Private and gated communities attract people seeking increased safety and security. But speeding vehicles can threaten that safety and endanger the lives of pedestrians, cyclists, and young children. Here is a guide to help you work with your community to create safer, more livable streets. Read the article………………………
10 common HOA violations
There are over 350,000 homeowner associations in the United States! That equates to roughly 40 million households, or more than 50% of owner-occupied households in America. HOAs are legal entities, and they offer members the protection, maintenance and preservation of their homes and property. However, these members also have a duty to follow the association’s […]
Hail Season and Water Leaks! Homeowners Check Your Loss Assessment Coverage (CO)
Damages resulting from hail storms and water leaks are two of the most common insurance claims for townhouse and condominium associations. Read the article…………………………
Step-By-Step Guide To The HOA Assessment Collections Process
When you purchase a property in a community with a homeowners’ association, you’re also acquiring the obligation to pay regular assessments. Assessments aren’t necessarily a bad thing—they allow the HOA to operate for the community’s shared interest and to perform its core maintenance functions. Read the article…………………………..
Relationships on the Board: How Close is Too Close? (NY)
The motivation for volunteering to be an uncompensated (and sometimes underappreciated) co-op or condo board member is usually a sense of civic duty combined with the desire to protect one’s own investment and quality of life. This means that the majority of board members actually live in the buildings and communities they serve. And that […]
Reasons YOU Should Serve on Your HOA Board
Serving on your HOA board of directors may seem like a daunting task. And while it’s true that the position comes with a lot of responsibility and requires time and effort, it can also be very rewarding! Here are just a few of the many reasons to consider joining your association’s board of directors: Read […]
Loss Assessment Coverage
Loss assessment coverage protects condo owners from unexpected expenses that result from damages to the building or common areas of their homeowners association (HOA). Read the article……………………………..
Imposing Fines Responsibility in your Community Association
There is nothing that will add more stress and bring up more discord and resentment in a homeowner’s association than when fines are imposed on members of the community association. The truth of the matter is fines are an unfortunate but necessary tool to ensure that homeowners meet their obligations to the community with regard […]
3 Tips on Avoiding Mold in High-Risk Areas of Your Condo (IL)
If you’ve ever seen the ominous black substance on your walls or ceiling, you were probably pretty grossed out. These days, more research is coming out too on the long term negative effects of mold on human health. Mold basically needs an environment that stays moist to thrive. It’s easy to take some steps to […]
The HOA and Hoarding: How to Handle Messy Situations
According to the American Psychiatric Association, hoarding is a clinical disorder. However, not everyone who lives in a messy house qualifies as a hoarder! Hoarders can pose issues within HOAs, but this is a touchy situation that must be handled with care. Read the article……………………………..
How Should You Set HOA Goals Every Year? (TN)
Set HOA goals at the start of each year. It’s a great way to use that fresh start to think forward to the yearly goals of the HOA you want to aim for. In your HOA Goal-setting session, think about the ways you can improve your association. What are the HOA goals that you want […]
What Homeowner Associations Need to Know About Accounting Standard Changes for Revenue Recognition
In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released a new standard, ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new standard is effective for Dec. 31, 2019, financial statements, and the changes in revenue recognition it has created, have a significant impact for condominium and homeowner associations (community associations). Read the article………………………….
FLS Films: Selective Enforcement (MD)
Our video topic today is those bad words for a community association board: “selective enforcement.” Click the video for discussion on the concepts of waiver and severability, and some tips to avoid hearing the dreaded phrase: Watch the video…………………………………
3 Legal Duties of HOA Board Members (CA)
Being on the board of directors for a homeowners association comes with a lot of responsibility. The board is responsible for making sure the entire community is running well. This includes making sure all of the homeowners are following the rules, making sure the community is well-kept and safe, and handling all of the association’s […]
Communication tools all condos should have
What’s the best way to reach hundreds of condo residents all at once? This is a question that many property managers and boards struggle with. Condo communities work best when there is a continuous exchange of information, but communicating with hundreds of people can be pretty challenging. Fortunately, there are some useful communication tools that […]
“Don’t Tread on Me”: The Permissibility of the Gadsden Flag in Your Community (FL)
Is flying the Gadsden flag (i.e., the yellow “Don’t Tread on Me” flag with a snake) considered a flag of the United States of America and is it permissible in your community association? It depends Read the article………………………….
