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………………………..
New Amendment To Ohio Condominium Act Protects Solar Rights
Senate Bill 61 was recently signed by Gov. Mike DeWine. Now law, the bill makes significant changes to the Ohio Condominium Act as well as the Ohio Planned Community Act. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Louis W. Blessing and Sen. Nickie Antonio, provides additional protections for homeowners to install solar panels on their properties in […]
Can An Association Restrict Firearm Possession? (OH)
Firearm possession and the Second Amendment is perhaps one of the biggest political issues on the minds of Americans today. Recent tragedies in Highland Park, Uvalde, and Buffalo have once again brought firearm possession and the Second Amendment to the political forefront. 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………………………..
Ohio Legislature Adopts New Protections for Solar Access for Homeowners
On June 14, 2022, Governor Mike DeWine signed Substitute Senate Bill 61 (“S.B. 61”) into law, codifying protections for homeowners who wish to install solar panels on their property. S.B. 61 takes effect on September 13, 2022. Read the article………………………..
Fair Housing Act: Personal Grill in Condo Was Not a Reasonable Accommodation
The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) require condominium associations to make reasonable accommodations to disabled co-owners under certain circumstances. However, condominium associations should keep in mind that co-owners are not entitled to every accommodation that is requested. Rather, co-owners are only entitled to accommodations that are necessary to ameliorate the effects of a disability as […]
TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE GOOD BOARD MEETING MINUTES
The Board of Directors is the governing body that is responsible for the administration of your community association. Board meetings are a time for board members to come together to learn, exchange ideas, debate options, and ultimately determine the path forward for the association. During these meetings, someone is tasked with taking minutes which are […]
HOA Flag Display: When Should It Be Allowed And Prohibited?
An HOA flag display is a common point of dispute among homeowners and their associations. So, should homeowners associations allow residents to display flags on their property? What kind of flag restrictions should an HOA impose? Read the entire article……………………………….
Ohio SB 61 signed into law!
Ohio has two statutes that govern its community associations: the Condominium Act (ORC 5311) and the Planned Community Act, which governs homeowner associations and other residential non-condominium communities (ORC 5312). Read the entire article……………………………….
Be Aware and Plan for Rising Material Costs (OH)
In recent years, the cost of construction materials has increased dramatically. During 2020 when shelter-in-place orders were in effect, many manufacturing businesses were unable to operate, decreasing supply for materials like lumber. At the same time, individuals began purchasing these materials at a greater rate to perform their own DIY projects with their newfound time […]
Who Is Qualified To Be A Board Member? (OH)
A successful community association begins with the board. A competent and productive board is an integral part of that success. But who can be board members? What qualifications must board members have? Can a delinquent owner serve on the board? Even though community association boards are comprised of volunteers, those volunteers must still meet minimum […]
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……………………………….
Ohio HOA Solar Installation: Are Restrictions Now Lifted?
Homeowners in Ohio have long battled their HOAs for the ability to install solar panels on their homes. Now, with the introduction of a new bill, that may very well soon change. Learn more about the new Ohio HOA solar bill below. Read the entire article……………………………….
Can you operate a business from home while living in a community association? (OH)
Most Declarations contain a provision prohibiting commercial or business activity from being conducted or operated from a unit or home within an association. Deed restrictions prohibiting business or commercial activity are consistently upheld in Ohio courts as valid and enforceable. But what is “business” or “commercial” activity? Ultimately, it is up to a court to […]
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……………………………….
Protect Your Community Association’s Reputation by Protecting Contractors from Interference (OH)
Have your association’s contractors ever complained to the board about residents interfering with their ability to perform their work? Have you heard stories of residents scolding your snow removal provider for not doing their job properly this last winter? With spring clean-up season right around the corner and large landscaping projects, as well as routine […]
Is Towing an Option for Parking Violations (OH)
Having enough parking spaces and getting owners, residents, and guests to follow the parking rules can be a major issue for many community associations. Towing a car is an effective way to get drivers to comply with the parking rules, but what authority does a board have to tow cars that are parked in violation […]
Prevent Automatic Contract Renewals in Service Contracts (OH)
Community association boards execute contracts on the association’s behalf with various types of contractors to maintain, repair, and replace their associations’ common elements. Project specific contracts involve a contractor completing a particular project, for example, replacing the roof of a building. Project specific contracts should always include a start date and completion date requirement. Read […]
HOA Payment Plans: Should You Offer These To Delinquent Homeowners?
HOA payment plans are a common remedy that homeowners associations adopt to lower delinquency rates. But, is there a requirement for HOAs to offer these plans? And how do they work exactly? Read the entire article……………………………….
How to Guarantee Your Association Achieves a Quorum (OH)
Each year, every community association must have an annual meeting of its ownership. To have a legal meeting, however, certain procedural and legal requirements must be satisfied. Establishing quorum is one of these meeting requirements. Most of us have heard of the term “quorum,” but for many first-time Board members and owners, they may not […]
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……………………………….
HOA Traffic Enforcement: How To Prevent Reckless Driving In The Community
HOA traffic enforcement is a commonly discussed issue among many communities. With reckless driving and speeding becoming more prevalent, it is easy to see why some boards might want to impose their own traffic rules. Read the entire article……………………………….
Cautionary Tales: Signed Proposals Are Contracts (OH)
One of the primary functions of community association boards is entering contracts for services to be provided to the association, whether it is for ordinary landscaping or significant repairs. Boards are commonly presented with proposals or estimates by contractors about their services. However, boards must be extremely careful in reviewing proposals and signing such documents, […]
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……………………………….
