Condo & HOA News Items
A new report prepared by the non-partisan Center for an Urban Future contains a stunning revelation: dozens of New York City building owners say they’ll pay fines rather than installing expensive building retrofits that would bring them in compliance with the city’s climate law, Local Law 97. Read the article…………………………….
Fire breaks out at Gulf Crest Condominiums in Panama City Beach (FL)
Bay County Fire Rescue officials are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged at least 3 condominium units Monday evening. The fire appears to
Man hospitalized after fire forces evacuation of Clearwater condos (FL)
The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department responded to Hillcrest Villas off U.S. 19 after a man noticed smoke and flames coming from his bathroom shortly
Roswell property owner says she’s being bullied to give up land meant for her dream home (GA)
A Roswell property owner says she’s being bullied to give up land that she bought to build her dream home. The city approved her permits,
Florida’s condo market is in turmoil. What’s next for owners?
Time is up for condo owners across Florida to meet safety guidelines passed in the wake of 2021’s deadly Champlain Towers collapse. Condo associations had
Lightning sparks fire, burning Beech Mountain ski slope condos and vehicles (NC)
A massive North Carolina fire sparked by lightning burned at least three condos along the slopes of Beech Mountain on Saturday night, witnesses and reports
Not just for police: A Norfolk HOA plans to deploy Flock license plate cameras (VA)
Police departments across Hampton Roads aren’t the only organizations installing the controversial automated license plate readers that have attracted lawsuits and privacy concerns. A homeowner’s
Collier commissioners agree not to alter golf conversion rules (FL)
Collier commissioners opted not to amend controversial rules that allowed developers to convert golf course properties into residential. Commissioners voted unanimously March 11 to let
This $750K Boston Parking Spot Also Costs $900 Monthly In HOA Fees And Taxes, And Still Has Restrictions (MA)
Owning an enclosed parking spot downtown is undoubtedly convenient, but if you’re eyeing one in downtown Boston, prepare to empty your bank account. A single
One HOA at a time, nonprofits work to Firewise Rim Country (AZ)
On a windy day, a single ember from a wildfire can travel more than a mile before coming to rest. And after one of the
Can homeowners association stop former NYPD officer from flying ‘thin blue line’ flag? (FL)
Question: I am having a problem with my HOA about the 3 feet by 5 feet thin blue stripe American flag that flies over my
Due diligence is a must for Las Cruces condo buyers (NM)
According to a March 12 report from the Las Cruces Association of Realtors, thirty-two condominiums units changed hands between January 1 and December 31 of
Pet dies to smoke inhalation in Wisconsin 8-unit condo fire, $250K in estimated damages
A pet died due to smoke inhalation after a fire broke out at an eight-unit condo in southern Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon. When crews arrived,
Condo & HOA Informational Articles
Volunteering as a Community
Community volunteering is a great way to connect with your neighbors and better your community. You can have volunteers help man events, clean up and maintain the community, or reach out to surrounding areas and help out there. The issue is getting others to volunteer alongside you. Finding different ways
California HOA Election Rules
California has updated its laws, giving homeowner associations (HOAs) the option to conduct member votes electronically. Recent amendments to Civil Code Sections 5105, 5115, 5120, and 5125 of the Davis-Stirling Act, which governs community associations, now allow HOAs to adopt electronic voting—provided they meet specific requirements. Read the article..................................
Attracting And Retaining Active Board Members (CA)
A strong, well-functioning homeowners’ association (HOA) depends on committed board members who actively participate in governance and decision-making. However, many communities struggle to attract and retain engaged board members, leading to burnout, disorganization, and inefficiency. Encouraging homeowners to step up and serve on the HOA board requires strategic outreach, clear
Building a Reserve Study: Colorado Rules and Regulations
In Colorado, where diverse climates and varied terrains present unique challenges for property maintenance, understanding the specifics of building reserve studies is essential for property owners and managers. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about building reserve studies under Colorado’s rules and regulations: Read the article..................................
