Homeowner Associations And Their Budgets

Many homeowner associations find it difficult to hold the line on expenses. Inflation erodes endlessly increasing budgets and members scream for relief. But help is on the way. There are practical ways to reduce costs without cutting services. The HOA’s budget is like a collection of uncut gems of different type, size and quality. Some […]

How to Hire the RIGHT Community Management Company. A Primer for Condo, Townhome and HOA Board Members (IL)

Welcome to the Board Member’s Guide to Hiring the Right community property management company. Whether you live in a condo association, townhome association or Homeowners Association, it is critical that you have the right management company with the right qualifications and credentials to properly manage your association.  Read the article…………………………….

Security Cameras

Many homeowners, in both single family and condominium communities, are investing in their own security and surveillance cameras. Technology has made it extremely easy to access security footage on an individual’s cell phone. Further, a number of companies have released reasonably priced devices for individual usage. For example, a “Ring” doorbell allows the homeowner to […]

What Can the Association Do About Damage From Water Infiltration Through Brick? (NJ)

Brick is among the materials that are most commonly used as an exterior cladding material on condominiums and other residential buildings in New Jersey. If correctly installed and maintained, it will usually last for the life of the building without allowing water to penetrate inside the wall cavity where it can damage sheathing and framing. […]

Facebook Vs. Nextdoor: Why Your HOA Needs to Know the Difference

Did you know that almost 50% of Americans don’t know the names of their neighbors? (Reference: CAI – July 2017 Newsletter) As an HOA management company, it’s our responsibility to support and encourage communication within the community association. We have always encouraged getting to know your neighbors.  But like the rest of us, when we […]

HOA Tenant Tenets

One of the issues that many HOAs grapple with is renters. Some ban them outright, others limit their number. Most live and let live. Interestingly, the HOA has no direct legal authority over renters, only its homeowners. This disconnect creates some practical problems for the board or Manager in communicating with tenants since there is […]

Is Your Association Set for a Financially Successful Year? (IL)

Many condominium and common-interest community associations are faced with a cash-crunch crisis when members fall behind in the payment of their proportionate share of assessments and common expenses. Associations are businesses, even if not-for-profit, that needs revenue to operate. Thus, it is imperative that Associations remain financially viable by collecting assessments.    Read the article…………………………..

Updated Condominium FHA Approval Rules

On September 12, 2019, our office published a blog explaining the new FHA Condominium Approval Rules that became effective on October 15, 2019, which includes the single-unit approval process. The purpose of these new rules was to create more opportunity for individual condominium owners to obtain FHA insured mortgages. As many condominium associations are learning, […]

Is It Time to Review Your Hiring Procedures?

Advertising, reviewing applications, and interviewing prospective candidates is a long process. For volunteer boards, retaining good employees is vital to avoiding the hiring process altogether. If your board finds that there is too much turnover, it may be time to review your hiring procedures. Analyzing the best way to streamline your procedures may just lead […]

What To Do If There Are Insufficient Reserve Funds

What are reserve funds and what are they used for? Reserve funds are broken down into capital and non-capital expenses; capital would be replacing a roof; non-capital would be painting. These are IRS terms really, but for HOAs reserves are in general a savings account saving up to take care of long-term repairs and replacement […]

HOA Tenant Tenets

One of the issues that many HOAs grapple with is renters. Some ban them outright, others limit their number. Most live and let live. Interestingly, the HOA has no direct legal authority over renters, only its homeowners. This disconnect creates some practical problems for the board or Manager in communicating with tenants since there is […]

Installing Personal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Condominiums (FL)

In 2019 almost 1/40 new cars sold were electric vehicles (EVs). This amount is expected to almost double by 2022, with EVs representing 1/20 new cars sold, ultimately reaching 1/5 in a decade.    In Florida, condominium associations are required by law to accommodate an owner’s request to enable EV charging, however, the cost for […]

Liability Insurance for Homeowner Volunteers

Q: Our homeowners association needs new decking in one area by the clubhouse. Some homeowners have suggested forming a committee and doing the labor themselves to save money. They are willing to sign a waiver of liability. Would our general liability insurance cover any accident?   Read the Q&A…………………………..

Protecting homeowner association rights after structural damage occurs (FL)

After Hurricanes Michael and Irma, the amount of damage that was left behind throughout the state of Florida posed a real problem for condo buildings and HOA communities. These damages were so extensive, and HOA communities across Florida are still trying to recover and receive payment from their insurance companies.  Read the article…………………………….

