HOA Pool Safety Reminders

Pool season is here! Children will soon be out of school for the summer, and families are sure to be visiting the HOA pool much more often – that’s why we’re providing some simple safety tips you can use to prepare your community for the pool season.   Read the article…………………..

HOA 101: Basic Terms & Definitions

Like any organization, HOAs, or homeowners’ associations, use a language of their own. This can make living in an HOA community or attending an HOA meeting a frustrating or confusing experience. But, it doesn’t have to be! Once you learn the basics, you will have a better understanding of what an HOA is and how […]

Why are there so many homeowners associations in metro Phoenix? Valley 101 podcast answers

Homeowners associations are a controversial topic in Arizona, and with good reason: Arizona is No. 10 in the nation for number of community associations.  According to the Community Associations Institute analysis of 2017 data, there are 9,600 homeowners associations, condominium communities and housing cooperatives in the state. Almost two million Arizonans live in one.  How […]

Attorney-Client Privilege When Board Members Sue the Association (FL)

Many Associations have just completed their election season and find that a person or persons newly elected to the Board are involved in a case being defended or prosecuted by the Association. Now what? Clearly, a conflict of interest exists but participation in a lawsuit against the Association is not one of the factors that […]

Preparing Your Community Association’s Landscaping for Hurricane Season (FL)

There are two constants every summer in South Florida: high temperatures and hurricane season. As Floridians know, hurricanes can cause some serious damage to our landscapes if preventative measures aren’t taken. It is the responsibility of the Board and Property Manager to prepare a community’s landscaping to mitigate any possible damages.  The following are some […]

Talent wanted: How to hire and retain skilled community association managers

Recruiting and retaining skilled managers can be challenging for community associations and management companies, especially in a very competitive labor market and with communities limited by tight budgets.  In this reality, it becomes even more important for associations and management companies to highlight their strengths and address organizational shortcomings, says business speaker and author Peter […]

Getting More From Your HOA Amenities

With spring graduation and summer break right around the corner, we’re excited to share some tips to help you draw members to your HOA amenities. The purpose of these amenities is to encourage homeowners to socialize and build a stronger sense of community through fun activities and events. Your HOA’s amenities already offer a convenient […]

Landscape Contracts (CO)

As spring is officially here, many associations are obtaining proposals from contractors for seasonal lawn care and other maintenance services. This article is intended to highlight certain contract terms and issues that boards should consider before signing a landscaping service contract. For more information on general contract terms we recommend for effective vendor contracts…….    […]

Who Decides What – Board or Owners? (CO)

As the saying goes, “you cannot please 100% of the people 100% of the time”. This cannot be truer when it comes to common interest community living. In a perfect world, homeowners would elect the board and allow it to govern in accordance with the law and the community’s governing documents.   Read the article…………………….

Do HOA Buyers Know What They’re Getting Into?

Part of the allure of HOA living is that communities are maintained to a specific quality standard, helping maintain property values. It’s in everyone’s best interest for units to sell quickly and for top dollar, but selling an HOA home can be tricky if prospective buyers’ agents present questions you’re not ready for.   Read the […]

Assignment of Lien’s in an HOA Community (TX)

A lien is a right to hold a piece of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is paid. Associations have a lien – sometimes called a statutory lien – against all properties in the community. An assessment lien is an automatic claim that the HOA attaches to a property […]

You’re Fired – Terminating Contractors Versus Employees (OH)

Most community associations utilize independent contractors to service their property. A general example of an independent contractor is an association’s landscaper who uses its own machinery, works on other properties, and is paid in lump sums. However, some associations hire employees who only work for the association, are paid by the hour, and are subject […]

What Happens to the Homeowners Association Fee When a House is Foreclosed? (CA)

Common interest developments, such as condominium projects and planned-unit developments, usually involve an additional monthly fee. A homeowners association, or HOA, levies the same fee for each owner within the community. HOA fees fund the everyday maintenance, services and tasks of the HOA, and therefore are mandatory. The homeowner remains responsible for his share of […]

HOA Initiation Fees: Everything You Need to Know (TX)

An HOA initiation fee, also known as a buy-in fee or a contribution to working capital, is a set amount charged upon the transfer of a property within an HOA community from one owner to another.  The initiation fee is paid at the time of closing, and the initiation fee and the owner’s obligation to […]

Condo Association Projects: Remodeling Common Area Lobbies and Hallways

The lobbies and hallways of a condo association make an important first impression to residents, visitors, and potential buyers. Lobbies and hallways reflect the care—or lack of care—dedicated to the rest of the building. Remodeling these high-traffic common areas can range from simple painting to a complete makeover. Developing a plan and setting goals for […]

5 Crime-Prevention Tips from Police for HOA Board Members

While thinking about neighborhood safety may come naturally to you and the members of your HOA board, it can be difficult to get fellow residents to follow safety rules the board has set in place.  If you’re having trouble convincing your neighbors that security should be a priority for all residents, consider passing on tips […]

Construction Defect Pre-Suit Notices: Here’s What You Should Know (FL)

When hiring a construction company to complete work, most people have expectations regarding the quality of work they’d like to receive. However, when the completed work is below expectations, and if a deal cannot be worked out with the company, a construction defect lawsuit may come into play. Read the article…………………….

