U.S. District Court Strikes Down Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) as Unconstitutional: Impact to Community Associations

A U.S. District Court judge in Alabama recently ruled that the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is unconstitutional. The CTA, enacted on January 1, 2021, directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to establish a nationwide database of beneficial ownership of certain corporations and other legal entities, including condominium, homeowner (HOA) […]

Politics on Display: Regulating Political Signs in Indiana HOAs

Election Season is upon us, and with the presidential elections approaching in 2024, it is a good time for Indiana community associations to review their policies with regard to political signs. Many community associations have specific sign prohibitions in their governing documents; however, Indiana Code 32-21-13 makes specific exceptions for political signs during an election […]

Aging in Place: 5 Considerations for Community Associations

“Aging in place” refers to the ability of a homeowner to remain living in their own house and community independently as they age rather than moving to a retirement or assisted-living facility. Motivations include comfort, autonomy, safety, and proximity to social connections. The trend is showing no signs of slowing down.   Read the article………………………..

Think your owners’ association documents are amendment-proof? Think again (IN)

The number of common-interest communities governed by associations such as homeowners’ associations has exploded in recent years. These communities take many forms: from large, master-planned communities, to communities that share an amenity such as a lake, golf course or other physical feature, to a simple collection of lots or residences that join together to share […]

Best Practices for Planning and Evaluating Your Condo and HOA Budget

A thriving community starts with a thoughtfully prepared budget. Financial planning helps ensure a stable future for any condominium, homeowner (HOA), or townhome association. Accordingly, board members must take their financial responsibilities seriously.   Read the article………………………..

A Brief Guide to Condo Insurance

The ownership structure of a condominium unit is different from that of a single family house. Here’s what you need to know when purchasing insurance for your condo.    Read the article………………………..

7 HOA Pool Safety Rules Every Board Should Enforce

Many homeowners associations manage swimming pools that are available for member use. One of the pillars of pool management, though, is promoting the safety of pool goers. To accomplish that, a board must enforce certain HOA pool safety rules.   Read the article………………………..

Contractual Considerations for Short-Term Rentals

Property owners (“Owners”) interested in engaging in short-term leases should carefully consider the structure of their contracts (“Leases”). Anticipating potential disputes and consequences is essential for avoiding future litigation. A well-written Lease can serve to facilitate friendly, productive, and profitable landlord/tenant relationships.   Read the article………………………..

Getting Approval For Home Renovations In HOA Communities

Homeowners typically need to secure approval for home renovations in HOA communities. And while the process can vary from one association to another, there are a few general guidelines you can follow.     Read the article………………………..

E-bikes in Your Community Association: Ten Potential Rules and Regulations

An e-bike, or electric bicycle, is equipped with an electric motor to assist the rider in pedalling and propelling the bike forward. These bikes are typically powered by rechargeable batteries. E-bikes can be used for commuting, exercise, and leisure riding. They can also make biking easier and accessible, particularly for people who may find it […]

Backyard Event Rentals: Problems Posed for Homeowner Associations

Homeowners may wish to engage in backyard event rentals to earn supplemental income. For example, some homeowners may rent out their pool and backyard space for parties. While this might seem like a clever opportunity for homeowners to make an extra buck, such backyard event rentals will likely cause tension between homeowners and their HOA […]

Know Your HOA Fence Rules Before Putting Them Up

Every homeowners association has its own set of rules that apply to various things, even fences. It’s important to understand these HOA fence rules so that homeowners can avoid violations and board members can enforce them consistently.  Read the article………………………..

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions: breaks down the rules that govern HOAs

Across the United States, over 74 million people live within a homeowner association (HOA) community, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research. That number keeps growing, with over two-thirds of all new homes started in the last year set to fall under HOA governance.   Read the article………………………..

Is Your Community Association at Risk for Fraud?

Condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations are not immune from fraud. Recently in the news, multiple members of a homeowner’s association were arrested for suspected theft, money-laundering, and other charges. Investigators believe millions of dollars were stolen from the community’s budget through questionable expenses, personal purchases, and diversion of association funds.   Read the article………………………..

HOA Fidelity Bonds: Why Your Homeowners Association Needs Them

HOA fidelity bonds are critical to the operations of homeowners associations. But, what are these bonds anyway? And what do they cover?  A fidelity bond is a form of insurance that protects homeowners associations from unanticipated financial losses such as fraud or theft. Other names for fidelity bonds include crime insurance or fidelity insurance.   Read […]

How To Deal With Wild Animals In HOAs (OH)

It is not unheard of for wild animals to visit an HOA neighborhood. This is particularly common for communities in mountainous areas, forests, or near nature preserves. And depending on the environment, there are several wild animals an association and its homeowners may encounter. But, beautiful and majestic as they are, these animals can bring […]

Common Considerations for Homeowner Associations Regarding Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals have become a popular way for homeowners to earn extra income when they are away from their property. Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo have made short-term rentals easy and accessible. For homeowner associations (“HOAs”), management companies, and other community members; however, these short-term rentals present various problems.   Read the article………………………..

What Is The HOA Open Meeting Act? Are There Guidelines?

While the Open Meeting Act does not universally apply to homeowners associations nationwide, it is still worth understanding what this law entails. In doing so, HOA boards can conduct more effective and collaborative meetings.   Read the article………………………..

HOA Online Voting: How To Do It Right

Elections are a normal part of homeowners associations. Homeowners elect members yearly or every few years to serve on the board and lead the community. As with any election, though, HOA elections can be messy. Many associations need help getting a good voter turnout or organizing the ballots.   Read the article………………………..

