The Florida Homeowners’ Association Act and the Florida Condominium Act provide a community association’s board of directors with authority to promulgate rules and regulations concerning the association property and its members. The creation and enforcement of an association’s rules and regulations are often areas of uncertainty and doubt for community association board members. Because rule […]
Takeaways from HOA’s Handling of “Parkland Strong” Yard Sign Controversy (FL)
In the aftermath of one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history, the residents of Parkland in Broward County have taken pride in the resilience and unity that they have demonstrated as a community. Memorials and messages of support were placed throughout the neighborhoods and enclaves surrounding Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and signs […]
Eight Warning Signs For Your HOA Finances
Although no one wants to look upon other board members with suspicion or doubt, there is a risk of fraud and mismanagement with any HOA board. There should always be checks and balances, and your board should always be on the lookout for any red flags that may indicate that your funds are being handled […]
All About HOA Easements
Does it ever seem like easements fall into that “gray area” or who owns what, who is responsible for what, and who has to follow which rules? If so, this post is for you. We hope the following will help make the topic of easements more clearly defined as black and white. Read the […]
Frozen – Flooded and Frustrated
Have you ever seen what happens to an aluminum can when it freezes? Or more succinctly – have you ever seen it after it’s ruptured and the contents have thawed? The power of ice and water (or liquid) is nothing short of awesome. Ice carved the great valleys of our country – and we all […]
Training Tips for New HOA Board Members
Homeowners association board members are an elected group who are tasked with making important decisions on behalf of the association. Each board member brings their own proficiency and experience to their role which can be a huge asset to the HOA. However, because they are volunteers, nearly all new board members lack experience with the […]
Murder in Apartment 3P (NY)
It was a grim and bloody night at the Sea Cliff Towers co-op on Staten Island. The New York Times carried this terse account: “A fight between two friends who were dating the same woman ended in the death of one of them, the police said yesterday. On Wednesday night, Michael Cafferata, 33, was visiting […]
Get on Board! How to Increase Member Participation at Community Meetings
One of the conundrums of co-op and condo life is how to keep members involved and interested in the governance of their building or association. Many residents are delighted to own, but less than excited to participate. That lack of engagement can ultimately cause problems–not just in the form of a limited pool of volunteers […]
Renting in an HOA? Understand the Responsibilities of You and Your Landlord
Every day, more people decide to rent property from within homeowners associations. Leasing units can earn a nice profit for landlords, but this business venture comes with risks for renters. If property owners belong to a Homeowners’ Association, tenants may face unexpected issues. Some renters unknowingly break the HOA’s regulations and regulations. Others tenants learn […]
Condominium Association Statutory Required Websites – Facts and Myths (FL)
Section 718.111(12)(g), Florida Statutes, was added to Chapter 718, Florida Statutes in 2017, requiring that by July 1, 2018, an association with 150 or more units which does not manage timeshare units is required to post digital copies of the documents specified in the section on its website, and lists specific documents that are required […]
Tips for Winter Landscaping HOA Common Areas (TX)
Winter landscaping is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of the season. From adding shrubs that produce a pop of color to focusing on hardscapes—like benches and garden structures—you can make your HOA common areas beautiful and inviting this winter. Use the following tips to get started: Read the article………………
Setting Up Your HOA Record Keeping System
As an HOA Manager, you’re probably aware of the importance of keeping proper records. Thorough records are imperative, not only in the case of legal challenges, but also for simple documentation and memory purposes. Read the article………………..
You Are the Gatekeeper: Creating Guidelines for Association Websites to Avoid a Defamation Lawsuit (OH)
More and more community associations are choosing to have an association website in order to facilitate increased communication with the owners. In fact, some states have made it a requirement in order to achieve this goal. While an association website can be an amazing tool to highlight the beautiful amenities of a community and easily […]
Part IV: Community Rule Development & Enforcement – Architectural Guidelines
Continuing on with our series on Rule Development and Enforcement for Communication Associations, this week we delve into the development of Architectural Guidelines. Next time we will go into greater detail about Board Resolutions, so stay tuned! Read the article………………
Homeowners Share the Most Ridiculous HOA Rules They’ve Had to Deal With
I don’t live in a real “neighborhood” so I don’t have to deal with homeowners associations, but I have friends who do, and the whole concept is kind of hilarious to me. I understand everyone wants their streets to look good, but some of these rules are pretty insane. AskReddit users share their personal stories […]
Decking the Halls in Your Homeowner’s Association (NC)
The fall and winter holiday months are the perfect time to show your holiday spirit. Regardless of which occasion is your favorite, this time of year draws homeowners to the holiday aisles filled with décor of all kinds. In fact, a recent study revealed that the value of United States imports of Christmas lights alone […]
What A Difference A Day Makes – The Need For Strict Compliance With Fining Notice Requirements (FL)
The ability to impose a fine on an owner who has violated the conditions and regulations of a community association is one of the tools an association may use to bring about compliance with its governing documents. Notwithstanding the provisions regarding the fining process that may be set out in the association’s governing documents, the […]
HOA Voting Rules
There are certain rules and processes that must be followed when it comes to HOA elections. This will help you know a little bit of what to expect when election time comes around. An HOA must hold an election vote before taking any of the following actions: Read the article……………….
