The installation of a security camera on condominium common elements is considered a material alteration or substantial addition to the common elements. In Sterling Village Condo., Inc. v. Breitenbach, 251 S.2d 685, 687 (Fla. 4th 1971), the court defined “material alteration or addition” as follows: Read the entire article……………………………….
What can condo, homeowner associations do to prevent possible fraud activities? (FL)
With potentially millions of dollars at risk, Collier and Lee counties community associations have a very vested interest in monitoring their property management companies. At least 30 condo associations in Collier County are deep into forensic audits after news that their management company, American Property Management Services of Naples, is facing a $100,000 civil suit […]
Cameras used to capture vehicle license plates in Springfield sparks debate about privacy (MO)
High tech security seems to be the mainline of defense when it comes to fighting crime. That includes recording devices used by law enforcement and now regular people like you and me. Recently a company called Flock Security offered the department use of license plate readers on a trial basis. Read the entire article……………………………….
Securing Your Gated Community | Exactly Who Is Allowed In? (FL)
While living in a gated community can add peace of mind for the residents who live behind the gates, there are many important considerations for the association when crafting rules and regulations regarding who may and who may not be permitted to enter the community. Read the entire article……………………………….
7 Ways To Avoid HOA Data Breach
Homeowners associations deal with all sorts of private information — from the names of members to their individual bank account numbers. Protecting such information is paramount to skirting potential liability. But, how exactly can an association prevent an HOA data breach? Read the entire article……………………………….
5 Ways To Discourage Vandalism in Your HOA
How can your HOA prevent or discourage vandalism or theft in the HOA community? Read the entire article……………………………….
Easthampton condo owners latest beneficiaries of lockbox program (MA)
Easthampton public safety officials joined TRIAD on Wednesday to install 64 of the lockboxes at Harvest Valley Condominium complex East Street. The lockboxes hold house keys that can help first responders address emergencies when a condominium occupant is incapacitated Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Total disregard’: Sherman Park residents are fed up with reckless driving. Here’s how one resident is trying to stop it (WI)
Sherman Park resident Jordan Morales said that when he bought a home to accommodate his family of five children, he wanted them to feel safe enough to play in the front yard. Just three years in, however, and he said the idea of them doing that is “terrifying.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Shooter was dressed as officer when he entered condo building, killed resident, building manager says (CO)
The man who police say killed five people in a shooting spree across Denver and Lakewood Monday was dressed as a police officer when he forced himself into a Cheesman Park condo and killed one of his victims, the building manager said. Read the entire article……………………………….
Security Measures In Your HOA: Lights, Camera, Action!
A quandry that homeowner associations face is how implement security measures when a known violent resident exists. The board has a conundrum: Fail to inform residents about a violent resident who subsequently injures someone and the board is held responsible. Inform residents of a violent resident who subsequently files suit against the HOA for libel […]
Reminder: How carbon monoxide detectors are important (MA)
Last week, a carbon monoxide detector helped to save the lives of residents in a Agawam condo complex. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it’s a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when fuel is burned, so you can’t see it or smell it. If it is not vented properly, it can accumulate inside of buildings […]
Packages Stolen From Wayne Condominium Complex (PA)
An unknown amount of packages was stolen from a Wayne condominium complex Tuesday. Read the entire article……………………………….
License plate reader use expanding in local neighborhoods leading to privacy concerns (AL)
Police say new camera systems give them the edge alerting them of things like stolen vehicles entering their city, vehicles wanted in Amber Alerts, or even to search for a particular car description. But there are some privacy concerns. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ransomware attack exposed personal info of Hancock unit owners (IL)
A ransomware attack on a property management company in Chicago did not get ransom but exposed personal information about unit owners and prospective unit owners at John Hancock Center. Cancelled checks, credit reports, and loan documents were exposed in the attack that was first noticed by Sudler Property Management on October 31. Read the […]
KPRC 2 Investigates: How license plate readers are being used by HOAs, businesses (TX)
A tool commonly used by law enforcement agencies to recover stolen cars is also increasingly being used by neighborhood HOA’s and businesses to respond to crime. License plate readers, specifically the Flock Safety Cameras, have been used by Memorial Villages Police Department to recover a staggering amount of stolen vehicles. Read the entire article……………………………….
You Looking at Me? Video Doorbell Cameras Trigger Privacy Concerns and Potential Liability Risks (MA)
Video doorbells (VDs), hugely popular and increasingly ubiquitous, enable homeowners to see, record and communicate with visitors at their door, answer the door remotely when they are away, discourage thieves from stealing packages or video them if they do, and notice when the teen who’s supposed to be in at 10 doesn’t cross the threshold […]
Cypress residents believe thieves are using master key after mail, packages stolen from community mailbox (TX)
She said although they have filed stolen mail claims, residents feel as though they are at a loss. “All we are being told is we can have our mail held at the post office or we can have it redirected to our place of work or we just need to check our mail every day […]
Leander HOA to start ‘ticketing’ speeders — does that go too far? (TX)
A private community’s efforts to stop speeding has some drivers seeing red. Marc Petrick wants to hit the brakes on his homeowners association’s plan to slow down drivers. He admits speeding can be a problem, but he thinks the HOA’s solution, without community input, goes too far. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘My stupid neighbour let in a porch pirate’, says Burnaby condo crime victim (BC)
Metro Vancouver police agencies have been warning about an increase in “porch pirates” and “lobby pirates” as people increase their Amazon order as Christmas gets closer. One Burnaby crime victim told me that it was his neighbours who left him victimized. Read the entire article……………………………….
