Members of the Englewood community and their alderman are demanding answers about the housing of more than two dozen convicted sex offenders in one building. “In my opinion, the landlord is just getting a payday,” said 6th Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer. He’s referring to a 12-unit condo building on 66th and Perry where, he said, […]
License Plate Readers Installed Natomas Neighborhood Generate Leads For Police (CA)
A Natomas neighborhood association said license plate readers installed just weeks ago are already generating leads for police. It’s a battle against petty crime, getting fast results. And what the cameras are able to track goes beyond street crime. Read the article……………………………….
Can an HOA stand in the way of a homeowner who wants to go solar? (IN)
If you live in a planned neighborhood or community, chances are you are part of a Homeowners Association, otherwise known as an HOA. Those associations manage shared amenities and establish rules for the neighborhood, most of which revolve around maintaining a particular aesthetic. Read the article……………………………………
HOA board says no ribbon driveway without gate (NV)
Q: I have a situation where I feel that my homeowners association’s board of directors is not in a position to deny an Architectural Review Committee request that I have placed, and I would love to have your opinion in the matter. I have requested to place a ribbon driveway on my side yard, the […]
Flood mitigation project proposed at Longwood Golf Club in Cypress (TX)
Dozens of homes in the Longwood Village neighborhood have flooded in recent years—including more than 100 in Hurricane Harvey alone—but a Harris County Flood Control District project proposed at Longwood Golf Club could mitigate effects of future flooding events. Read the article…………………………….
Second-Alarm Fire Causes Major Damage To Pleasanton Condos (CA)
An early morning fire forced the evacuation of a condominium complex and displaced four people in Pleasanton Saturday. Read the article……………………..
How much to fine rule-breakers (IL)
Q: The consensus among our board and owners is that the rules of our association fairly reflect important issues and do not go overboard. However, the section on enforcement does not describe the actual fine amounts for violations of the rules. Should the fine amounts be stated? Read the Q&A……………………………..
POA of Dawn Hill Community responsible for fixing sewer leaks (AR)
After receiving multiple complaints from residents of the Dawn Hill community in Benton County about wastewater in their yards, the Arkansas Department of Health has asked the Property Owners Association to fix the problem. Read the article…………………………………..
Condemned Carolina Beach condos to reopen following millions of dollars worth of repairs (NC)
After being in danger of collapsing four years ago, a Carolina Beach condominium complex is making a return. Residents of the Carolina Surf Condos, located along the oceanfront at 201 Carolina Beach Ave. S., had to evacuate after the building was condemned amid corrosion in its structural columns in 2017, the StarNews reported. Read […]
HOA Homefront – Reader Questions on rental issues (CA)
Q: I have a home that I rent. Last week I received a traffic notice stating my HOA account was levied a fine of $100 for speeding, committed by my tenant’s caregiver. Is it lawful for a HOA to be able to fine an absentee owner for behavior of a guest not known to owner? […]
Residents of downtown condo say Airbnb renters are wreaking havoc inside historic building (GA)
Despite pleas from Atlanta’s mayor, thousands of people are expected in the city this weekend for Sunday’s NBA All-Star game. Many of those people will end up staying at Airbnb’s or other short-term rentals. Read the article………………………………..
Durham man asked to remove Black Lives Matter window sign, sidewalk chalk (NC)
A Durham man says his family is being unfairly targeted because of his sign supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. However, his HOA says he’s simply being cited for breaking rules. Read the article…………………………………
Four Bend Neighborhoods Join Firewise (OR)
Four neighborhoods in the Bend area and one in Canyon City in Grant County joined the national Firewise program last year and were among 182 communities across the state that conducted a variety of projects from cutting brush to thinning overcrowded stands of trees, to clearing brush away from evacuation routes and promoting education and […]
Palmetto Place Condo Sued Over Mask Mandate (FL)
A condominium owner at “Palmetto Place at Mizner Park” is suing the Condominium Association over $5000 in fines she received for allegedly not wearing a facial covering in the building. Read the article………………………………..
Fate of GOMO uncertain as bankruptcy case winds down (TX)
When Peter and Katherine Chang met with the Garden Oaks Maintenance Organization (GOMO) in 2012, about a deed restriction violation related to constructing a second garage on their property, they said they were told by the homeowners association that it had a “war chest” it was not afraid to use on the couple. Read the […]
Condo Development Ordered to Remove Islands (NJ)
The Towne Club of Beach Haven condominium development has been ordered to remove nine existing tree islands by next month. The islands are located on a section of Centre Street between Bay Avenue and Delaware Avenue. Read the article……………………………..