What to know when your homeowners association files an insurance claim (FL)

After Hurricanes Michael and Irma, the amount of damage that was left behind throughout the state of Florida posed a real problem for condo buildings and HOA communities. These damages were so extensive, and HOA communities across Florida are still trying to recover and receive payment from their insurance companies.  Read the article………………………….

Homeowners Association and Security

One of the most important aspects of a managed community is its security. Homeowners obviously want to feel safe. But having a great security system isn’t just needed for homeowners’ peace of mind. Security is part of the fiduciary duty of the HOA board of directors. That’s right — a lack of security can be […]

New directors must sign the form or go to class (FL)

Last month we talked about what owners must do to run for the board in a Condominium or Homeowners” Association. This month we will discuss what document a newly elected or appointed director in a Condominium Association, Cooperative Association, or Homeowners’ Association must sign to be in compliance with State Law requirements.   Read the article…………………………

The Challenges of Managing a Distressed Property (NY)

Despite the best intentions of board members, residents, and even managers, co-op and condominium properties don’t always run like well-tuned machines. Sometimes they hit a bump in the road…and sometimes they break down completely. The reasons behind such a breakdown can come from many directions, including financial missteps, physical plant problems, and interpersonal disputes.   Read […]

Obligation to Pay Assessments (NC/SC)

Homeowner dues (“assessments” by statute) are the lifeblood of an association. Most all HOAs and condominium are nonprofits. That is, community associations are not designed to make money; they are designed to pay the association’s bills. Associations basically act as agents for collections by other entities—water, garbage, electricity, landscaping. The funds collected are not kept […]

How To Increase Homeowner Participation In Your Community

Homeowners can often have differing views of their community associations — some positive, some negative — depending on their source of information and experiences in the community. New homeowners that buy a home that has an HOA may not fully understand the positive impact the association can have on their experience living in that particular […]

What is the HOA Definition of Commercial Vehicle?

Many professions require company vehicles be driven in order to conduct work. In certain cases, this necessitates that employees keep the vehicles on their personal premises beyond work hours. However, these vehicles may cause problems for their owners, the resident living within an HOA community, and for the HOA board.   Read the article…………………………

Updating Your Documents: Is It Time for a Facelift? (NY)

The governing documents of a housing development—be it a cooperative, condominium, or homeowners association—spell out the rules, regulations, and policies that all unit owners or shareholders are obligated to follow as a condition of their residence.   Read the article………………………….

Is Your Building An “A” Or An “F”? (NY)

Would you go to a restaurant that had anything but a letter “A” posted in the window? As recently reported in Curbed NY, Local Law 95, which is an amendment to Local Law 33, mandates that all New York City buildings post their letter grade on the building. Buildings are expected to receive their letters […]

Can Community Privileges or Services Be Suspended? (NC)

We are often asked what can be done when a homeowner is violating the governing documents. That answer depends on the language of the association’s declaration, and whether or not the association is subject to the North Carolina Planned Community Act or Condominium Act. Quite frequently, the answer results in a discussion on the association’s […]

The HOA Insurance Coverage Two-step (CO)

When damage occurs in condominiums or townhomes, one of the main questions is whose insurance is left holding the bag. Does the homeowner’s insurance pay? Or does the Homeowners Association’s? An Association’s responsibilities are laid out in their Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (“CC&Rs” or “Declaration”). However, when it comes to allocating insurance responsibilities between homeowners […]

What Can You Do About Electric Scooters in Your Community?

Undocked electric scooters are popping up in cities all over the US as more and more companies such as Lime, Uber, and Lyft jump on the growing trend. These devices aren’t just appearing in major metropolitan areas but can be found in cities all across America. Lime alone has scooters in over 90 US cities, […]

Avoiding Election Pitfalls (FL)

Many condominium associations are gearing up for, or in the midst of, election season, which presents challenges and questions regarding the election process. Condominium elections that fail to follow the procedures outlined in the Condominium Act, Florida Administrative Code, and the association’s governing documents can result in an election being voided.   Read the article………………………….

5 Ways You Can Help Homeowners Follow HOA Rules (NJ)

It is common for homeowner associations (HOAs) to have rules in place for residents to follow. The goals of these HOA rules are typically to encourage a positive community, maintain property values, and create a safe neighborhood. While the intentions are good, some homeowners may overlook their helpful nature.   Read the article…………………………..

