A resident was hospitalized with significant burn injuries after being rescued from a second floor balcony during a three-alarm fire Sunday morning at a condominium complex in Walnut Creek, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said. Read the article………………………….
Dispute over collapsing backyards along Mossy Oaks neighborhood pond raises long-term questions (LA)
A nearly year-old lawsuit on an Ascension Parish drainage issue has now cleared early attempts to dismiss the litigation before deeper investigation could begin. The lawsuit alleges a floodwater retention pond for the Mossy Oaks neighborhood was built so poorly that it caused the backyards of two homes to partially collapse into the pond. Read […]
Condo may be obligated to give disabled owner closer parking spot (FL)
Q: My mother has lived in and owned a condominium unit for 18 years. The association recently changed her parking spot without her knowledge or consent. Her new parking spot has been moved two spots over. Is it legal to move a parking spot someone has been assigned to for 18 years without their consent […]
Condo World: Best to stay out of neighbor noise disputes (NH)
“Oh, the Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!” I don’t hate Christmas. Far from it. But the Grinch’s comments would be applicable in almost all condominium associations. Someone, somewhere, at some time, in some condominium unit WILL contact its Board of Directors to complain about noise from a neighbor. Read the article……………………………….
HOA should rethink removing its community gate (NV)
Q: I enjoy reading your column. Our homeowners’ association community installed an automatic gate several years ago. We have a lot of gate repairs because of reckless drivers and normal wear and tear. These costs add up and so does the gate downtime. When a gate is hit, it stops dead in its track. I […]
BLM condo sign flap prompts Jewett City renter’s move (CT)
A local renter is preparing to move out of her Jewett City condominium complex after weeks of disagreement with complex officials over what she says is her overt support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Crystal Allard moved into the Anthony Estates complex off Anthony Street a year ago with her husband and the couple’s […]
Back to school for owners and associations provides opportunity to learn something new about community (VA)
As summer draws to a close, we venture into back-to-school season. Teachers, parents and students begin preparing for the new school year, both virtually and in-person. We often think that school season is only for one of these categories, but it’s also the perfect time for homeowners association board members and homeowners to learn something […]
Board members may not waive portion of their assessments (IL)
Q: We have difficulty in recruiting candidates for the board of our condominium association. To attract candidates, the board would like to either waive some portion of the assessments for board members, or pay board members. Is this permitted? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Snoqualmie Ridge homeowner association tells family to take down Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ-positive signs (WA)
A family in Snoqualmie Ridge says their homeowner association has unfairly targeted their signs that promote equality. Watch the new report………………………………..
Authorities investigating series of fires at Vinings condominiums (GA)
Cobb County authorities are investigating a string of fires that were intentionally set inside a Vinings condominium complex this week, officials said Friday. The three fires, which have all been ruled arson, were set at the Vinings Central Condominums Read the article…………………………….
‘Who knows how much longer it will take?’: Valley Cottage condo owner awaits day he can return home (NY)
It’s been 16 months since a fire destroyed the Mounainview Condominium Complex in Valley Cottage and residents still don’t know when they will be able to return. The 16 people who were displaced by the fire have had to pay mortgage and maintenance fees even though they are still not living in the building. Read […]
Questions linger after Flying Heart ruling (ID)
Though a judge granted the public the right to access the Big Wood River using a road easement in a north-Hailey subdivision earlier this month, several “No Parking” signs put up by local homeowners—and the question of their legality—remain. Read the article…………………………
Condo Q&A: Should Monthly Fees Drop If Amenities Are Closed? (FL)
Question: Our HOA board has decided to change the trim color of all 108 homes. The buildings are off white, and the trim has been a variation of light blue since they were built in 1990. They now want to paint turquoise, peach, yellow, lime green or gray. The CC&R’s state the HOA maintains the […]
These River North condo owners couldn’t be deconverted (IL)
It would have been the biggest condo deconversion in Chicago history. But in the end, enough owners of the 467-unit River North tower balked at the planned $188 million bulk sale, and it was rejected in a Tuesday night vote, according to Crain’s. That followed an appellate court decision earlier in the day, which refused […]
Ask a real estate pro: How can I make the condo association repair a common area? (FL)
Q: The condo’s balcony has loose and missing tiles that are getting worse. I want to repair it myself, but the building manager told me I was not allowed to because it is part of the common area. However, the condo is not fixing it. What should I do? Read the Q&A……………………………..