Fannie Mae Issues Notice of New Loan Purchase Requirements (OH)
The catastrophic collapse of the Champlain Towers South Condominium in Surfside, Florida earlier this year has caused industry-wide norms to be revisited, particularly as it relates to potentially unsafe conditions effecting condominium projects. Read the entire article……………………………….
Should The HOA Clubhouse Be Exclusively Used By Homeowners?
In a planned development, residents typically have access to amenities, including the HOA clubhouse. But, should the association open the clubhouse exclusively to members? 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 Contract Bids: Negotiating Your Vendor Contracts
HOA contract bids are a necessary part of selecting new vendors. But, that does not mean you always need to get multiple bids for every little job. Read the entire article……………………………….
How to Increase Owner Involvement (OH)
Getting owners involved in your community association may not be easy. Apathy or indifference is an issue most boards will experience at some point. While increasing owner engagement in the community may seem like a difficult task, the benefits of doing so are worth it. Active and engaged owners can help the board understand concerns […]
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……………………………….
HOA Construction Contracts: Review Closely Before Signing
Far too many homeowners associations fall into the trap of signing biased HOA construction contracts. Avoid becoming one of them by familiarizing yourself with these contract must-haves. Read the entire article……………………………….
Flag Displays and Policies (OH)
The election season of 2020 saw an unprecedented number of owners flying flags to show their patriotism and to support their preferred candidate which led to many questions from board members about flags and flag policies. Read the entire article……………………………….
Owner’s Pot-Bellied Pig Leads To Unusual Discrimination Lawsuit (FL)
An Ohio HOA recently learned the hard way that discrimination lawsuits arising out of pet restrictions aren’t limited to disability-related claims. That’s one lesson from the association’s attempts to remove a pig from its premises; the other is that poorly worded restrictions can backfire. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA Collection Agency: Does Your Association Need One?
Not all members of a homeowners association pay their dues on time or even at all. But, when push comes to shove, is hiring an HOA collection agency really the best option? Read the entire article……………………………….
What Homeowners Association Pet Restrictions Should Your Board Enforce?
Homeowners association pet restrictions are commonplace in any planned development. But, deciding what pet policies your community should have in place is a little trickier than it might initially seem. Read the entire article……………………………….
Rental Properties In An HOA: How To Handle It?
It is not uncommon for homeowners to rent out their properties. But, what if that property belongs in a homeowners association? Board members must know how to deal with rental property in HOA communities. Read the entire article……………………………….
Speed Limits (OH)
People driving at excessive rates of speed within community associations is a common problem for many association boards. While this problem can be difficult to address, there are options for boards to consider. First the association must establish a speed limit for the private streets owned or maintained by the association. This speed limit can […]
Know Your Ohio HOA Laws
Homeowners associations are bound by certain laws in Ohio. Board members must familiarize themselves with these laws, as well as federal laws, to avoid incurring large penalties. In some cases, violating the law can even result in liability claims and legal action. And, as you may know, lawsuits can be very expensive. Read the entire […]
Should The HOA Hire Licensed Contractors Only?
Homeowners associations go through a lot of repairs and maintenance work. And while it may be tempting to go with an unlicensed professional that offers bargain-basement prices, it is always best to hire a licensed contractor. Read the entire article……………………………….
Benefits of Using Committees (OH)
Boards should encourage owners to be involved with association affairs, and committees are an excellent way for owners to participate. Ideally, involving more owners improves transparency, which in turn promotes community harmony. Having committees can benefit the community in many ways, such as improving board effectiveness and productivity, broadening board awareness of the community’s interests […]
What Homeowners Association Pet Restrictions Should Your Board Enforce (OH)
Homeowners association pet restrictions are commonplace in any planned development. But, deciding what pet policies your community should have in place is a little trickier than it might initially seem. Read the article…………………………………
Pet Policies: Regulating Our Furry Friends (OH)
Board members generally have authority to adopt and enforce rules within their community. While most rules are created to protect the owners and residents living in the association, a large number of households also include pets. Boards can, and should, seek to adopt pet policies to ensure that man’s best friend does not turn into […]
Tips for Orienting Yourself as a New Board Member
As the adrenaline rush of hearing your name announced as the election winner starts to wear off, you begin wondering what exactly you have gotten yourself into. While serving on your association’s board of directors for the first time can be confusing, and at times seem daunting, new board members need not fear. Below are […]
Protecting Your Community Association from Incivility (OH)
Serving on an association’s board can be an extremely important task, but can sometimes become challenging if faced with uncivil owners. Thankfully, there are a few things the board can do to maintain order within the community. Read the article…………………………………….
Is An HOA Reserve Study Essential? How Does It Help Your Reserve Funds?
Reserve studies are an integral part of maintaining a healthy HOA reserve fund, but many associations underestimate just how important it is. Here is what you need to know about your association’s reserves and how a reserve study affects them. Read the article…………………………..
When the Board Decides to Raise Late Fees – Keep it Reasonable (OH)
With increasing postage rates and other costs, some boards are considering raising the association’s administrative “late fee” assessed to delinquent owners. When an owner fails to make timely required payments some administrative actions are taken including account reviews, second billing statements, and the sending of delinquency reports to legal counsel. Read the article…………………………………
HOA Budget Guideline: How To Come Up With An HOA Annual Budget (OH)
The homeowners association budget is a major responsibility for the board. Creating an accurate and well-thought-out budget ensures the financial health of your community — not just for the next fiscal year, but for many years to come. For new board members who are not yet familiar with this process, here are HOA budget guidelines […]