Close to 30% of Americans live in a property governed by a condo board, homeowners association (HOA), or other community association—more than 70 million people. These associations are generally responsible for property upkeep, enforcement of community rules, and acting as a go-between for residents when disputes arise. Most people have a good or at least […]
Understanding Your Condo Association’s Declaration: A Guide for Homeowners
Living in a condominium community comes with numerous benefits, including shared amenities, maintenance services, and a sense of community. However, it also entails certain responsibilities and obligations outlined in the condo association’s declaration. This document serves as the foundation for governance within the community, establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines that all residents must adhere to. […]
Civility in Community Associations: Does it Even Exist Anymore?
It seems the growing trend is that tempers flare so much faster than in days gone by. One of the more difficult situations to deal with is when a cantankerous member of the association goes out of their way to make life miserable for their neighbors and/or their board. Read the article…………………………….
Condominium Owners Should Recognize Their Rights and Understand their Responsibilities (MA)
“I know my rights!” This is a statement association boards hear frequently from owners, usually in response to a board decision, covenant or rule requiring something owners don’t like or prohibiting something they want to do. As it turns out, many owners don’t really know their rights. Read the article………………………………….
Navigating HOA Rules: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
Living in a community governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with a set of rules and regulations that homeowners must adhere to. Navigating these rules can sometimes be challenging, but understanding them is crucial for harmonious community living. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects […]
HOA Q&A: What is the Homeowners’ Associations Bill of Rights? (FL)
Q: Can you please provide a summary of the Homeowners’ Associations Bill of Rights? Read the Q&A…………………………………..
Understanding Limited Common Elements (FL)
Limited common elements in Florida condominiums, as defined by the Florida Condominium Act, refer to common elements exclusively reserved for the use of specific units or groups of units, as outlined in the condominium’s declaration. This definition highlights that limited common elements represent a subset of common elements. Examples of what might be designated as […]
HOA Homefront: Avoid these HOA myths (CA)
There are HOA myths that are harmful. Here are some of the most common ones. Governing documents are boilerplate. Most HOA homebuyers read their purchase contract but ignore the CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules. Those documents are binding whether or not they are reviewed, so avoid surprises and read them. Read the article………………………..
Condo Gardening Tips: How to Grow Your Garden in a Condo
Those with a garden or an indoor garden are familiar with the advantages of having plants in a condo. Choose plants that grow well in low light, or install rail planters if your condo doesn’t get much natural light. Start an aquatic garden if your condo has no balcony and little to no natural light. […]
Living in a Community
Being a good owner and neighbor in an association is essential for maintaining a harmonious community and fostering positive relationships with your neighbors. Here are some tips to help you become a good owner and neighbor in an association: Read the article………………………..
HOA rules: 9 common violations that can cost you
When you’re on the hunt for a new place, you might come across homes in a community with a homeowners association, or HOA. Some believe an HOA’s rules and regulations protect and enhance property values, while others think of HOAs as over-reaching neighborhood patrols. Read the article………………………..
Homeowner and Condominium Owners Associations: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FL)
Understanding the laws that govern homeowners and condominium owners associations is crucial for both board members and owners. These laws encompass various aspects of COA and HOA activities, such as board meetings, association fees and the multitude of responsibilities that HOAs and COAs must fulfill. Read the article………………………..
Can I rent your pool? Understanding the impacts of the new sharing economy
Community associations are familiar with the challenges associated with long-term home rentals and have become well acquainted with short-term rentals over the past few years, but a new trend in the sharing economy has been making waves recently: rentals for residential components such as swimming pools. Read the article………………………..
Condominium & Homeowner’s Associations FAQS (GA)
How can an HOA tell me what to do? HOAs and condo associations are created when the property and community are first being developed. Before the developer sells the first property, documents are recorded with the local city or county creating obligations that attach to the property itself such that they are binding on anyone………….Read […]
An HOA Member’s Bill of Rights – HB919 (FL)
Sometimes HOAs are simply forgotten about when it comes to new laws. There’s usually a hands off approach by The Florida Legislature. Not this year. This year a new act was created called the “Homeowners’ Associations Bill of Rights.” Florida Statute.303. Read the article………………………..
When is it antisocial to grill? The rules from the experts
Being a good neighbor doesn’t cost anything, and under the terms of HOA, being a bad one could be pretty expensive Read the article………………………..
Approaching a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) To Build A Garden
I sat down and thought through plan that was rooted in mutual benefit. All deals in life should be win-win, and this was no exception. We had a very successful garden build and long-term relationship with the HOA as well as our neighbors as a result of the garden. Overall, it was a total success, […]
First HOA Meeting? Here’s What to Expect
A knowledgeable homeowner is a helpful homeowner. If you’re new to an HOA community, then you may not know what to expect when it comes to meetings held by the board. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect when attending your first HOA meeting as a homeowner. Read the article………………………..
Hammocks HOA receiver shares information every homeowner should know (FL)
The investigation into the Hammocks Homeowners Association prompted a wave of phone calls and emails to our newsroom from residents looking to change what’s happening in their HOAs. Read the article………………………..
Here’s What Happens if You Violate Your HOA Rules
It’s estimated that there are over 370,000 homeowners associations across the U.S…….But it’s not just HOA fees you have to worry about. You also have to make sure to follow the rules your HOA sets. And if you don’t, the repercussions could be quite severe. Read the article………………………..
Should Installing A Security Door In HOA Communities Be Allowed?
Security is a top concern among many homeowners. But should boards allow the installation of a security door in HOA communities? The answer isn’t so clear-cut. Read the article………………………..
