Condo & HOA News Items
We’ve heard a lot about the FEMA 50% rule, which states that a damaged home can’t be repaired if the damage exceeds 50% of the home’s value. Now, residents in hard-hit areas along Pinellas County beaches are hearing that storm debris littering streets, front yards, and vacant lots won’t be picked up if it came from a condominium. Read the article…………………………….
‘It doesn’t make sense’: Condo debris not covered by FEMA for pickup (FL)
We've heard a lot about the FEMA 50% rule, which states that a damaged home can't be repaired if the damage exceeds 50% of the
Alleged racial harassment of teen puts Sarasota County’s Skye Ranch in national spotlight (FL)
Employees at Skye Ranch, the high-end Sarasota development where a Black teen recorded a group of white men following and harassing him after Hurricane Milton,
Donations pour in for families impacted by Haymarket house explosion (VA)
Community support for the families impacted by a house explosion in Haymarket on Monday evening continues to grow. The Piedmont Homeowner’s Association said it’s been
Condo association allegedly disposes of songwriter’s gold records and military burial flag without permission (FL)
You’ve probably never heard the name Rudy Clark, but chances are, you know his music. He wrote some of the biggest hits of the 60s
Ask the HOA Expert: Shared Expenses, HOA Newsletters, Swayed Managers
Question: Our By-laws indicate that expenses are shared equally. We have one and two bedroom units that vary significantly in size. Dividing expenses equally seems
Can HOAs legally ban political signs from people’s yards? (IN)
With Election Day just weeks away, we're seeing political signs everywhere. And that's sparked some questions over where exactly those signs can be posted. Debbie
A Non-Profit Gifted a Disabled Mentor 8-Year Old a Swim Spa for Physical Therapy. It’s Now Become the Center of an HOA Dispute (OH)
Because Ray and his wife Darci Christner lived in Newell Creek, a middle class subdivision on the southern edge of Mentor, they were bound by
Home sales are being completed at fraud-tied San Jose condo complex (CA)
Housing sales are being completed in a San Jose condominium complex that’s one of several properties mired in a massive Bay Area real estate fraud
Native landscaping tour takes over HOAs this fall (FL)
Although many people believe Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs) to be overly restrictive of landscaping, there are actually plenty of opportunities for Florida natives. The South Florida
Texas rejects insurance rate increase for coastal homeowners, businesses
Texas’ chief insurance regulator has shot down a proposed 10% insurance rate hike for many Gulf Coast homeowners and business owners. Texas Insurance Commissioner Cassie
$15,000 check raises new questions about former Aventura condo president accused of stealing $1.5 million from association (FL)
There are new questions after the arrest of a South Florida condo president. They center around a check obtained by 7Investigates. 7’s Heather Walker investigates.
1 Million Properties in Tristate Area Face High Risk of Flooding (NY)
With horrific scenes of Hurricane Helene-induced flooding in the Southeast still dominating the news cycle, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has released a
Condo & HOA Informational Articles
Liability for Fallen (or Threatening to Fall) Trees (NC)
This year, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and other storms which have affected our region, we are frequently asked who is responsible for cleanup or damage from fallen trees. This blog won’t address Hurricane Helene issues directly, as this would require an in-depth discussion of insurance and complicated issues
How to Become an HOA Board Member
In a community governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA), residents have an opportunity to get involved and shape the future by serving on their board of directors. Becoming an HOA board member allows you to contribute your skills, share your perspective, and directly impact your community. If you’re thinking about
Understanding the Importance of Reserves for Your Condo or HOA in 2024 (FL)
As a board member of a condominium or homeowners association (HOA), managing your community’s reserve funds is a critical task. Reserves are your association’s financial safety net, set aside for future repairs and replacements. In 2024, with new Florida laws tightening regulations around reserve funds, having a solid financial plan
Communications With Owners , Condo & HOA Articles , Planning: Long-term & Disaster , Working With Insurance Agents
5 Essential Steps to Rebuilding Your Community After Hurricanes Helene and Milton
In the span of just two weeks, Hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaked havoc and untold damage across the Southeast. Helene struck first, bringing 100+ mph winds and significant flooding to coastal areas. Barely a week later, Milton followed with even greater intensity, packing 120 mph winds, deadly tornadoes, and devastating
Navigating Political Signage In Your HOA
As election season approaches, homeowners’ associations across the country face a common and often contentious issue - political signage. Whether it’s in support of a candidate, a cause, or a party, political signs can stir up strong emotions among residents and pose challenges for community governance. Understanding the rules and
Fire! Before Your Building Is Under Threat of Fire or Smoke Damage, Here are Some Ways to Plan Ahead and Be Prepared (CO)
Fire safety is a critical aspect of building design and construction. Understanding fire ratings for building materials and adhering to best practices can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and enhance occupant safety. Read the article..................................
So 30 Years Ago: Replacing Outdated Pipes with Modern Plumbing Solutions )CO)
Does your property still rely on old copper, galvanized, or even defective polybutylene drinking water pipes from decades past? It’s time to replace outdated drinking water pipes with a modern, reliable plumbing system designed for the future. Read the article..................................