Is Incivility Having an Impact on the Operation of Your Association? (FL)
We live in an age where the lack of civility has become a common occurrence in daily life, whether it be on the internet, on the highway, or even in line at the grocery store. While the causes of the decline in civility can be debated, the consequences are more apparent, even at the community […]
HOA communication strategies
At its simplest, an HOA is a governing structure for a planned community. It takes care of certain items, in exchange for a fee, and maintains the atmosphere and value of the community. An HOA also creates CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules and regulations that homeowners need to abide by. Rules are different for every community, […]
Making Sure That Your Association Is Prepared for the Unexpected
Most association boards of directors are prepared for the responsibility of the normal day-to-day operations they are responsible for. Association documents usually state that the board is responsible to run the daily operations and has the authority to do so. However, most documents do not address, or at best are vague on, the responsibilities or […]
What are the HOA Board of Directors Qualifications?
Running a successful homeowners association is no easy feat! The tasks of maintaining a safe, welcoming, thriving community in which members will love to live falls in the hands of a board of directors. Read thge article…………………………..
The Role Of The Community Manager (NC)
Those living in communities with homeowners’ associations may sometimes wonder what exactly is the role of the community manager versus the role of the board of directors. Put simply, an HOA’s board of directors is akin to a municipality’s board of aldermen or commissioners and a community manager’s role is something like that of the […]
Guide to Creating an RFP for your Community Association
When your HOA or condo association decides that it’s time to hire a management company or switch management, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right company. Creating an HOA Management RFP (Request for Proposal) is a great place to start. An RFP is a document drafted by your board that can […]
Communicate, and Then Over Communicate (IL)
A few years ago, I was on the phone with a homeowner. He was irate with how his community’s money was being spent. He was unhappy with the budget increase. It was a call I took regularly from any one of my homeowners (and more often than not, a hundred of my homeowners). Whenever the […]
Condo association communication standards
Do you have a system for communicating with your condo community? If not, you may want to take some time to create one. Communication standards are important in any workplace, and condo associations are no different. People who have never had to manage a condo don’t understand how challenging the role can be, and they […]
New Tips for HOA Community Newsletters
When it comes to running a successful HOA community, communication is key. Even with their busy schedules, members appreciate and benefit from regular communication from the association. Not only does a regular newsletter keep homeowners informed about the goings-on of the HOA, but it can also go a long way in fostering a greater sense […]
Understanding Accessibility Requirements for Your Association (FL)
Community managers have many responsibilities within the condo or homeowners’ associations (HOAs). One of these roles is to ensure that all local and federal laws and regulations are being followed. This includes providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, whether physical or mental. Read the article……………………….
7 Ways To Help HOA Aging Residents
When an HOA board is made up of younger residents, it can be easy to forget about the senior members of the community. But, every community member matters, including HOA aging residents. As such, it is important to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate more elderly homeowners. Read the article……………………………….
Crisis Communication Tips Every Board Member Should Know
Over the past few weeks, many board members may be feeling like they have taken over the role of a crisis communications professional. What should you do with the overwhelming flood of information that changes sometimes several times a day? And, how do you figure out what you should communicate to homeowners, and when? […]
Three Ways to Reduce and Deal with HOA Board Resignations
Many people today are eager to get involved in their local communities. One place they tend to start is at home, volunteering for their own community association (HOA or Condo Owners associations). For some volunteers, they see it as an extension of what they do everyday, as is the case for treasurers who may work […]
Relationships on the Board: How Close is Too Close? (NY)
The motivation for volunteering to be an uncompensated (and sometimes underappreciated) co-op or condo board member is usually a sense of civic duty combined with the desire to protect one’s own investment and quality of life. This means that the majority of board members actually live in the buildings and communities they serve. And that […]
Dealing With Challenging Neighbors
Neighborliness is a quality that has come naturally to people for millennia. It doesn’t take a lot to be a good neighbor, but being a good neighbor can have dramatic effects on the building’s community. With that being said, not all neighbors are perfect, and it’s possible we ourselves occasionally leave something to be desired. […]
Can an Association Prohibit Smoking Inside the Units? (CA)
Asked – Can a homeowners’ association prohibit owners from smoking within the interior of their units? Read the Q&A……………………………
How to Improve Board Communication
Effective communication may be the single most important tool available to the board of directors to promote a positive and cooperative spirit within the association. During this time of uncertainty, communication is more critical than ever, as people are looking to their leaders for guidance and support. Board members need to connect with individual residents […]
Can a Board Use Reserves for an Item Not Listed in the Reserve Study? (CA)
The purpose of the reserve fund is to plan for future repairs and replacements in the association. But what about components that you can’t see and aren’t listed in the reserve study? For example, plumbing supply lines that aren’t included in the reserve study and will end up costing somewhere in the ballpark of $50,000 […]
What To Do Before Amending HOA Governing Documents (OH/KY)
All homeowners associations think about amending HOA governing documents every now and then. But, when done improperly, the process and its results can be disastrous. On the other hand, when done correctly, it can clarify vague provisions and reform outdated rules. Read the article………………………….