Lock expert finds security flaw affecting thousands of apartments, condos (PA)
A Pittsburgh lock expert has uncovered a security flaw that could affect thousands of apartment and condominium buildings across the country. The problem is with some intercoms that residents use to talk with visitors and let them in the door. Read the entire article……………………………….
Rise in Summerlin burglaries has residents seeking more security (NV)
Sun City Summerlin residents are investing in security systems and teaming up to watch one another’s homes after a recent increase in burglaries in the neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
North Side Condo Building Residents Alarmed By Mail Thefts Apparently Committed Using A Master Key (IL)
One key fits all – and it’s a big problem for residents of a Chicago condo building where people keep having their mail stolen. As CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reported Wednesday night, thieves have been captured on surveillance video using a key that is supposed to be Post Office property only. Read the […]
Controlling Access to Your Building Keys, Fobs, & Door Codes
Unless you live in Mayberry (and maybe even if you do), chances are you wouldn’t be comfortable leaving your house or going to bed and just leaving your front doors unlocked. Nor would you likely approve of anyone who passed by your home being able to just come in uninvited and roam around unescorted. Read […]
‘Many Bubbles’ In Local Fountain Prompts Homeowner Complaints (IL)
Oswego police are investigating criminal damage to property at an Oswego fountain after someone put soap in it Saturday, causing “many bubbles.” Officers were called the Churchill Club subdivision, located off Wolf’s Crossing Road, around 11 a.m. for a complaint from the homeowners’ association who said an unknown person or group put soap in the […]
Neighborhood residents raise awareness after multiple car burglaries, thefts in their community (TX)
After their Fox Grove neighborhood was hit multiple times in one night with car burglaries, residents are hoping their frustrations raise awareness about the importance of being vigilant with your property. Read the entire article……………………………….
Changing community services does not require unanimous approval (FL)
Q: I live in a gated community. We have guards on duty 24 hours a day. Presently some owners are trying to do away with the guards. I remember that years ago some residents tried to do the same thing and were not able to accomplish it. I do not recall the particular reason why […]
Armed security guards will drive HOA insurance up (NV)
Q: Our homeowners association has a few community owners who think armed guard security would be a good thing. We have no crime problem. Our current master policy and related umbrella coverages has an annual premium of $98,703. Read the Q&A……………………………………
Castle Rock neighborhood debates merits and skepticism around license plate readers (CO)
A neighborhood homeowner’s association is considering taking a new approach to an increase in crime in Castle Rock, which has sparked debate in the community. Read the entire article……………………………….
Problem Solved: How to Prevent Phishing and Cyber-Theft (NY)
All our digital devices make us ripe for fraud or a hack, whether it’s out-and-out theft or someone stealing personal information from our servers. From a banker’s perspective, what are the various ways that digital fraud happens? Read the entire article……………………………….
Redwood Shores neighbors are alarmed over sex offender (CA)
A registered sex offender located at a San Mateo County-owned homeless facility has Redwood Shores residents on high alert and questioning how officials could allow the placement to occur given the site’s proximity to a child care center. Read the entire article……………………………….
Video Doorbells Pitting Security Against the Right to Privacy (NY)
A family in a pricey Upper West Side co-op was distraught. The neighbor directly across the small foyer had installed a video doorbell that recorded video and audio every time someone entered the foyer. Worse, the camera was trained at the distraught family’s door, meaning the comings and goings of guests were recorded, as were […]
Megan’s Law HOA Disclosures Regarding Registered Sex Offenders – Proceed with Caution! (CA)
Megan’s Law is a federal law that permits authorities to release information about registered sex offenders (“Registered Offender”). California has a database of Registered Offenders available for public viewing on the internet (see www.meganslaw.ca.gov). Searches can be done by a Registered Offender’s name, or by city, zip or within a predetermined radius of a selected […]
Strata security raises privacy concerns (BC)
B.C.’s privacy commissioner has told a Vancouver strata corporation to stop using security surveillance system data for purposes other than which it was collected. And, the strata was told, some data collected through its door key fob system was inappropriate. Read the entire article……………………………….
Officials: Hacker stole identities of multiple victims killed in Surfside condo collapse
Disturbing reports are emerging of a hacker taking advantage of those who were killed in the partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside. Officials said the criminal is seeing the victims’ names in the news and then stealing their identities. Read the entire article……………………………….