Community Association Considerations
Why you should pay special attention to closing your books this year
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
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
CINC Systems Redefines Community Association Management
CINC Systems ("CINC"), the leading provider of software solutions for the
Community Associations on the Rise in
In 2023, 64.8% of all new single-family homes started were built
Condo Control Rebrands to Reflect an
Some say, if it works don’t fix it, but at Condo
Legal & Legislative Articles
Condominium or Planned Community? (AZ)
In Arizona, the vast majority of community associations are formed as either Condominiums, which are subject to the Arizona Condominium Act (A.R.S. Section 33-1201, et seq.); or, Planned Communities, which are subject to the Arizona Planned
An Introduction to Colorado’s New Law Governing Broadband Access to Multiunit Buildings
On May 22, 2024, Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 24-1334 into law, which became effective on August 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by a broad coalition of representatives and senators reflecting bipartisan support, was introduced
New HOA Laws for California Homeowners for 2025
As is always the case, the number of California homeowners living in common interest developments communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs) continues to grow. Since all common interest developments in California are governed by the Davis-Stirling
765 ILCS 160/1-40: What Every Homeowners Association Needs to Know About Owner Meetings (IL)
Community associations play a crucial role in managing community living, ensuring that shared spaces are maintained and that residents abide by community rules. Effective governance hinges on active participation from homeowners, particularly during owner meetings. ILCS
How to Report Beneficial Ownership Information for HOAs with a Free Preparation Worksheet
For most homeowners associations, the deadline to report beneficial ownership information is January 1, 2025. Use the free preparation worksheet and follow this guide for a step-by-step outline to meet reporting requirements and avoid penalties. Read
New Structural Integrity Law In New Jersey – Community Association Compliance Required
As we enter the last quarter of 2024, we want to again remind our New Jersey community association clients to review whether their buildings require structural inspections pursuant to the new Structural Integrity Law (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119
Op/Ed
Why HOA reform failed to pass NC General Assembly this session
In the complex tapestry of legislative processes, the passage or failure of a bill often hinges on a multitude of intertwined factors. House Bill 542, which dealt with giving homeowners more rights and power regarding homeowners
Finding sensible solutions to Florida’s condo safety challenges
Florida’s condominium and homeowner associations have long been cherished for the sense of community, security and amenities they offer to millions of residents. But that is quickly changing. As a recent Tyson Group poll confirmed, the
Insurance: Which Article is Correct? (FL)
Experts say Florida insurance market can handle another hurricane this year — and stay healthy Back-to-back Florida hurricanes signal trouble for home insurance prices nationwide
Finding sensible solutions to Florida’s condo safety challenges | Opinion
Florida’s condominium and homeowner associations have long been cherished for the sense of community, security and amenities they offer to millions of residents. But that is quickly changing. As a recent Tyson Group poll confirmed, the
Beware Of Possible Bias In Condominium Mediation (HI)
Earlier this year, a mediation center that provides condominium-owner-paid Condominium Education Trust Fund-subsidized mediation services provided an instructional session to mediators by Zoom. Superficially, there was nothing unusual. However, a few of those mediators reported —
Senate Bill 900 is a bonanza for insurance companies and a blow to housing affordability (CA)
Legislation now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk proposes a transfer of vast wealth from California homeowners to California utility companies. Senate Bill 900 would force homeowners to maintain and repair the pipelines delivering gas, water, and
Canada Condo, Strata & HOA News
Condo Smarts: Strata corporations can’t deny election canvassers (BC)
Q: As a canvasser during the BC Election cycle, I have been banned or blocked from several strata buildings and asked to leave one building. Could you please post the BC Elections
Condo Smarts: How to establish strata user fees (BC)
Dear Tony: We have several owners challenging our fees we charge for storage lockers, parking, extra parking spaces, and EV charging costs since a tribunal decision was issued a few weeks ago.
“Bitter conflict”: Meeting ban sparks resident’s legal fight against BC strata
A BC resident and co-homeowner embarked on a legal fight with her strata, forcing it to hold a new meeting after it allegedly barred and limited access to a previous meeting.The co-owner
Canada Condo, Strata & HOA Articles
CAT Finds that AGM Videorecording is Not a Record (ON)
In a recent decision published on October 10th 2024, the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) addressed whether a unit owner was entitled to a copy of the videorecording of their condominium corporation’s virtual
Hoarding Can Create Unsafe Conditions (ON)
Condominium owners have broad legal rights to enjoy their units. But condominium living generally involves “close living between the residents of the condominium”, and condominium owners and occupants accordingly have important obligations
New Rules for Strata Owners Requeststo Install Electric Vehicle Chargers (BC)
As noted in a previous article, Bill 22 made several amendments to the Strata Property Act, which are intended to increase electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in condominiums. The new sections 90.1
International Condo, Strata & HOA News
Spain’s Supreme Court upholds residents’ right to ban rentals
Spain: In a landmark decision, Spain’s Supreme Court [Tribunal Supremo] has ruled that homeowner associations, or communities of property owners, have the authority to prohibit short-term rentals in residential buildings
Australia: Housing wars: Strata owners vs owners corporations
THERE ARE ROUGHLY 3 million strata townhouses and apartments in Australia. The focus on highrise developments to address the housing crisis has seen a 7 per cent increase in the
Australia: As high-rise developments boom, overhaul of strata committees of management long overdue
Owners corporations manage and administer communal property for apartments and other dwellings. Recently certain high-profile owners corporations have come under media scrutiny. Dubious and unethical business practices have been exposed.