Ask the HOA Expert: Mushroom Meetings
Some homeowner association (HOA) boards have been accused of using the Mushroom Method in dealing with members: “Keep them in the dark and feed them manure”. Board meetings are held to address important business and should be open to the members. It only makes sense. Doing business behind closed doors only breeds suspicion. Read […]
Condo & HOA Accounts Payables Process Best Practices
Whether you are an accounting geek, a systems person or just want a deeper understanding of accounts payable we are about to get into the nitty gritty of AP. In a full service management company I was a partner of and President I implemented a powerful AP system in 2004 that provides greater tools and […]
What to do about Nightmare Renters (UT)
Oftentimes HOAs feel as though their hands are tied when dealing with problem renters. All one needs to do is a simple Google Search to see a litany of ugly situations. Luckily, HOAs have a variety of remedies that can be pursued to ensure that association rules are being followed by everyone, including renters. Read […]
Is There a HOA and Do I Care? Not All Restrictions Are Equal (NC)
One duty of a real estate closing attorney is to research the history of title to a tract of real estate and, as a part of that title search, determine what restrictions, if any, are attached to property being purchased. Restrictions are generally attached either through the agreement of several property owners to be bound […]
Ask Val: Finding Savings in Your 2019 Condo/HOA Budget (VA)
Question: I’m the Treasurer at [redacted Condo Association] and we’re working on the 2019 budget. What’s a good way for us to save money in the budget without compromising the health and maintenance of the building? Read the Q&A………………..
How to Host an Effective Board Orientation
Orienting a community association board is no different than onboarding a new team member – the first 90 days are critical to success. Regardless of your role on the community management team, if you take the time to get to know the board members, align expectations and educate the board about their role in the […]
Tort Liability and Short-Term Rentals: What Owners and Community Associations Should Know (VA)
The internet has undoubtedly changed the way people work, shop, travel, and consume. The internet, specifically Airbnb, is also changing how people view and arrange for housing. According to AirBnb’s website, over two million people book on AirBnB each and every night. AirBnB has listings in over 81,000 cities in over 191 countries. Short-term rentals […]
HOA Statute of Limitations
If you live in a home, condo, apartment, or dwelling that is part of a Home Owners Association, you already know that you are required to pay HOA dues each month, as well as certain special assessments while you reside in the association. While they are necessary to proper maintenance of the association’s collective properties, […]
Can the Reserves Be Adjusted for Items Costing More Than Planned For?
Picture yourself in this scenario: The clubhouse needs a new water heater and it will cost $10,000. But all prior reserve studies that have been done in the association have only allocated $6,000 for replacement. What are the board’s options to make up the additional $4,000 difference? Read the article…………………..
Alcohol at HOA Events
Community events bring members together and enhance holiday spirit. At SpectrumAM, we want to help our boards provide a happy holiday season for their members, but it’s also paramount that the board act prudently when considering any actions that could cause liability. With the holiday season fast approaching, many HOAs will be hosting social events. […]
Why Get Involved?
Q. I have lived in my community association for a number of years. Unlike the horror stories we occasionally read about regarding bad Boards or illogical enforcement of covenants, our community seems to be working fine. We have a good board of directors and a competent manager. One of our long time board members plans […]
Reading Your HOA Balance Sheet
Though it may seem overwhelming or confusing, it’s not something to be quickly gazed over. If members of the board don’t understand how to read the balance sheet, you run the risk of accidentally spending more than is allotted for a specific budget period. It can also be a tool for examining your associations reserve […]
Leaving the Nest: Healthy Community Association Transition (NC)
Community associations in North Carolina typically are developed by private developers that plat the community, build the infrastructure and improvements, develop the lots, and organize the property owners or community association. Read the article……………….