Coming Together And Finding Solutions In Times Of Adversity (NC)
As Covid-19 arrived in the United States in early 2020, people were forced to make adjustments to their usual activities seemingly overnight. For community associations, new meeting formats, safety concerns, and revamping community activities took center stage. We at CAMS are immeasurably impressed with the resilience our communities have shown and their willingness to embrace […]
Bella Vista POA sued (AR)
Two people are suing the Bella Vista Property Owners Association over the increased monthly assessment fee for improved property. Kevin Hickey and Brad- ley Hull, lawyers from Fort Smith, filed the lawsuit last week in Benton County Circuit Court on behalf of Kevin Dooley and Jim Parsons. The association and its board of directors are […]
Palm Bay Towers unit owners sue condo board, alleging marina neglect (FL)
The only waterfront high-rise in Miami’s Upper Eastside neighborhood is a case study in condo board neglect, according to a recently filed lawsuit. Ten unit owners at the Palm Bay Towers are suing their condominium association and property manager KW Property Management & Consulting in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, alleging that both have willfully ignored major […]
Tree Crushes Roof Of Derry Condo, Firefighters Rescue Residents (NH)
Occupants escaped a 3-unit condo after a tree crashed on the building’s roof causing heavy damage. One person was taken to the hospital. Read the article………………………………….
You and the Law | When the pest control company damages your property (CA)
Today’s story will be of special interest to three groups of readers: 1. Anyone who owns a condominium under the management of an HOA, a Home Owners Association. 2. Managers of HOAs. 3. Companies who contract with HOAs and cause damage to the property of condo owners. Read the Q&A……………………………………….
Another water issue in Pine (AZ)
Pine suffered for years with water issues. It became so critical that they put a building moratorium in place. The moratorium is gone, but now some residents are dealing with too much water. Darwin Huber recently talked about the problem with the Roundup. “We have an issue here in Portal III in Pine. Starting back […]
Homeowners association suddenly removes several basketball hoops from Montgomery Co. neighborhood (TX)
Several people in a Montgomery County neighborhood have voiced their displeasure after basketball hoops were taken away. On Monday, a viewer reached out to FOX 26 after several basketball hoops were removed from their Woodforest neighborhood by a trailer. Read the article……………………………….
Condo Complex to Rise Above Flood Level in $3 Million Project (MD)
An Ocean City condominium complex often inundated by stormwater will be getting a lift – literally – to elevate it above flood levels. The city has been awarded a $3 million federal grant to raise the seven-building Ocean Aire condos at 43rd Street and West Avenue in the south end of town. Read the article……………………………
School System, HOA Bring in USDA to Chase Out Vultures (VA)
Broadlands Association General Manager Sarah Gerstein said the HOA consulted with the USDA only after Read the article………………………………….“numerous complaints” from residents and local businesses.
Co-ops and Condos Are Avoiding Property Tax Delinquency (NY)
Unpaid property taxes in New York City are soaring as homeowners struggle and the pandemic recession slashes the rents landlords are collecting from both commercial and residential tenants, The City reports. The property tax arrears rose to $1.3 billion in February – 4.5% of the almost $30 billion due, according to figures released by city […]
Association Cannot Edit Candidate Resumes (FL)
Q: For our condominium association’s upcoming election, the blank candidate information sheet provided by the management company has a signature and date line at the bottom. Is it required that candidates running for the board of directors to sign the candidate information sheet form after what they have written about themselves? Read the Q&A’s………………………………….
Littleton Couple & Neighbors Support Voting For A Change To HOA’s Flag Policy (CO)
The kerfuffle over a Black Lives Matter flag hung outside a Littleton home started in early February when Kara and Ben Wilkoff’s HOA sent them a letter telling them to take it down. “Literally the statement is ‘flag is not approved,’” said Ben. Read the article…………………………………
Padre Island residents remove thousands of pounds of dead fish from canals, beaches (TX)
Marvin Jones, President of the Padre Island Property Owner Association, said with the help of volunteers, they were able to collect 120 trash bags full of fish, each bag weighing about 50 pounds, leading to an estimated total of 6,000 pounds of fish! Read the article…………………………………
Robert’s Rules allows small organizations to dispense with seconds and other formalities (FL)
Q: Your discussions of associations frequently have interest to many readers like me. Thanks for offering advice. For your recent article regarding Robert’s Rules, I think a clarification is needed, specifically regarding the use of Robert’s Rules for a small board. I fully agree we don’t want to become too obsessed with these rules. […]
How do you know if your condo or homeowners association is well-managed? Here are some tips (VA)
How do you know if your homeowners or condominium association is being successfully managed? It can sometimes be hard to determine if a community with an association is being run well. Read the article……………………………………….
Barking issues can result in fines for owner (IL)
Q: Like so many people, I have been working from my condominium unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have noticed a lot of owners in our association have dogs. During the workday, any number of different dogs may start barking for a few minutes. The barking of the dogs can be very distracting. I have […]
Use of electronic voting (FL)
Q: In response to COVID-19, our community wants to authorize the use of electronic voting to facilitate participation. Can the association use an online polling service, or do we need to engage a third party to implement the electronic voting system? Read the article…………………………………………..