Best Practices to Prevent Package Theft in Your Community
Package theft has become the scourge of modern neighborhoods. With online orders at an all-time high, receiving packages has become normal for families and professionals. But porch piracy also makes the neighborhood feel unsafe. It’s not just annoying to lose a package, it’s also costly and frightening. This is exactly the kind of thing that […]
Privacy and Data Security for HOAs: What Your Community Association Needs to Know (NC)
Privacy and Data Security is the body of law that addresses how an organization can collect, handle, and use personally identifiable information and how that information needs to be protected. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA And Local Police: Strengthening Relationships
Security is a chief concern among residents of a homeowners association. And one of the ways you can facilitate better security in your community is to cultivate a strong relationship between your HOA and local police. Read the entire article……………………………….
Security Services for your HOA or Condo: Considerations for Selection (FL)
Community security is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for a high-rise, may not meet the needs of a garden style condo or a PUD, HOA or POA. Surveying residents about their security needs, desires and goals is a great way to gauge the community’s thoughts on the subject to get you started with the […]
Rough Hollow surveillance cameras to be removed from Lakeway city streets (TX)
A series of eight cameras designed to monitor motorists driving through western Lakeway in the Rough Hollow subdivision will be removed after it was discussed at the Lakeway City Council meeting June 21 that the video equipment was installed without approval from council members. Read the entire article……………………………….
Victoria Neighborhood Voices Concerns Over Level 3 Offender Matthew Vanhecke Moving In (MN)
Monday night, there will be a community notification meeting to let people in Victoria know that a level three sex offender named Matthew Vanhecke will be moving into their neighborhood Tuesday. Some neighbors have already heard the news. A Facebook post from the Carver County sheriff notified people of Vanhecke’s move. Read the entire article……………………………….
Is Your HOA Gate Opening To Increased Liability? (FL)
When a community has an entrance gate, it is almost inevitable that the association will at some point deal with the issue of whether it is responsible for damage to a vehicle which occurred when someone was entering or exiting the gate. The primary question to resolve in assessing liability in such a circumstance is […]
River Bend HOA says complacency is causing more break-ins (LA)
Police say 237 guns have been stolen this year, of that 94 were out of vehicles. One of the hardest-hit subdivisions is right off Brightside called River Bend. In River Bend lives Pete Bush, who’s been there for more than 15 years, telling WBRZ last month he was taken by surprise. Read the entire article……………………………….
3 people killed in shooting at South Fulton condo complex (GA)
Perry says she and the other residents living in the complex are fed up with the crime and lack of security. She pointed out that the front gate has been broken and wide open for years. A member of the Complex board told Jennings by phone that the complex recently bought a license plate reading […]
The Four Problem “P’s” in Condominium Governance Has a New “P” (it’s Packages)
Every profession has certain headaches – issues that come up again and again, no matter how long you’ve been in the business. In community association management, we call these the four “Ps”: Parking, Pets, People, and Petunias (landscaping). Now, there is a fifth “P” that is causing a world of problems for condo associations. That […]
Ask a real estate pro: What are my rights if condo board refuses to provide parking lot security? (FL)
Q: I live in a condo and had a video camera in my patio area pointed directly at my vehicle in the parking lot for security. Management told me I would be fined if I did not remove it because it invaded the other residents’ privacy. I pulled the camera, and a few cars have […]
Call Police, Not Security For Crime In Palm Beach County Gated Communities (FL)
Security guards are not cops. That’s the message that area law enforcement agencies want residents, whether new to South Florida or those who have lived here for ages, to remember. With real estate sales booming and people moving to Boca Raton and Palm Beach County from places like New York and New Jersey, security experts […]
Residents show interest in license-plate recognition (AL)
Auburn neighborhoods were well-represented at a recent virtual meet-and-greet with the city’s neighborhood specialist and an officer from the Auburn Police Division. Neighborhood residents were able to introduce themselves to Neighborhood Specialist Allison Blankenship, who wanted to foster better relationships with HOA representatives and neighborhoods in general, while seeking feedback on the best ways to […]
Hundreds of Co-ops and Condos Suffer Data Breach (NY)
Douglas Elliman Property Management is the most recent company in the co-op/condo management sphere to have had its data network breached. Personal information for building residents and employees, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, mailing addresses, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers and financial information may have been stolen. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hold a Safety and Security Review for Your Association (NY)
Is your Association simply a business enterprise . . . or is it a community? Of course, it’s both. So along with news of important financial decisions, your Co-op, Condo, or HOA Board would do well to share ideas that will enhance the community’s sense of well-being. Read the entire article……………………………….
Important Considerations for Community Associations’ Use of Security Cameras (FL)
Security cameras in community associations, especially in sprawling HOA communities with gated entries and considerable common areas, help to provide residents and guests with an added measure of peace of mind. However, there are important privacy considerations for associations seeking to install surveillance systems, and there are also questions about whether these systems may constitute […]