Condo & HOA News Items

/ Owner
April 2, 2025

A Miami Lakes insurance agent is facing multiple felony charges after state investigators said he personally “pocketed” a more than $220,000 insurance premium on a condominium association’s policy.  But he’s already staring down a three-year federal prison sentence in an unrelated case for an even bigger swindle.    Read the article…………………………….

Jersey Shore condo owners sue to stop beach bar concerts that run until 3 a.m. (NJ)

A years-long feud between a luxury high-rise at the Jersey Shore and a nearby beach bar is intensifying again about a month after residents publicly

Ask the HOA Expert: Fee Increases, Messy Trees, Meeting Minutes

Question: At our annual meeting, the board advised that the monthly condo fee was increasing by $30. Some argued that some services could be discontinued

Redfin Reports 68% of Condos Sold Below List Price in February—the Highest Share in 5 Years

he condo market has been slowing due to surging insurance costs and HOA fees, which have priced many buyers out. It has also become more

Christmas Tree Lane walks nights could be on chopping block amid safety concerns (CA)

The future of a beloved Fresno tradition is now in jeopardy as residents of Fig Garden Village raise concerns about Christmas Tree Lane. "With this

Green Valley prepares for critical wildfire season (AZ)

In a press conference held Monday with Governor Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Management warned that the upcoming fire season could be

San Antonio HOAs outpace national average by 30 percentage points (TX)

San Antonio homebuyers are more likely than most Americans to face homeowners association (HOA) fees, according to a Realtor.com report.  Why it matters: For many

Chandler offering 3 ‘HOA Academies’ this month (AZ)

Any Chandler resident who lives in a homeowners' or property owners' association community can learn more about how an HOA operates at one or more

Family of slain Cash App founder Bob Lee files lawsuit against killer (and Assn.) (CA)

The lawsuit was filed on March 28 to the Superior Court of California of the County of San Francisco. The lawsuit’s defendants also include a

HOA pauses parking violations after family’s concerns over disability accommodations (TX)

A Brazoria County couple is expressing frustration after receiving multiple parking violation notices from their homeowner’s association (HOA), particularly during a critical time when they

Miami Lakes insurance agent personally ‘pocketed’ HOA’s $220K premium, authorities say (FL)

A Miami Lakes insurance agent is facing multiple felony charges after state investigators said he personally “pocketed” a more than $220,000 insurance premium on a

California homeowners association: ‘Repaint that $23,000 garage door!’

The fate of garage doors – any garage doors – does not exactly rate high on the list of world problems. But for Julie Good,

HOAs vs neighborhood associations: Understanding the difference

Homeowner associations are usually run by a board of directors who are resident homeowners elected by the community. HOAs are governed by a set of

Condo & HOA Informational Articles

Competitive Bidding… A Primer for Board Members and Managers (FL)

Certain contracts entered into by condominium, cooperative and homeowners’ associations require competitive bidding.  These requirements are found in Section 718.3026 of Florida’s Condominium Act, Section 719.3026 of Florida’s Cooperative Act, and Section 720.3055 of Florida’s Homeowners’ Association Act (collectively the “Acts”).

Key Points You Should Know About Elevator Safety

Associations in Florida must follow strict legal requirements to safeguard against liability and administrative penalties. Pursuant to Section 399.02(5)(b), Florida Statutes, associations are responsible for elevator safety and maintenance after inspection and certification, even if they outsource maintenance services. This includes not only standard elevators but also escalators, dumbwaiters, moving

Balancing Community Safety & Recreation

Managing recreational facilities in homeowners associations requires careful balance between providing enjoyable amenities and ensuring community safety. As an HOA board member or property manager, understanding how to navigate these sometimes-competing priorities is essential for reducing liability while maintaining an active, vibrant community. This guide explores key considerations for community

A Guide to Proactive HOA Drainage Maintenance (CA)

When most people think about HOA maintenance, they picture landscaping, clubhouse repairs, or pool upkeep. But there’s one system quietly working behind the scenes to protect your property, and it often gets overlooked until it’s too late… your community’s drainage system.    Read the article..................................

Rules for a Condominium Association to Consider Regarding the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (FL)

Electric Vehicles (EV) continue to become more commonplace on our Florida streets. This increase of EVs has also led to an increase in the need for EV Charging Stations (EVCS). In addition to the public EVCS we see in mall parking lots and other public parking stations, owners of EVs

Don’t Let ‘Nuisance’ Complaints Turn Into HOA Lawsuits

Are nuisance complaints creating tension in your HOA? In this episode, Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund explain how board members can manage complaints fairly and avoid costly HOA lawsuits. Learn why labeling homeowners as “nuisances” is dangerous and how proper documentation, communication, and consistency are key to preventing legal action.

5 Common Challenges HOA Boards Face and How to Overcome Them

Running a community association should – and can! – be a rewarding experience. A well-organized HOA board creates a thriving neighborhood, maintains property values, and fosters strong community relationships. When finances, responsibilities, and communication stay on track, expectations remain clear, operations run smoothly, and both board members and homeowners feel

Community Association Considerations

Why you should pay special attention to closing your books this year
Community Associations Network
I’ve been posting the condo and HOA news for over 20 years now.  During the first 6 years, I might have run across 3 or  4 cases  of people stealing
Flags, Signs and Displays
Community Associations Network
Flags, signs and displays have become major areas of contention in condo's and HOA's.  Actually they have always been, but with the divisiveness the country is going through now, it's

