Homeowner challenges HOA over solar panels (FL)

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into usable electricity. They have been gaining popularity in recent years as homeowners seek ways to reduce their utility bills, as well as their carbon footprints. A Florida homeowner is reportedly feeling frustrated, however, regarding solar panel installation on a roof. The Homeowners Association where the individual lives […]

Is “Mediated Resolution” a Free Pass for Local Law 97 Deadbeats? (NY)

When it comes to New York City’s landmark climate legislation, Local Law 97, it seems that every push results in a vigorous pushback. For instance, when many building owners, including co-op and condo boards, howled that they could not possibly afford retrofits that would bring their buildings’ carbon emissions in line with the law, the […]

Going green in multi-family buildings (IL)

In Forest Park, a condominium development is proving that it’s possible to live green in a multi-family building.  The board and residents are working together to back new sustainability measures that they think can be applied to other buildings in the area.   Read the article…………………………….

Kansas homeowners urge lawmakers to ban ‘punitive’ rooftop solar restrictions

Alan Bauman would put solar panels on his Prairie Village home if he could. He’d like to benefit from the savings on his energy bill and have more security when his electric utility suffers power outages.  But his homeowners association restricts his and neighbors’ ability to install solar power.   Read the article…………………………….

City Has a Skeleton Staff to Enforce Compliance With Local Law 97 (NY)

Some 50,000 large New York City buildings, including thousands of co-ops and condos, will be required to comply with the city’s sweeping climate law, Local Law 97, which went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year. And how many inspectors does the Department of Buildings (DOB) have on staff to make sure those buildings […]

Australia: How stratas are derailing unit owners’ bid to lower bills

Unmotivated owners and strata policies are preventing more apartment blocks from moving to renewable energy.  ReNewCo founder and CEO Matthew Summerville has recently installed solar to a block of units in Clovelly and said that unit owners have more options than they realise.   Read the article…………………………….

Another solar panel fight in west St. Louis County heads to court (MO)

Kean is friends with the trustees on the board — he used to be one — so he asked why he was denied. It wasn’t so much about his proposal, the president of the board allegedly told him, but that the trustees were afraid an approval would set off the “wild west of requests, and […]

Embracing Sustainability: The Power of HOA Community Recycling Programs (CA)

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable practices within their communities. Furthermore, one such initiative gaining momentum is the HOA Community Recycling Program. This comprehensive guide explores HOA recycling programs’ benefits, implementation, and key considerations.    Read the article………………………………

For Co-op and Condo Boards, Electrification Looks Better and Better (NY)

A growing number of co-op and condo boards are buying into the gospel of electrification — switching from fossil fuel-powered buildings systems to electric-powered ones as the electric grid gets greener and cleaner. This, they believe, is the best way to cut their buildings’ carbon emissions enough to comply with Local Law 97, which goes […]

Electrification Is Facing Some Strong Headwinds (NY)

Earlier this week Habitat reported on 420 Beekman Hill, a 110-unit Manhattan co-op that’s replacing the building’s steam heating, cooling and hot water system with rooftop electric heat pumps. The cost of the $3.2 million project is being defrayed by more than $1 million worth of incentives from Con Edison and the New York State […]

Solar panels at center of growing issue between HOAs, homeowners (KS)

Another example of a growing issue between homeowners’ associations and property owners involving solar panels pops up in a northwest Wichita neighborhood. Similar to a situation this summer in the southwest part of town, an HOA said “no” to a homeowner wanting the panels on his home. This will likely become an even bigger issue […]

Condo owner may be restricted with solar panels (NV)

Q: We have recently moved to a condominium community with eight condos per building. I would appreciate any insights you have regarding the use of solar panels on the roof of our building. As I read through the covenants, conditions and restrictions and the condo agreement, I cannot find anything specifically prohibiting or allowing me […]

Michigan Bill Could Stop HOAs from Blocking Home Chargers

Homeowners associations could be prohibited from blocking energy efficiency upgrades – from rooftop solar panels and home EV charging to rain barrels – under a new proposed bill in the Michigan House.   Read the article………………………………

Can a Community Association Restrict Solar Panel Installation? (FL)

Solar power is gaining traction as a common source of meeting Floridians’ electricity needs. In most cases, homeowners capture solar energy through the installation of roof mounted solar panels. Though readily accessible to most, solar panels are often unsightly and are a topic of concern and debate in community associations.   Read the article……………………………

HB 5028: Solar Energy Bill And Michigan’s Community Associations

The Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act was recently introduced in the Michigan State Legislature as HB 5028. This bill would force community associations to accept installation of energy-saving devices like clothes lines, heat pumps, insulation, rain barrels, reflective roofing, efficient appliances and windows, electric vehicle charging equipment, etc.   Read the article……………………………….