No quick fix for Bluff Road (MI)
Mike Skurski, Mission Hills Homeowners Association president and Bluff Road property owner, blamed the road commission for letting the erosion get so bad. The HOA’s beach access off Bluff Road is impacted by the closure and the group paid $20,000 for a fix last summer. Skurski accused the road commission of missing several chances to […]
National Resources principals accused of building defective Sleepy Hollow condominium (NY)
For the third time in four years, a homeowners’ association has sued officials of Greenwich-based National Resources for allegedly building a defective condominium. The board of managers of The River House at Sleepy Hollow Condominium is demanding $7 million from Joseph Cotter and Lynne Ward, in a lawsuit filed Aug. 12 in Westchester Supreme Court. Read […]
Signs, signs everywhere a sign – Every election cycle brings more placards in Sun Cities (AZ)
The Aug. 4 Arizona primary election wrapped, but the Nov. 3 election is around the corner and some residents in both Sun City and Sun City West have political signage displayed in yards and on public streets. Read the article……………………………….
What does it mean when a condo association want us to vote on whether or not to waive the reserves (FL)
Q: My condo association just passed this year’s budget and we received a notice that they want us to vote on whether or not to “waive the reserves.” Could you explain exactly what the reserves are for, what waiving them means, and the consequences for voting either to waive or not waive them? Read […]
Roadmaps for Wildfire Mitigation Provide Guidance for Suburban Neighborhoods
New wildfire guidelines from an insurance industry home safety organization offer guidance for adapting suburban communities to the growing threat of wildfire. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) said its Suburban Wildfire Adaptation Roadmaps offer a detailed examination of wildfire vulnerabilities and specific solutions that can limit the catastrophic reach of wildfire […]
Barefoot Resort HOA files lawsuit over ‘design and construction defects’ (SC)
The construction of a new beach cabana for Barefoot Resort and Golf has encountered a hurdle after it was discovered the wrong building materials were used for the oceanfront amenity center located in North Myrtle Beach. In a lawsuit filed by the Barefoot Resort Residential Owners Association on Aug. 11 in the Court of Common […]
North Myrtle Beach passes new tow truck rules despite resident opposition, workshop to come (SC)
“You’re talking about a registered agent or owner having to call the police themselves and waiting for the police officer to get there,” said Pam Stanley, HOA manager for Pierwatch Villas in Cherry Grove. “There is no way for us doing that without hiring security, which we can’t really afford to do, honestly. Rents are […]
Both sides in Carmen Court landmark fight detail failed attempts at compromise (CO)
The two sides battling over the future of Carmen Court on Tuesday detailed their failed efforts to find a compromise during their first appearance before the Denver City Council. Chris Crawford, managing director of Hines — the Houston-based developer under contract to buy the condo complex at 900 E. 1st Ave. — said the company […]
El Cajon woman battles HOA to get her condo fixed (CA)
An El Cajon police chase in March ended with a car plowing into a condo on North Mollison Avenue. Five months later, the owner of the condo is still battling with the homeowner’s association to get the damage fixed. Read the article………………………………
Two-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Condo Complex In Westchester (NY)
Four families were displaced from a Westchester condominium complex when a two-alarm fire broke out overnight, leaving the building with extensive damage. Read the article……………………………….
A red diamond in a driveway? West Boynton homeowner, HOA in bitter 3-year lawsuit battle (FL)
For more than three years, the Equus HOA in suburban Boynton Beach has been trying to get Barry Rosenthal, a former member of the HOA, to remove the diamond because it is ‘not a good fit’ for Equus. Read the article…………………………….
