Though it hasn’t rained in 12 days, water is still creeping toward Stacey and Paul DeHart’s front door in Gotha. Lake Nally’s mysterious rise has turned lawns into ponds and forced a neighbor to abandon her home as if it were a sinking ship. Read the article…………………….
State laws govern HOAs in all Nevada communities
Q: I live in a homeowners association in Pahrump. I was appointed to the board on May 2018 and I resigned August 2019. I resigned because of the reckless and (uncaring) behavior of the other board members about the Nevada Revised Statute 116. The president said it twice — in an illegal closed meeting — […]
Shaken up about earthquake insurance (CA)
Q: I live in a 100-plus unit condo complex without HOA earthquake insurance. I have CEA earthquake insurance for my home. Have you written any articles I could read on how to cover myself if my building suffers structural damage? Read the Q&A………………………….
Condo Conversations: The dreaded special assessment
Has your stomach ever dropped when you opened the envelope from your homeowners association and saw the words “special assessment?” If so, you’re not alone. Special assessments can be scary creatures, and anyone who lives in a condo community dreads receiving one. Let’s take a little bit to explore what special assessments are, why they […]
Reversal: Homeowner cannot withhold HOA fees in protest (IN)
An Indianapolis resident who refused to pay his homeowner association fees due to the deteriorating conditions of the neighborhood couldn’t convince the Indiana Court of Appeals that he shouldn’t have to pay. In Feather Trace Homeowners Association, Inc. v. Donald R. Luster, 19A-SC-300, Donald Luster objected to paying his homeowner association fees because of the […]
‘It’s bad’: Dania Beach condo residents displaced after rooftop pool leaks speak out (FL)
Residents of a Dania Beach condominium that was evacuated after a rooftop pool leaked and sent water gushing into their units are grappling with the extent of the damage to their homes. Read the article…………………………
Associations must allow U.S. census workers access to their property (IL)
Q. The U.S. 2020 census is coming up. Does our homeowners association need to admit census workers to the property? Read the Q&A……………………………
Racist rule found in old Evansville HOA restrictions (IN)
Buying a new home may be one of the greatest accomplishments in life. But a young woman in Evansville recently uncovered an ugly past just after closing on her first place. One line in the old neighborhood rules says she is not allowed. Read the article………………………..
Naperville Couple Says Condo Board Came Down On Them For Surveillance Camera Doorbell (IL)
Surveillance camera doorbells are popular, provide a safety net for many homeowners, and are relied upon by police departments. But as CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar reported Thursday night, one west suburban couple says it has brought them nothing but trouble. Read the article………………………..
Adapting to Short-Term Rentals: What You Need to Know About Restrictions (FL)
Last month, our CUP touched on the fact that in the City of Miami Beach, illegal rentals might mean jail time. The problem, however, is not limited to beach front condominiums. Many single family home and townhome communities are facing similar issues. These homeowner associations, struggling with short term rental issues, want rental policies that […]
Adding on: Homeowners building more accessory dwelling units
Twenty percent of homeowners who undertook remodeling projects in the past year did so to convert an existing space in their house into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), while about 18% created an ADU by building an addition, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) finds in its first-quarter 2019 Remodeling Market Index survey. Read […]
Americans With Disabilities Act (“ADA”) Accessibility for Websites
It is unclear from the current case law, guidance, and the ADA, whether a condominium association, with short term stays of thirty (30) days or less, must provide an accessible website for people with disabilities. One of the only cases to address this situation is Dunn v. Phoenix West II, LLC, et al., 2016 WL […]
Condo column: Can owners be forced to replace old appliances?
