………………….
Understanding Your Condo Association’s Declaration: A Guide for Homeowners
Living in a condominium community comes with numerous benefits, including shared amenities, maintenance services, and a sense of community. However, it also entails certain responsibilities and obligations outlined in the condo association’s declaration. This document serves as the foundation for governance within the community, establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines that all residents must adhere to. […]
Elevating the Homeowner Experience in Community Association Management
Many factors contribute to how community association management companies can enhance the quality of life for their homeowners and boards. To ensure a positive relationship with their associations, management companies must be mindful of their homeowners’ needs, the role of technology in the relationship, transparent communications strategies, understanding how to solicit and incorporate homeowner feedback, […]
2024 Property Taxes: Impact on Chicagoland Community Associations (IL)
Cook County properties are reassessed on a triennial schedule. Every three years, the new valuations – along with appeals, exemptions, local tax levies, and assessments of nearby properties – determine the amount of future property tax bills. Read the article…………………………….
Do Condominium Boards Have the Right to Restrict Signs? (MA)
QUESTION: Our condominium association has a rule barring the display of signs in common areas or in locations visible from common areas. Some board members say we are required to make an exception for political signs. Is that true? Read the Q&A………………………………..
The Developer is Offering the Association (a lot of) Money to Sign a Release- Should the Board of Directors Consider Signing it? (NC)
Over the last year our firm has seen an uptick in offers to associations from the developer to pay money in exchange for signing a release. The language of releases can vary but the purpose is almost always the same – The money being offered to the association is in exchange for releasing the developer […]
Hiring an HOA Company: How to Reduce Conflict and Improve Community Services
It’s no secret that homeowners associations have proliferated in the United States. We’ve gone from 10,000 in 1970 to an estimated 365,000 associations in 2023. It’s virtually impossible to find a home for sale these days that isn’t part of an association. Homeowners associations provide huge benefits to their residents, but they also have no […]
“A ‘CliffsNotes’ Guide for New Condominium Board Members” (FL)
The election is over, and you have earned a coveted seat on your condominium association’s board of directors. Now what? This helpful guide will provide you with a “CliffsNotes” version of important things to remember as you embark on your journey as a director. Read the article…………………………….