HOA Homefront: Can a board ban tenants with a criminal past? (CA)
Q: My HOA made a change in the CC&Rs. Renters must be approved by the board, and nobody with a criminal record shall be approved. Can they make these demands for just rental units and not units being sold? Wouldn’t criminal records be just as important about potential buyers? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Dispute erupts in upscale Ooltewah neighborhood as golf course owner seeks to create more home lots (TN)
A dispute at an upscale Hamilton County neighborhood has emerged over efforts by its golf course owner to see more houses built near The Ooltewah Club. Course owner Rick Stern wants approval from county planners to create 10 additional home lots inside the Hampton Creek gated community off Snow Hill Road. Read the article……………………………………
HOA finds backyard fence in violation of rules (NV)
Q: I have enjoyed reading your column for several years along with the information that you get to share with the readers. I do have several questions that I am sure you will be able to share valuable information on. Read the Q&A…………………………
Tustin homeowners association: ‘Repaint that $23K garage door! (CA)
The fate of garage doors – any garage doors – does not exactly rate high on the list of world problems. But for Julie Good, her new garage doors are a triumph, a piece de resistance, a tour de force. Less hyperbolic, they improve her house’s curb appeal. Read the article………………………….
New Mexico homeowners told they can’t connect solar systems
New Mexico has been called a ‘national leader in clean energy,’ with legislation putting the state on a path to renewable energy. However, some homeowners who want to install solar are being told they can’t. Read the article…………………………………..
Two families displaced, one resident goes to hospital after Danbury condo fire (CT)
Two families were displaced Wednesday in a fire that damaged a condo complex. One person evacuated the condo and went to the hospital to be evaluated for burns before firefighters arrived, Danbury Fire Department said. Read the article………………………………
Is Westbury charging mandatory fees when it shouldn’t? (TX)
When real estate agent Charles Goforth was reviewing paperwork for a home under contract in Westbury, he noticed something that didn’t make sense to him. The title company said a $125 transfer fee — a mandatory fee sometimes charged by homeowners associations — was required for the sale to go through. Read the article……………………………………..
Real Estate Advice: What condo boards can and cannot do (MA)
Q: I am a member of the board of trustees of my condo association. It has been brought to our attention that one of the unit owners has a washer and dryer in his bathroom that drains into the tub. The bylaws prohibit washers and dryers in individual units. The unit owner who reported this […]
Condo World: Electronic condo association meetings now and in the future (NH)
One of the problems the pandemic has created is how to hold Association meetings, annual or special. A current question in a number of associations is how to hold them when (1) there are state orders against large gatherings, (2) some people who would otherwise attend a meeting won’t because of a fear of lack […]
People Are Turning Shipping Containers Into Tiny Homes. Here Are the Pros and Cons
To most people, a 2018 Ram ProMaster is just a vehicle. For Chelsey Hathman, it’s home. Chelsey Hathman, 29, renovated her van to live in full-time. Squeezed out of her Texas condo by the hidden costs of homeownership, such as maintenance and homeowners association fees, Hathman, 29, sold the place and moved into her 60-square-foot […]
‘Our money’s going in the toilet’: Amenities destroyed after homeowners file lawsuit over high fees (FL)
A group of Sumter County homeowners turned to 9 Investigates for help after the owner of their 55+ community destroyed amenities that have been the center of an ongoing court fight. Read the article…………………………………….
Stoneybrook West residents head to second vote on golf-course purchase (AZ)
Although Stoneybrook West residents recently shot down a proposal necessary to allow the homeowners association to purchase Stoneybrook West Golf & Country Club, another vote is on the horizon. Read the article…………………………………..
Fire leads to evacuation at large East Hartford condo complex (CT)
A pre-dawn fire in a large condo complex in East Hartford forced residents to flee their homes Wednesday morning. Read the article……………………………..
Some private residents will be able to enforce parking violations in South Walton (FL)
A newly written ordinance was voted on, which would deter visitors from parking on private properties at Tuesday’s commission meeting. After a back and forth discussion, the board passed an ordinance for private property owners to regulate unattended vehicles on their properties. This would allow for them to hire security companies to give parking fines. […]
Community Association Q&A: Access to Minutes, Violation Letters? (FL)
Q: There are numerous parking violations and pet violations occurring in my condominium community. I don’t believe the board and manager are taking proper enforcement actions. Are owners entitled to review board meeting minutes to see what, if anything, is being done to address these ongoing violations? Am I entitled to copies of any demand […]
Man Sues Arapahoe County HOA Over Pride Flag, BLM Sign (CO)
The controversy over metro Denver homeowners’ associations banning residents from displaying Black Lives Matter flags and other humanistic signage has been raging in recent weeks. And now, a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Colorado takes the matter into a new realm: the federal judicial system. Read the article……………………………….