Industry News

Willis and The Nature Conservancy Launch
Community Associations Network
Willis, a business of WTW (NASDAQ:WTW), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Commissioner Lara approves major FAIR Plan
Community Associations Network
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today announced the approval of the California
Community Associations Institute Reaches 50,000 Members,
Community Associations Network
Community Associations Institute, the leading international authority on the community association

Legal & Legislative Articles

New bill could impact condo residents in downtown Sarasota as concerns rise (FL)

As downtown Sarasota continues to develop, more and more residents are calling condos their home. With the growth of these high-rise buildings comes a rising concern over safety, costs, and insurance.  A new bill, House Bill

HOA legislation spurs opposition rally at Capitol (MN)

Bills in the Minnesota House and Senate aim to put significant restrictions on homeowner association (HOA) boards across the state, aimed at transparency and accountability.  However, many HOA board advocates say the proposed new laws go

Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Accessible Parking Policies for Condominium Associations (IL)

Section 18.12 was recently added to the Illinois Condominium Property Act and was effective as of January 1, 2025. Section 18.12 requires all condominium associations that have parking to adopt a policy to reasonably accommodate a

Minnesota HOA board members, property managers rally to kill reform bill

Proposed bipartisan legislation would tighten the rules on homeowners associations, which have authority over a majority of new housing built in the state. Legislators got an earful when they asked constituents to voice concerns about the

New Sidewalk Shed Rules Pose Challenges for Co-ops and Condos (NY)

The much despised sidewalk sheds are the bane of co-ops and condos undertaking building repairs, but new rules passed by the City Council to remove unsightly scaffolding could create more challenges and costs for boards. The

Georgia senator makes last ditch push for HOA oversight this year

As Georgians continue to lose their homes due to HOA fines and fees, a state senator is making one last ditch effort resolution for HOA oversight that she hopes will pass by the end of the

Op/Ed

Kill bill that turns short-term rentals into residences (MT)

Kill Montana Senate Bill 336. This bill seeks to redefine short-term rentals as residential, non-commercial property use, disregarding neighbors’ rights, undermining local control and threatening public safety. While framed to protect private property rights, SB336 ignores

HOA sees development issues for Tract 6A (NM)

When the city acquired the remaining 250 acres from Santa Fe Estates in 2020, it became the declarant of Las Estrellas in the Northwest Quadrant.  In January, the City Council appointed Jake Garrison, an Albuquerque lawyer,

Lawmakers work to protect homeowners from dubious HOAs (CO)

No homeowners association. That was on my list of nonnegotiables when I shopped for a house a couple of decades ago. I don’t want someone measuring the height of my lawn or telling me what shade

Florida lawmakers move to weaken condo owner protections | Opinion

Florida condo owners face renewed challenges with a proposed bill in the Florida Legislature threatening to roll back recent protections, as a back-and-forth battle between the developers’ lobby, condo associations and owners appears to be helping

Florida lawmakers should make condo laws less repressive, not more | Opinion

I want to publicly thank state Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton, and her aide, Evelyn Duplecy, for being so responsive to my concerns as a Boca Raton condominium owner. And that of my neighbors who have

Opposing the HOA Ombudsperson Bill (MN)

For the past few years, hearing anything about HOAs in the Minnesota State Legislature was hard to come by. I had a conversation with a state representative at a coffee meeting about a year ago in

Canada Condo, Strata & HOA News

Condo corporations brace for increased costs
Community Associations Network
Higher inflation has impacted operational expenses, insurance, reserve fund planning and capital projects, but the ongoing threat of tariffs is beginning to incite additional concerns within condo corporations.  “It’s triggered a new
British Columbia Supreme Court upholds strata broker rule
Community Associations Network
The British Columbia Supreme Court has upheld a new rule from the Insurance Council of British Columbia (ICBC) that prevents licensed insurance brokers from engaging in insurance business with strata corporations sharing
Condo Smarts: Inattentive owners are responsible for elderly parent living in condo (BC)
Community Associations Network
Q: My building is a small strata of 38 units in Penticton. We do not have an age restriction in our bylaws, but most residents are retired and have resided here for

Canada Condo, Strata & HOA Articles

Condo ordered to pay $75K for oppressive fraudulent Status Certificate (ON)
Community Associations Network
In this blog post, we explore the Gonzales decision which brings important lessons for condo corporations about the importance of accuracy and honesty when issuing status certificates. This case dealt with two distinct issues: The accuracy of the
A Condominium Corporation’s Right to Access the Units (ON)
Community Associations Network
In the case of Metropolitan Toronto Condominium Corporation No. 978 v. McNeil, the condominium corporation sought access to the Respondent’s unit in order to attend to required repairs to an adjacent water
Federal Elections: Canvassing and Electoral Signs in Condos (2025) (ON)
Community Associations Network
And they’re off to the races! Federal parties are rolling out their platforms, colourful signs are popping up everywhere and candidates have started to knock on doors. Boards and managers will soon

International Condo, Strata & HOA News

Australia: NSW strata pay reform risks industry stability – expert

Strata management businesses may face financial instability if proposed changes to insurance commission structures proceed, an industry figure has warned.  Bobby Lehane, CEO of the PICA Group, compared current pressures

Bahamas: Court delivers mixed ruling in GB condo association water supply dispute

A Supreme Court judge has granted both the embattled Lucayan Towers South Condominium Association (LTS) and the Grand Bahama Utility Company (GBUC) favorable outcomes on certain points in their ongoing

Ukraine: Mykolaiv Receives €1M Grant for First (Condo) Building Restoration After Russian Attack

(Just to remind you that your condo problems may not be all that great) In Mykolaiv, for the first time, an apartment building co-owners' association (ABO) has received a grant