Vehicle and Property Use Regulations in Community Associations (NC)
Homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium associations across North and South Carolina frequently navigate complex regulations regarding vehicle use and property restrictions within their communities. As boards work to maintain community standards and property values, understanding these regulations and ensuring consistent enforcement is crucial. This blog post explores areas of vehicle
Smart, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective HOA Amenity Upgrades
Did you know that well-planned HOA amenities can boost home values by up to 30%? Today’s homeowners expect more than just well-maintained streets—they want thoughtfully designed spaces that feel like an extension of their home. Whether it’s reliable Wi-Fi, inviting outdoor areas, or smart technology that simplifies daily tasks, modern
Navigating Property Damage Claims: A Guide for Association Boards
When disaster strikes an association, it's essential for the association board to act swiftly and effectively to navigate the complex landscape of property damage claims. Whether it's fire, floods, mold, or wind damage, the role of the board in moving a property claim forward is crucial. 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
FLB Law Secures Summary Judgment for
FLB Law Partner Matthias Sportini obtained summary judgment on behalf of
Australia: NOX Energy Announces Game-Changing EV
Charging an electric vehicle has long been a major roadblock for
Keystone Expands into Coachella Valley with
California-based Keystone, one of the fastest-growing Community Management companies in North
Legal & Legislative Articles
Florida Court Rejects Insurer’s Bid For Coverage In $8.5M Condo Defect Case
A federal judge in Florida’s Middle District ruled Monday that Amerisure Insurance Company, the insurer for contractor The Auchter Co., can’t tap third-party insurers to offset an $8.5 million judgment tied to shoddy workmanship on a
Building Owners Opt for Fines Over Costly Local Law 97 Retrofits (NY)
A new report prepared by the non-partisan Center for an Urban Future contains a stunning revelation: dozens of New York City building owners say they'll pay fines rather than installing expensive building retrofits that would bring
Proposed amendments to Colorado’s condo construction defects bill looks to address opponent concerns
The longstanding fights between home builders and trial lawyers are in a different place as the bill to resolve longstanding condo construction defects issues heads to the committee on Tuesday. The hearing on House Bill 1272
Abrupt HOA Meeting Notice Leads to a Court Case on a Fire Alarm System
The Willoughby Condominium Association (the “Association”) needed to update its drastically outdated fire alarm system, which had not been updated for more than 50 years. The Board called for a special Board meeting to approve the
The Shires Homeowners Association, Inc. v. John M. Clark (2025) (AL)
On June 7, 2022, Clark filed in the small-claims division of the Shelby District Court (“the district court”) a complaint against the HOA. Clark asserted that the HOA had caused an invalid lien to be placed
Bill to Protect HOA Homeowners Passes Committee (CO)
The Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today passed a bill that would strengthen safeguards for homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) to help them stay housed and recoup their property’s equity if they are forced to
Op/Ed
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Keep political yard signs off HOA lawns (WY)
To the editor: The First Amendment – There’s been some “high talk” locally and by our local state representatives about free speech and against homeowners associations restricting political yard signs. Sign proponents say they can ignore
Restoring HOA transparency and accountability (MN)
For many months, homeowners from across our community and state have been reaching out to me sharing stories of exploitation and power-imbalance they’ve experienced with their homeowners associations (HOAs) and property management companies. Read the article..................................
Florida has the wrong bogeyman for our condo crisis. It’s not climate change. | Opinion
I have been a condominium owner in Jupiter for five years. Over that period our condo’s property insurance has doubled, as well as our reserve contributions. Fortunately, we have not had any assessments, and our condo
Another Demoralizing HOA Fee Hits SF Real Estate Market (CA)
San Francisco remains a renter’s city. Roughly 60% of its residents rent, rather than own — a delta that appears to be growing by the year. San Francisco is also among the few major cities in
The Real Downsides of the Proposed HOA Legislation (MN)
It’s been an interesting week watching the analyses unfold of the proposed legislation that is coursing through the Minnesota Legislature that, if passed, will have profound effects (some with unintended negative consequences) on HOAs across the
Crisis in Leisure World (CA)
The crisis in Leisure World Seal Beach deepens. Shareholders were dancing in the street after the recent board meeting where it was announced that the executive director contract as written would not be renewed. It didn’t
Canada Condo, Strata & HOA News
Condo Smarts: Strata has no authority to modify the allocation of common expenses (BC)
Dear Tony: Our owners just received a notice from the president of our strata council that strata fees are going to be adjusted because the billing for water has been changed. The
Condo Smarts: Prevent costly emergencies with proactive maintenance (BC)
Q: Our strata had a recent water line that serves our emergency fire systems, which serve an unheated parking garage, burst. Once the weather warmed the thaw exposed the breach and we
Read the fine print when buying into a strata property
After a few recent escapades with condo purchases, I want to talk about doing your homework when purchasing a strata property. Strata properties can offer the convenience of shared maintenance costs, security,
Canada Condo, Strata & HOA Articles
Electronic Voting for In-Person Condo Owners Meetings (ON)
At a recent in-person owners meeting that I attended, traditional voting methods were used: paper ballots were prepared for the attendees, paper proxies were submitted, and registration delays pushed the start time
Cooking Odours in Condominiums (ON)
In the decision of Choi v Lacerona, Tolentino, the Condominium Authority Tribunal dealt with the issue of cooking odour transfer within a condominium. The Applicant owner alleged that the Respondent’s tenants were
Drones, Privacy, and Condos (ON)
While drones are not a frequent concern for most Ontario condominiums, their use for photography, recreation, and property inspections is increasing. With this rise, questions about privacy and security are emerging— especially
International Condo, Strata & HOA News
Philippines: Condo ordered closed
THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has ordered the closure of San Marino Residences in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, for failing to comply with fire safety requirements. On Thursday, March
Philippines: Buyers beware when purchasing homes, condos
In Manalese v. Ferreras (Nov. 25, 2024, per J. Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Third Division, 5-0), the Supreme Court stressed the hornbook doctrine that buyers must examine very well the
Australia: Guides to help strata buildings become EV ready
Australia’s National Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy is paving the way for a cleaner, more accessible, and affordable future in transport. With 3 key objectives the strategy aims to reduce emissions,