HOA Board Members Ethics Model

Leaders of organizations, corporations, and governments should abide by a set of ethical standards when performing their duties. This also applies to volunteer leaders of homeowners associations. Here is your guide to HOA board member ethics.  Read the article………………………..

Lawn Jockeys In HOAs: Should The HOA Board Take Action?

While homeowners generally have free rein over what they do with their property, the same can’t be said for those living in HOA communities. One of the more restrictive rules associations have is what decorations owners can put up. But, when it comes to lawn jockeys in HOAs, should the board have similar rules?    Read […]

HOA Fraud: How Can The Board Protect Itself

Homeowners associations are not immune to fraudulent activity. In fact, because associations tend to deal with a lot of money, they are prime targets of HOA fraud. The sad part is that most instances of fraud are perpetrated by people working inside the HOA in the first place.   Read the article………………………..

A Guide For HOA Security Camera Installations And Usage

Security cameras are a common way homeowners associations keep communities safe. But, there are some considerations when it comes to installing and using them. Before you go all out on an HOA camera system, read through the article below.  Read the article………………………..

Condo and HOA Maintenance: Who is Responsible?

There are many benefits to being a member of a condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community association. By paying assessments, unit owners share the cost for a variety of association expenses including common area maintenance (ex. lobbies, hallways, elevators), amenities (ex. club house, gym, pool), landscaping, utilities, and more.   Read the article………………………..

HOA Voting: A Guide For Board Members And Homeowners

When it comes to HOA voting, not all homeowners associations have it down pat. Some still struggle to standardize their procedures and hold seamless elections. This is where a guide will come in handy.   Read the article………………………..

4 Items for your Community Association Party Checklist

Block parties, cookouts, and outdoor social activities in condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome associations can bring residents together. These events can strengthen community bonds and provide a great opportunity for board members to meet and connect with fellow neighbors.   Read the article…………………..

COA: Geist Lake homeowners had authority to create association (IN)

A group of homeowners argued that their feud with the developer of their subdivision put an issue of first impression before the Court of Appeals of Indiana, but the appellate panel ruled it did not have to rule on the larger issue because of the “clear and unambiguous language” of the declaration governing the use […]

Indiana HOA Solar Panels: House Bill 1196 Has Been Signed

Homeowners associations are known for their strict rules when it comes to architectural changes. If a homeowner wants to add a shed or redo their front porch, chances are they will need to obtain approval from their HOA. This process usually involves going through an application process, which includes submitting documents such as designs and […]

7th Circuit finds for insurance company in adjuster’s game of chess (IN)

A public adjuster who assured an Indiana homeowners association that the way to get a claim for storm damage processed was to play a game of chess with the insurance company, got checkmated when he failed to heed the deadline for filing a lawsuit, prompting the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to make this observation: […]

Memorial Day Facts And FAQs Every American Should Know

Memorial Day comes every year, but some people just blindly celebrate the holiday as a free pass out of work or school. There is more to this holiday than just summer BBQs and pool parties. Here are the most important Memorial Day facts every American should know.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Understanding Crime Insurance For HOAs

Crime insurance is an essential form of insurance for homeowners associations. Unfortunately, far too many HOA board members skip this insurance policy because they feel that it will never come into play. But, crime is something that can happen to any HOA.   Read the entire article……………………………….

New Indiana Law: Solar Panels and Community Associations

According to the new law, an eligible homeowner “may petition other homeowners association members for approval to install a solar energy system on the homeowner’s dwelling unit or property.”  Read the entire article……………………………….

Solar Panel Law Limits Powers of Indiana Homeowners Associations

On March 10, 2022, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law a bill curtailing the powers of Indiana homeowners associations to limit homeowner installation of solar energy systems, including solar panels and solar shingles.   Read the entire article……………………………….

How To Do An HOA Manager Performance Review

Homeowners associations and their boards should routinely conduct an HOA manager performance review. In doing so, they can objectively evaluate how their manager or management company is doing and decide whether or not it is time for a change.    Read the entire article……………………………….

‘Hostile housing environment’ claim survives summary judgment in lawsuit against HOA (IN)

A federal court is allowing a lawsuit alleging an Indianapolis homeowners association and its property management company knew of race-based harassment in the Twin Creeks subdivision, and failed to take legal action to stop the problematic neighbor from using offensive language and making threats, to continue.    Read the entire article……………………………….

HOA Budget Meeting: Tips For Planning And Presenting

The HOA budget meeting is an important event in any homeowners association. Make sure all goes well with yours by adopting these tips for planning and presenting your annual budget.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Can The HOA Ask Homeowners To Remove Holiday Cross Display?

When an association board asks a homeowner to remove a cross display in an HOA community during the holidays, is the association violating any laws? Can an HOA really pick and choose which holiday decorations residents can display?  Read the entire article……………………………….

Hosting A Thanksgiving Party In An HOA? Be Prepared First

Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family get together to eat, catch up, and have fun. But, if you’re throwing a Thanksgiving party in an HOA, there are a few more preparations you need to make note of.    Read the entire article……………………………….

HOA Committees: What Are They? How To Set Them Up?

Homeowners associations, particularly larger ones, utilize all sorts of committees to help complete day-to-day tasks. Learn how you can set up your own HOA committees below.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Interim HOA Board: Should Vacant Positions Be Filled Immediately?

It is hard to pin down a single definition of an interim HOA board. On one hand, it makes sense to say that all boards are interim because members only hold office for a fixed term (typically one year). But, it could also point to a board member with a specific position assuming the role […]

HOA Board Fatigue: Is Your BOD Too Tired?

HOA board fatigue is a real phenomenon that many community associations experience. But, what exactly are the symptoms of board fatigue? And how has the pandemic contributed to its rise?    Read the entire article……………………………….