How to Reflect a Positive Community in an Association

In today’s modern, social media-centric world, reputations can be built up or destroyed in an instant. A video clip captured on cell phone of a good Samaritan pulling a trapped puppy to safety from an open drainpipe goes viral and instantly propels them to hero status (at least for their 15 minutes of fame); while […]

Made in the HOA: 5 steps for effective community association leadership

Some volunteers who have served on a community association board have realized that much of what works for them in their day job doesn’t work as well in the context of board governance. That’s because, in an association, no single person is in charge. Decisions are made by the consensus of board members, so the […]

Common Area Solar Lighting | Ideas and Benefits for Your HOA or Condo

Solar lighting is an eco-friendly way to light your HOA common areas. The large amount of solar light products on the market can easily overwhelm anyone. Identifying the areas you want to illuminate is the first step to choosing the best solar lighting that will best benefit your members. Let’s take a closer look at […]

Social Media: Friend or Foe?

The use of private social media groups for managed communities is constantly debated among community managers. While social media increases visibility and provides an alternative avenue of communication, things can turn sour and get out of hand quickly. However, social media doesn’t have to be your enemy – homeowners and HOAs can actually benefit from […]

No Soliciting Signs in an HOA

It’s Springtime, and homeowners’ associations are particularly attractive communities for commercial, religious, and political solicitors. The close proximity of homes, neatly manicured lawns, and accessible sidewalks lend appeal to neighborhood canvassers. So, what’s a homeowner to do if solicitations are not particularly desired?   Read the article………………………….

A Developer Controlled HOA

An HOA is created before the ground is broken for the first home. The developer-controlled board is more or less just in charge of keeping the community afloat until the community is finished (or mostly finished). In theory they have all of the same responsibilities that an owner-controlled board has, however, in practice, the board […]

Florida Condominium Associations: What Is A Nuisance?

What’s that smell? What’s that sound? What am I looking at? Whatever it is offends me. Could it be a nuisance? Florida Condominium associations deal with nuisance complaints on a regular basis. The challenge in addressing nuisance issues is defining exactly what constitutes a nuisance. Generally, nuisance is defined in Black’s Law Dictionary as “a […]

Condo Owners Are Still Fighting for Equal Access to Municipal Services

Condo owners usually understand that they give up some of the rights enjoyed by single-family homeowners. The right to paint their front door any color they choose, to play their music at any decibel level they choose, and even to smoke in their residences, for example, all may be prohibited by condo associations rules or […]

How to Manage Reverse Mortgage Expectations for Condo Owners

The difficulties that surround establishing a reverse mortgage transaction with a condominium as the liened property is a persistent issue in the larger reverse mortgage industry, and requires a degree of sensitivity from loan officers working with potential borrowers who are trying to use a condo as the basis for a reverse mortgage.   Read the […]

HOA Board Enforcement Policy Gone Wild? (CO)

How much can your HOA Board do without owner approval? When the HOA Board takes steps that can cost the owners money, like adopting an enforcement policy, owners get concerned. Enforcement policy usually involves fines and fees for non-compliance with the HOA covenants. Don’t all the owners get a say on that important of a […]

How Much Money Should an HOA Have In Its Reserve Funds?

Reserve funds are most commonly used by businesses or organizations as a means to prepare for the future. It is considered a highly liquid asset which is set aside to meet any future financial obligations. Reserve funds can come in handy whenever there are unexpected costs. Nevertheless, it is crucial for every organization to take […]

Do You Swear to Tell the Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth . . .

There are a number of ways an upset homeowner could choose to express their discontent with their association, the board, or another resident. They could raise concerns at a meeting, complain in writing, or even run for the board to try to make policy changes. Instead, unfortunately, sometimes they choose to interrupt, disrupt, shout over […]

HOA Board Meeting Minutes – A Brief Overview

Although by no means glamorous, HOA board meeting minutes are an all-important piece of the HOA puzzle. You will want to master every aspect of them in order to help run your HOA smoothly. In this post we look at who’s responsible for the minutes; how to prepare them; what to include and (as importantly) […]

Election Voting Assistance (FL)

In the Condominium Act, it is very clear that only a unit’s owner can vote in election. That means that an election can’t be decided through the use of proxies (limited or general). There is an exception for associations with fewer than ten units who have voted to follow a different voting procedure. In such […]

The Ups & Downs Of Elevators (NY)

When Gladys pressed the “9” button on the elevator panel, she heard a noise that could most generously be described as sounding like a train slamming into a wall. For most New Yorkers, this is a subconscious everyday fear, as each day involves multiple elevator rides. Although there’s nothing as annoying as being stuck in […]

The Cost of HOA Audits

Wondering if an audit is really necessary? Not all state laws require that HOAs conduct yearly audits, yet many associations budget for them anyway.   Read the article…………………………

The Mailbox Rule and What it Means for Your HOA Community

Common to all HOAs are homeowners who are at one time or another delinquent in their association fees and payments. The association will send out delinquency notices to those homeowners to collect overdue payments and resolve the issue. When homeowners still fail to make payments, an HOA may be forced to take legal action. But […]

Options for HOA’s Facing a High Past Due Billing Rate

Assessment collection is imperative to keep an HOA running smoothly. Too often, HOAs find themselves facing a high delinquency rate. This affects both individual homeowners and the community as a whole. What happens when an association’s delinquency rate is too high? What options does the HOA have to collect?  Read the article……………………..

Voter Apathy Not a Required Showing in a Petition to Reduce Percentage of Affirmative Votes Required to Amend CC&Rs (CA)

Amending a HOA’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (“CC&Rs”) can be a challenging endeavor. This is true, in large part, to the onerous approval requirements imposed by the CC&Rs themselves. Indeed, many CC&Rs require a super-majority (i.e., 67% or more) of the HOA’s members to approve an amendment. Such requirements make it difficult for […]

How to prepare for a community association volunteer role

A community association is no better than the board of directors that leads it. If an association is to be excellent, willing volunteers must be developed.  Excellent board members understand that their position is one of service rather than control. They serve their neighbors; they don’t supervise them. A service-forward attitude results in a less […]

Want to Self-Manage Your HOA or Condo but Will Volunteers Do the Work?

I’ve talked to many community board members that are interested in self-management but have doubts it will work for them. There are clear benefits but who will do all the work? A major theme we hear is the desire to self-manage your HOA or Condo but will volunteers do the work?  The primary benefit is […]

5 Things to Expect When You Purchase a Home in an Association

Purchasing a house, condominium, or townhome is a significant financial decision. Location, design, and amenities are all important factors to consider before making a commitment, especially if the property is part of a community association.    Read the article……………………………

Hoarding in Condo Associations: What Can A Board Do About It?

The popular television show, “Hoarders: Buried Alive” on A&E has brought much-needed attention to the issue of compulsive hoarding. The Mayo Clinic refers to compulsive hoarding as a mental health disorder that impacts a person’s ability to let go of items, no matter what their value. When hoarding occurs in a condo association, other property […]

Hygiene in Shared Amenities: Keeping It Clean

One of the biggest perks of modern multifamily living is the all-inclusive, amenity-rich building or HOA. Depending on your own building’s offerings, you can go to the gym, swim, have a spa treatment, entertain your kids in the community playroom, or even take in a movie. When you add in food delivery services, work-from-home arrangements […]

Ask the HOA Expert: Welcome to the HOA Board!

The annual homeowner association meeting convenes. The president announces that the floor is open for nominations. A fellow homeowner say to you, “You know, you would make a good board member.” Before you have a chance to reply, some body movement indicates that you are willing, ready and able to serve. “The nominations are closed”, […]

Less Stress & Better Relationships: A How-To Guide for the HOA Board

Can the HOA improve relationships within the board, and with the community?  If Board Members aren’t communicating, you’re doomed from the start. Strive for respectful, responsible communication.  Communicate with homeowners and residents through the HOA website, email blasts, newsletters, and social media. Be sure to read our series on Social Media in the HOA to […]

Removing a Board Member (CT)

Sometimes board members act in a way that is contrary to the best interests of the association, or they may appear to be engaging in self-dealing, favoritism toward their friends, not showing up for board meetings, or not paying their monthly common fees or otherwise flouting expected behavior. The board or unit owners could try […]

HOA Methods Handling Frequent Parking Conflicts

Home Owners Associations have always been in an interesting situation when it comes to parking management. While it may be obvious that every residence gets at least one reserved parking space, what about the extra spaces that every condo building or neighborhood has left over. For a condo association, extra spaces might be prized locations […]

YES – Wisconsin Condos and HOAs Have to Follow Their Association Documents

Frequently we are asked about either inconsistent association documents or advised that although our documents say X we have always done Y so won’t our past precedent control? The answer is NO. Your documents control. You must follow what your documents say, unless there is something in them that is illegal or against public policy. […]