Dog Parks: Best Practices for Limiting an HOA’s Liability Exposure

One of the many benefits of living in a homeowners association (“HOA”) is the amenities provided to its residents. Common amenities include recreational rooms, pools, and fitness facilities. One amenity gaining in popularity is designated for the community’s canine companions: dog parks. Dog parks provide dogs with a designated off-leash area where they can run, […]

Where to Look for Winter Damage in Your HOA

Winter is a harsh time for any building or structure. Between the ice, extreme cold, and the variable moisture penetration, almost anything degrades over the course of a snowy winter. As a community association, your job is to help make sure that both homes and common areas are safe as your community enters winter and […]

Co-op and Condo Boards Must Repair and Maintain Sidewalks (NY)

Co-op and condo boards cannot afford to forget one of the more curious aspects of running a building in New York City: the city owns most of the sidewalks, but the city isn’t responsible for taking care of most of the sidewalks.    Read the article………………………..

Two Pairs of Eyes Are Better Than One: Why Community Associations and Developers Should Have Separate Legal Counsel (NC)

North Carolina has the third most planned communities in the United States after California and Florida.   All of these planned communities typically evolve in a similar three-step process. First, a real estate developer (“Developer”) purchases the land and records a set of governing documents that establish a regime of rules and regulations for the community.  […]

Recycling Your Tree After the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time of year full of decorations that will eventually need to be put away as January rolls around. For many families, a regular challenge is what to do with a natural Christmas Tree after the holiday is over. If you have a natural tree for the season and enjoyed the […]

How to Effectively Present HOA Budgets

When you are serving on the board of your HOA, you have several fiduciary duties that you have to complete each year. One of these fiduciary duties is preparing an annual budget and establishing assessments for your HOA. The budgeting process can be time-consuming and difficult to complete since there are so many factors that […]

Tips to Take Charge of Your HOA’s Budget Planning Process

Your association’s budget impacts the financial and physical health of the community and residents’ property values. The budget is the first, crucial step to restoring aged, once-beautiful communities to their former glory, and it determines the enjoyment residents will derive from their community.  Association boards can take several steps to optimize their operating budget to […]

6 Ways to Encourage HOA Rule Compliance

As a member of a homeowners’ association (HOA), you’re legally required to follow all rules and regulations. At first glance, having rules for a neighborhood or community may seem restrictive; however, there are many benefits to having a robust set of guidelines.   Read the article……………………………

Co-op and Condo Boards Must Repair and Maintain Sidewalks (NY)

Co-op and condo boards cannot afford to forget one of the more curious aspects of running a building in New York City: the city owns most of the sidewalks, but the city isn’t responsible for taking care of most of the sidewalks.    Read the article……………………….

Use Riders to Collect Delinquent HOA Fees

If you have purchased a condominium or property in an HOA you have signed a rider. For condos its called a Condo Rider. For HOAs its Called a PUD Rider. This rider is an attachment to the document recorded in the land records to secure the note given by the lender (aka mortgage). These riders […]

7 Cost-Effective Ways to Reduce Property Risk

Amenities like clubhouses, tennis courts, basketball courts, and recreation centers bring value to your neighborhood. Since each HOA member chips in, everyone gets to enjoy these perks without breaking the bank. However, such perks are not without their risks.    Read the article……………………..

How to Handle Troublesome Tenants

A recent tragedy in Las Vegas where an 11-year old girl was shot and killed in her home while eating dinner by suspected gang members raises many questions about a homeowners association’s authority over its residents. Turns out, the shooters targeted the wrong house; they meant to target the one next door. The home was […]

The Role of HOA Management — Hang Up Your Super Suit

Sometimes it seems that homeowners think community association managers have superpowers. They are all-knowing, have x-ray vision, and are able to resolve all matters with a simple decree.  But when you’re actually in the trenches of your job, you know superpowers aren’t exactly part of the package.    Read the article………………………….

What Your HOA Should Focus On In 2020 (NC)

Where should your HOA management focus on in 2020? At the beginning of the year, HOA board members need to have a clear direction of their approach for the upcoming year. The reason for this is that residents need to feel that their dues are being used efficiently and ethically. Without having a clear approach […]

SMART meetings: get the most out of your board meetings

Are your meetings great? No, not likely.  Too many meetings are poorly attended, take far too long, are unproductive, and without purpose or outcomes.  Having great meetings is not mandatory, but holding meetings that people want to attend is a smart approach.     Read the article…………………………