5 Common Scenarios Where You Need a Condo Property Damage Lawyer
Accidents, disasters, and other unforeseen events can cause extensive damage to one’s condo unit. In these situations, you must know your legal rights as a property owner to ensure you receive fair compensation for the damage inflicted on your home. Read the article………………………..
Condo Column: A board appreciation
Many of these columns have given boards of directors (and owners) advice on how to operate their condominium association a little bit better. But I have too often overlooked thanking board members for the work they do. So, I started out writing a thank you, but thought it might be a bit better if it […]
Should And Can Homeowners Inspect Contracts With HOA Vendors?
Can homeowners inspect contracts an association has with its vendors? This is a question many HOA boards and homeowners ask. The answer, though, is not as clear-cut as you might think. Read the article………………………..
How To Lodge a Complaint With Your HOA, Co-op Board, or Landlord—and Get Results
As every parent knows, the chances of your children getting their way has to do with their delivery and the content of their ask. Little Billy wants to play outside with his friends for an extra 30 minutes? He’d better ask nicely, say “please,” and give you a good reason why. Read the article………………………..
Best Plants for Instant HOA Curb Appeal (CA)
Whether you are needing a sprucing up or wanting to try out a new HOA front yard design, plants are a great way to do it on the cheap. This summer, you can spend some time creating the front yard of your dreams with plants that flower and grow beautifully all year round. If you […]
The Homeowner’s Guide to Architectural Review Requests
One of the greatest joys of being a homeowner is being able to make your space your own. However, when you live in a community with an HOA, you may find that there are some extra steps that are needed prior to making any changes to your home. Read the article………………………..
Can You Lose Your Home if You Stop Paying Your HOA Fees?
When you buy a home that’s subject to ongoing HOA fees, it’s important to make sure those dues fit within your budget. But what if money gets tight or your income decreases and you start to fall behind? Not paying your HOA fees could have unfortunate consequences, so it’s important to avoid that situation to […]
What Are Your Legal Rights As A Homeowner In An HOA Community? (CA)
Homeowners in a homeowners association (HOA) community have specific rights protected by law. Hence, community residents must know their legal rights and expectations from the HOA. After all, they pay for the upkeep and maintenance of the community. Read the article………………………..
How Much Pee Is There In Your Condominium’s Swimming Pool?
If you do pee in the pool, you are not alone. A study has proven that people do urinate in pools, and even measured the volume of urine “added”. Scientists in Canada have found that, over three weeks, swimmers had released 75 litres of urine – enough to fill a medium-sized dustbin – into a […]
New Year’s resolutions for HOA residents, board members (NV)
Sometimes the law needs to be put aside for some common sense (re)solutions. I hope you will agree with some of the following New Year’s resolutions: Read the article………………………..
How to Get Your Residents to Take Pride in Their Community (MO)
As communities get larger and residents become more isolated from one another, fostering community pride can be a challenge. Even small communities struggle to get residents to take pride in their community. This, of course, does not mean that residents dislike where they live. But, they may not feel as invested in the community as […]
How to Get the Most out of Living in a Community Association
Living in a community association can be a great experience. Still, it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations to ensure everyone enjoys their time living there. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to get the most out of your community, get involved in community events, and get to know your neighbors. Read […]
What should you do if your HOA denies your project?
People who move into a neighborhood a homeowners’ association governs know that they will have to follow the rules of that HOA. It’s advisable to review those rules so you can ensure you comply with them. Read the article………………………..
But My Constitutional Rights?! (VA)
Among the criticisms often levied at community associations is a claim that boards of directors cannot infringe on residents’ Constitutional rights. With Bill of Rights Day being celebrated on December 15th, marking the anniversary of the ratification of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution in 1791, now is a timely opportunity to […]
Why Can’t We…
Unit owners often move from private homes and do not understand that the condominium form of ownership in Florida is somewhat unique. In many instances some individual liberties must be curtailed for the good of the community as a whole. Read the article………………………..
What Do I Do When I am Really Mad at My HOA?
I get many inquiries each week from people that are really mad at their HOA or Condo Boards. It might be about assessments, madcap spending, meanness or rudeness, unreasonable behavior, playing favories, directors doing things owners are not allowed to do (like breaking the rules). What can an owner do? Read the article………………………..
Top 10 Important HOA Rules Every Homeowner Should Know
Homeowners associations have an overall objective of maintaining curb appeal and preserving property values. To do this, associations operate the community, which involves responsibilities such as collecting dues, maintaining common areas, and enforcing rules. Homeowners association rules come in a variety of forms. And while no two communities will have the exact same rules, some […]
Tips for Being a Good Neighbor in a Community Association
As a neighbor, it’s important to consider how you want others to treat you and how you can respect them in return, especially when living in a neighborhood governed by a community association, as there may be additional expectations placed on all residents. Read the article………………………..
Understanding the roles of the HOA board in Maryland
If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you are probably familiar with the board. They may have told you to pay fees, abide by the set laws in that community and so on. To understand why this is the case or why they have such powers, you need to know the […]
A Guide For Homeowners Who Want Architectural Changes In HOA Homes
When homeowners want to make an architectural change in HOAs, they often need to seek approval from the association. But, why is approval even needed? And what is the process for getting approval? Read the article………………………..
HOA Gardening Rules: Making Sure Your Garden Is HOA Board Approved
Homeowners living in HOA communities should familiarize themselves with the association’s rules — including any HOA gardening rules. This way, they can avoid wasting their time and facing monetary penalties. Read the article………………………..