Red Flags in Green Legislation: SB 558 and HB 5028 may ban Michigan HOA’s from regulating Solar Panels and other Energy Saving Improvements

The Michigan legislature has recently introduced two bills that would limit the ability of condominium and homeowners associations to exercise architectural control authority within their communities related to energy-saving improvements. SB 558 was introduced on October 4, 2023, and it may prohibit certain Michigan community associations from banning solar panels, except in cases where the […]

“Xeriscape Bill” [SB 23-178] (CO)

Have you heard of the recent “Xeriscape Bill” [SB 23-178] that was signed into law at the end of May? This new bill overrides pre-existing HOA guidelines that restricted residents from installing xeriscape, artificial turf, and vegetable gardens in their yards. The intent of the bill is to promote water-wise landscapes.   Read the article………………………………..

HOAs Cannot Prohibit Installation of Solar but can Enforce Reasonable Restrictions (CO)

For the past several years, the homeowner association (HOA) space has seen and continues to see many changes in regulation, including legislation around renewable energy options. Various states have taken a more proactive stance on the installation of solar panels, explicitly targeting HOAs that enforce restrictions on these devices.   Read the article……………………………….

Green Renovation For Condos: Canadian Trends And Innovations

As the world becomes more “green,” Canadians are staying on top of the trends in housing to make their condos as energy-efficient as possible. This goes especially for condos, where builders are able to create systems that affect multiple owners simultaneously.    Read the article…………………………….

HOAs Cannot Prohibit Installation of Solar but can Enforce Reasonable Restrictions (CO)

For the past several years, the homeowner association (HOA) space has seen and continues to see many changes in regulation, including legislation around renewable energy options. Various states have taken a more proactive stance on the installation of solar panels, explicitly targeting HOAs that enforce restrictions on these devices   Read the article………………………..

Can Anything Be Done About Solar Panels? (FL)

If you are living in a homeowners association you probably know that the Association cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). But what about a request to install such devices on the roof of a condominium?   Read the article………………………..

Simple Ways Co-ops, Condos, & HOAs Can Help the Environment

Nobel Prize–eschewing poet and folk-rock music legend Bob Dylan might have been the first person to be known as “going electric” (at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965), but as with much of his oeuvre, the world is now following in his footsteps. Now it is imperative that as many people, industries, businesses, and buildings […]

Can our Association Restrict or Prohibit Solar Panels? (MN)

Until very recently, the answer to this question was a resounding “YES”. However, legislation that was recently passed in Minnesota will change the way that some associations look at solar panels and solar energy. This change to Minnesota Statutes was intended to promote the use of solar energy as well as provide homeowners with the […]

Changes to Minnesota HOA law lets more switch to solar

After a busy legislative session, there is good news for Minnesota homeowners that want to choose solar energy. One of the highly anticipated laws that passed now mandates that HOAs in Minnesota cannot block a property from installing solar panels on the roof. This change took effect on July 1, 2023.   Read the article………………………..

Condo Board’s Win-Win: Saving Money While Saving the Planet (NY)

Ray Murphy isn’t trying to save the planet. He’s trying to save money. As it turns out, he’s doing both.  Murphy has been the resident manager at the 29-story, 266-unit Avery condominium on the West Side of Manhattan since shortly after the building opened in 2009. In that time he has overseen three capital projects […]

Wichita couple’s solar panels could result in lien on property (KS)

An effort by a southwest Wichita couple to tap into renewable energy for their home could result in a lien on their property. For the past year, fines from their homeowners’ association have piled up and leaves the couple without options.   Read the article………………………..

What is Xeriscaping and Is It Right For Your Community?

The landscaping of a community is one of the most important responsibilities that HOA board members handle every day. The image of vast, lush green lawns and a plethora of multi-colored coordinating blooms enveloping the community in easy elegance is often the vision homeowners have for their community landscaping.   Read the article………………………..

Fair Billing, Bright Futures (NY)

Sub-metering in master-metered buildings simplifies billing and brings brighter prospects for energy efficiency. Most co-op and condo owners in New York City are either directly metered by ConEd, or already sub-metered. However, there is still a small percentage of buildings that are master-metered. Those buildings need to install sub-meters before January 1, 2025 to comply […]

He put solar panels on his roof. Now his HOA wants them removed (GA)

When Alex Betancourt and his family moved from Buford to nearby Suwanee in 2021, the house they purchased checked all of their boxes. Good schools, a desirable neighborhood and plenty of space for his wife and five kids.  And the roof of the home — unobstructed by trees and facing south — was ideal for […]

Why Homeowners Need To Prepare For The Costs Of Climate Change

Climate change is not a distant threat, but a present danger that is already wreaking havoc on our lives and homes. From devastating floods to scorching heat waves to raging wildfires, homeowners need to prepare for the consequences of our warming planet.   Read the article………………………..