HOA Homefront: How communities can prepare for and deal with disaster
An unfortunate reality is that sometimes our communities are confronted with disaster. And whether it’s an earthquake, wildfire or another calamity, all can transform a community within a few hours. Planning for the unthinkable can improve an association’s recovery prospects. Here are some tips Read the article………………..
5 Basic Habits of Highly Effective CAMs
Welcome to the world of licensed Community Association Managers. As you assume your role, board members, owners, and vendors alike will look to you daily for your problem solving prowess. You’ll field complaints, manage staff, and enforce rules. You’ll wear many hats (sometimes all at once) as you orchestrate inspections, repairs, and improvements. So basically, […]
Top Amendments for an HOA or Condo in North Carolina & South Carolina
We are often asked by board members for HOA and condominium associations to review their community’s documents and “update” them or “make them more modern.” While there is no one-size fits all solution for any community association, we have noticed that some amendments are a good idea for most communities. Read the article………………….
4 Ways to Increase Community Engagement During the Holiday Season
Successful community associations all have one thing in common: their leaders are focused on building a strong sense of community. Engaged residents are happy residents, and the holiday season is the perfect time to bring your community together and show them you care. Here are four ways you can increase community engagement during the holiday […]
Part III Rule Development & Enforcement- The Do’s and Don’ts
Continuing on with our series on Rule Development and Enforcement for Communication Associations, this week we delve into the do’s and don’t’s of Rule Development, along with adoption and implementation procedures. Read the article……………….
Property Insurance Basics: What Coverage Can You Expect When You Decide to Get Your Condo Insured?
While your condominium association dues will go towards the building’s insurance and covering communal areas through a HOA policy, it is up to individual unit owners to insure their own condominium unit. Condo owners typically take out condo insurance (sometimes referred to as HO-6) to cover their belongings and liability within their unit. Read the […]
Condominium Board Authority: Checking the Limits of Power
When making the choice to purchase a condo or a co-op apartment, many buyers choose a condominium to reduce the board’s involvement in the decisions they will make regarding their home. Condo boards’ authority over certain decisions and aspects of life in their communities is much more limited than that of co-op boards, but that […]
How to Effectively Deal with a Bully in a Community Association (AZ)
Most Members in an Association understand that rules and social decorum dictate how they are to interact with Board members, Association employees, and other members. However, there are a small percentage of people that do not abide by rules and social decorum and they are always looking for a fight. These people need to be […]
Updating an HOA Reserve Study
A reserve study is an indispensable planning tool to schedule major renovation and systematically raise the money to pay for it without the use of special assessments. It is also extremely important to update the reserve study each and every year since there are many moving parts that change each year and impact both the […]
Understanding the Governing Documents of a Community Association – PART II
The general hierarchy is important because on occasion there may be conflicting information in the documents. For example, the declaration may state there will be five board members, while the bylaws may state seven. The document that is higher in the hierarchy would prevail. The general hierarchy of authority is as follows: Read the […]
Want to Reduce Board Resignations? Use These 4 Tips
Community associations are not immune to abrupt resignations and unanticipated changes to the board of directors’ structure. It’s difficult to predict when change will occur and how it will affect not only the composition of the board, but the entire community as well. It’s wise that your association implement a plan to reduce resignations to […]
Preventing Theft of Association Funds
We aren’t the only ones that have seen this in the news week after week! Theft of association funds has unfortunately become common in community associations throughout the nation. No board of directors ever wants to find out that money that is needed to run the association and maintain the common area is now gone […]
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – Condominiums Going Green
While gasoline powered vehicles are still dominant on Florida’s roads, the ever-growing presence of electric vehicles cannot be ignored. The number of electric vehicles on our highways and streets continue to climb as they become more and more affordable. As consumers continue to embrace a greener lifestyle, Florida’s lawmakers have paved the way for condominium […]
Board Culture: What Traits Make a Board Successful?
A condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association is only as efficient as the elected board that oversees its day-to-day operations. Considering how difficult it can be to find time for family, leisure, and sleep amid work and assorted other obligations in today’s increasingly hectic world, just finding the requisite number of volunteers to make up the […]
Handling Conflicts: When Should the Board Intervene?
Condo, co-op and HOA communities are made up of people – and people aren’t perfect. Within a community association, squabbles are inevitably going to break out between unit owners. Oftentimes these problems will be resolved relatively easily, and the owners will reach some sort of reasonable consensus with no lasting animosity or tension between them. […]