HOA asks woman to remove flag supporting police (UT)
Last weekend, Aimee Peterson received a letter from her homeowner’s association with a “kind request” — that she remove her Thin Blue Line flag supporting police from her front porch. “It’s convenient that they chose now to enforce it, when we’ve flown this for years and years,” said Peterson. Read the article……………………………..
HOA sues Elkhorn homeowner for unapproved roof color (NE)
It’s not unusual to see crews replacing bad roofs in metro area neighborhoods. But this week good shingles will be torn off an elkhorn home. A roof just two years old that tom ross is forced to replace after a storm of controversy. Tom Ross, a homeowner said, “A board member that lived across the […]
North Port HOA shoots down gun safety class (FL)
Aside from stockpiling beans and sanitizer, Americans have racked up record gun and ammunition sales in the coronavirus era. In fact, more than 2 million of us became first-time gun owners through July, according to federal agencies documenting such data. Chaos, imagined or real, was driving firearms’ sales, experts insisted. Possible gun restrictions years ago […]
State laws regulate posting of political signs in communities (NV)
Q: I live in a homeowners association-controlled condo community. Is there a state legal standing on displaying political signs? The management company for our HOA has told me I cannot display any. Read the Q&A………………………
Virginia veteran wins fight with homeowners’ association over flying American flag
A Marine veteran ended up in the middle of a battle he did not expect to be fighting in Virginia: a battle to fly the U.S. flag. Richard Jenkins’ homeowners’ association (HOA) initially wanted him to not only take down his 20-foot flagpole, but the American flag along with it. Read the article…………………………..
HOA restrictions on commercial vehicles difficult to enforce without clear definitions (FL)
Q: Our HOA declaration states that “no commercial vehicles, except those present on business, shall be parked on any part of The Properties. No trailers, boats, campers, trucks, mobile homes, motorized recreational vehicles or motorcycles may be parked in The Properties unless parked inside a garage or parked on the lot in a location that […]
Rock Hill neighborhood discovers racist bylaw, comes together to remove it (SC)
A movement to change a racist bylaw in a homeowners association in Rock Hill is still going on. The change is bringing the Rock Hill neighborhood, Fewell Estates, closer together. Read the article……………………………
Three Hundred Collins allegedly marred by cheap materials, unpaid contractors and duped investors: lawsuit (FL)
Three Hundred Collins in Miami Beach’s South-of-Fifth neighborhood is besieged with poor quality interiors, debts to contractors and an unresponsive developer, among other problems, according to a recently filed lawsuit. Read the article…………………………..
HOA will allow Colorado police chaplain to fly ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag
A Colorado police chaplain is now allowed to fly a “Thin Blue Line” flag in front of his house after his homeowners association said it was in the wrong for demanding he take it down. Read the article…………………………….
Consumer Advocate For State Attorney General’s Office Files Complaint Against Jasper Highlands Development Over Water System (TN)
The Consumer Advocate of the state Attorney General’s Office has filed a complaint against the Jasper Highlands development on Jasper Mountain, saying the group is operating a water system without obtaining a state certificate. Read the article…………………………..
HOA Homefront: Can communities ban political, patriotic or religious displays? (CA)
Q: We (along with our neighbors) put out candidate and ballot measure signs prior to our elections. We looked into this several years ago and it appears that California law allows all HOA residents to display political signs during elections. However, friends who live in other San Diego County HOAs have told me repeatedly that […]
Condo World: To tow or not to tow, Part II (NH)
If a member of your board of directors suggests towing, be careful. Occasionally, you have the board member who always wants to tow vehicles to “send a message.” I always wonder what message it sends in a community association if the board is actively looking for vehicles to tow. Certainly not the right message. […]
‘There were no rules:’ Veteran fights homeowners association to keep American flag & pole (VA)
When Richard Jenkins’ son gave him an American flag for Father’s Day, Jenkins had no idea the controversy it would stir……..But Jenkins said the Willow Shade Homeowners’ Association wants him to take the flag down from a 20-foot pole he put in a planter in his front yard. Read the article………………………….