The Case for Fining in South Carolina HOAs and Condominiums
My community association practice is split between North Carolina and South Carolina. One of the primary differences between the law in these two states is the fact that North Carolina has a comprehensive HOA statute while South Carolina does not. I’ve written more than once about the need for a comprehensive HOA statue in South […]
HOA Powers And Obligations In Emergency Situations
An HOA’s mission includes the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the community. And, to that end, a disaster or crisis situation may call for proactive preparation and rapid response. Read the article…………………………….
When Does Turnover Occur For A Homeowners’ Association (FL)
Turnover is a vaunted date on the calendar for every homeowners’ association. Knowing at what time turnover occurs is necessary for a homeowners’ association to properly plan and effectuate the transition of board control from the developer to the owners. Read the article…………………………..
Beware of Board, Bad Faith Claims during the Coronavirus Crisis (NY)
Cooperative and condominium boards often have inside information about real estate deals in their buildings. Boards should beware of deals that may arise because of Coronavirus “fire sales” with owners being challenged economically or wanting to escape to a perceived safer location. With their approval rights or right of first refusal, coop and condo boards […]
Effective HOA communication tools
Good communication goes a long way. It is the foundation of any happy HOA. When there is clear and effective communication between homeowners and management, it has a positive impact on the overall wellbeing of the association. Conversely, when owners don’t receive the information they need, they can feel lost and left out. Read the […]
Unexpected Expenses? – A community loan may be the solution (CO)
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…………………………….
Things To Consider Before Renting In A Community Association (NC)
If you own a home in a homeowner’s association or condominium owner’s association and are thinking about renting it out, you probably know that there are several factors to consider before you ever take the first steps in looking for a tenant. Understanding your responsibilities and obligations will not only make the leasing experience more […]
Why Your HOA Cannot Restrict Access to the 2020 Census
Many HOA and Condo associations implement restricted access measures to help ensure the safety and security of their homeowners and community property. These measures, such as gated entries, closed-circuit cameras, and even security officers, are all in place to prohibit unwanted solicitors or intruders from disturbing your community’s residents. It’s important to know however, that […]
Neighborhood Associations vs. City Planners
Communities often band together to push for what is best for their residents. They form organizations like HOAs and neighborhood associations, which give them a chance to meet with their neighbors, exchange ideas, start projects, and propose solutions to problems facing their communities. Read the article………………………….
Built for Success: 10 Steps to a Well-Established Committee
From identifying budgets and managing finances to welcoming new homeowners and organizing social activities, committees are essential to a well-functioning homeowners’ association (HOA). Committees consist of homeowners who volunteer their time and efforts to consider, investigate, and take action on HOA-related tasks that require group oversight. Read the article……………………………..
Pets that Bite – What’s a Board and Management to Do? (NY)
Pets are fantastic but when they demonstrate the propensity to bite, action has to be taken. If a board and management do not do so and follow up relentlessly, they can end up in protracted lawsuits when people are injured. This happened to the Element Condominium board on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and […]
Emergency Management – Planning is Everything (NY)
Planning for a rainy day is pretty easy. Have an extra umbrella handy or a waterproof coat, and you’re probably fine. Planning for the rainiest day ever, on the other hand, is significantly more daunting. Especially if during that day there’s also a fire, an earthquake, or a tornado. It may sound like exaggeration, but […]
An introduction to virtual meetings Date Published: March 27, 2020
Virtual meetings connect people who, for whatever reason, cannot be in the same physical location. Attendees can use audio or video to communicate in real time. Many conferencing platforms have even developed a phone app so that people can stay connected without having to be in front of a computer. Read the article…………………………….