North Star Subdivision developer’s request to charge residents more than $200 (WA) a month for water, sewer services denied
A request from the developers of a subdivision near Helena to charge residents more than $200 each month for water and sewer services has been denied by the Montana Public Service Commission. According to a release from the Public Service Commission, the subdivision’s developers of the North Star Subdivision established North Star Water & Sewer, […]
Lakeland family claims discrimination by homeowners association (TN)
A Lakeland family is going public, creating a website to document what they call discrimination by their homeowners association. It’s called therealcoolsprings.com. It’s just the latest twist in a neighborhood dispute we first told you about in March. The Cool Springs Homeowners Association sued the family over the paint color on the trim of their […]
HOA apologizes after Utah resident was asked to take down ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign (UT)
A Utah homeowners association is apologizing after a resident was asked to take down his Black Lives Matter sign. Dan Carlson, a sociology and family and consumer studies professor at the University of Utah, posted on Twitter Tuesday that the HOA that oversees the Daybreak community in South Jordan left him a notice about his […]
Chicago Property Management Company President Says Residents, Staff Feel Unsafe Amid Crime, Unrest, Demands Action From Mayor (IL)
The president of a Chicago-based property management company issued a letter to Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday – saying residents and building staff do not feel safe amid civil unrest, looting, and crime in the city, and blamed the city for a lack of support. The letter was issued by Steven P. Levy, president of […]
Condo questions: Is board allowed to decide on exterior colors? Do I have to pay fees if amenities have been closed for months? (FL)
Q: Our HOA board has decided to change the trim color of all 108 homes. The buildings are off white, and the trim has been a variation of light blue since they were built in 1990. They now want to paint, turquoise, peach, yellow, lime green or gray. The CC&R’s state the HOA maintains the […]
Marco Island contractor faces charges after replacing boardwalk during sea turtle season (FL)
Three employees of a Marco Island marine construction company are facing charges after officers said the men were caught replacing a beach boardwalk on South Seas West condo during sea turtle season, court documents show. Read the article……………………………..
GL Homes, Valencia Reserve settle lawsuit over construction defects (FL)
The Valencia Reserve HOA filed a lawsuit in June 2016 alleging GL Homes built a faulty irrigation system that left homeowners with either ‘parched or oversaturated lawns’ among other concerns. GL Homes has agreed to pay $850,000 to the Valencia Reserve Homeowners Association to settle a four-year old lawsuit alleging that the homebuilder left the […]
Florida Recalls HOA Board for Troubled Osceola County Community (FL)
The homeowner’s association board for an Osceola County community has been recalled by a state agency. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ruled in favor of more than 200 residents at Turnberry Reserve, recalling the November election results. Read the article……………………………
La Jolla’s Colony Hill HOA is sued over rejection of home renovation plans (CA)
Some homeowners associations have reputations for being difficult. But few get sued by residents. But that’s what happened to the Colony Hill HOA in La Jolla after two homeowners sought to renovate a property but were denied on grounds that the project would be “too large for the location and creates a severe impact to […]
Metro Detroit residents concerned after dozens of duck carcasses found near neighborhood pond (MI)
Dozens of ducks are dead in a metro Detroit neighborhood, with some nearby residents claiming the homeowner’s association isn’t doing enough to mediate. “There’s bits and pieces of duck carcasses everywhere,” said one resident who was concerned about his kids and dogs outside around the dead animals. Read the article……………………………….
Tips on road maintenance in a property owner association (NC)
I have heard from a number of people who live in homeowner and property owner associations and the concerns they have regarding roads, as well as water runoff and the issues which can be related with them. Having recently been involved in the review and selection process of evaluating solutions for road work, it pays […]