Q: Our condominium is approaching 15 years old and many of our residents still have original hot water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines. We have seen an increase in water damage and related expenses caused by these appliances. Other owners are refusing to replace these older appliances because they are currently working. What can we […]
Can I cut down my neighbor’s tree when its branches overhang my property? (VA)
In our ever crowding residential areas, more of us experience the situation in which the limbs of a neighbor’s tree overhang our property line. Most of the time, these limbs do not pose us any concern, but questions do arise as to whether we have the right to prune our neighbor’s trees. In the past,the […]
CBU Invites Neighborhood and Homeowner Associations to Learn About Stormwater Management Options (IN)
Neighborhood and homeowner associations are invited to schedule a visit from the City of Bloomington Utilities’ Stormwater Education Specialist to learn about options for addressing stormwater. CBU and other City departments offer various initiatives to assist neighborhoods with stormwater concerns, including residential stormwater grants, the new Adopt-a-Drain program, curbside leaf collection, and more. Read the […]
City inspectors return to controversial condo complex (MO)
City inspectors ordered the old Trinity Lutheran Hospital at 30th and Baltimore streets boarded up this week — for the sixth time in six months. The old hospital is connected to the Park Reserve condos. “Who wants to live next to this?” Park Reserve resident Joe Heyen said, pointing to a mess near his condo. […]
The (Tree) Root of the Problem: Who is Responsible when Tree Roots and Branches Cause Damage? (FL)
They say good fences make good neighbors. But trees, on the other hand, have been known to strain the relationship between neighbors. Damage and disruption amongst neighboring lot owners, caused by tree roots and branches, is a very common problem in Florida. Not surprisingly, Florida courts have addressed this issue and have carved out a […]
Marco condos fined $1K for violating sea turtle lighting restrictions, one repeat offender (FL)
The Marco Island Code Enforcement Magistrate issued $1,000 in fines to three condominium associations for violating sea turtle lighting restrictions on Tuesday. One of them, Madeira, was fined last month for the same code violation. Read the article………………………
Rosh Hashana Greetings – and a Refresher on Religious Accommodation in the Condo World (ON)
This coming Sunday evening to Tuesday evening (Sept.29-Oct.1), this CondoAdviser contributor will be logging off and spending 2 days with family and community for the observance of the Jewish High Holiday of Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana marks the New Year, pursuant to the Jewish lunar calendar. This year, we celebrate Year 5780! In this holiday […]
Being Proactive with HOA Budget
Money plays a key role in both our professional and personal lives. When people look at organizations from an outside perspective, usually only the most visible financial attributes can be seen, such as who the vendors are, the state of their landscaping, and what social activities are hosted. However, these factors are not a true […]
“Charging Excessive Fees Could Spell Big Trouble,” FLCA
Condominium associations are limited by statute on the amount of fees which can be charged in connection with the transfer of a unit. An association in Miami just learned this lesson the hard way. Read the article……………………
HOA property manager accused of refusing to turn over accounts, records (FL)
A homeowners association property manager, who hired a former officer and convicted felon to work inside an Osceola County neighborhood, is accused of refusing to turn over bank accounts and other records at a different HOA in Seminole County, 9 Investigates reporter Karla Ray reported. Read the article………………………
Elderly Man Killed In Sterling Heights Condo Fire (MI)
A 69-year-old man has died in a fire at a condominium complex in Sterling Heights. Authorities say the fire broke out Wednesday morning at the Victory Circle condos in the area of 17 Mile Rd. and Mound Rd. Assistant Sterling Heights Fire Chief Ed Miller said it was the victim’s neighbors who dialed 911. “Luckily […]
Who is Responsible for Repairs and Maintenance? (NC)
Homeowners often have differing views of their individual homeowner’s associations (HOA). One thing everyone can typically agree on is that one of the primary responsibilities of an HOA is to maintain common areas throughout a neighborhood or development. If a storm trashes a playground, pool or clubhouse, walking trails or pond, the HOA and its […]
Condo Smarts: Walk the buildings to fix strata lot mix-up (BC)
Dear Tony: We have an unusual problem in our strata corporation. We have 308 units in several buildings. Several owners have approached council with a complaint that their strata fees are not correct and want to know how to change them. Read the Q&A………………………….
Preventing mismanaged finances on condo boards (ON)
With more people than ever living in condominiums, mismanaged condo boards are becoming ever more prevalent. Is this a symbiotic relationship? Whether by corruption or incompetence, condo boards that mismanage their multi-million dollar budgets and reserve funds are a recurring problem. Legislation has now been enacted in an effort to rectify some of the problems […]
2019 Florida Legislative Update for Condominium and Homeowner Associations (FL)
There were not any major changes during the past session as lawmakers passed about 10 percent of bills that were filed. However, there were two noteworthy legislative updates to Chapters 718/720 which impact Florida’s Condominium and Homeowner Associations that went into effect July 1, 2019. Read the article……………………..
What are the Features of an HOA or Condo Website?
Is it necessary to create an HOA Website? This is a question that many homeowners in different communities ask frequently. I believe you would agree with me that it’s quite difficult managing your homeowner association effectively, a HOA or Condo website can help streamline many of the tasks. Read the article………………………..
Code of Conduct for HOA Board Members
HOA board positions are filled by volunteers – well-meaning community members who are invested in the continued success of their community. But even the most well-intentioned board members often lack the experience and training needed to run a community, and it’s not uncommon for personal beliefs or misguided actions to cause problems. A solid code […]
Do you have Difficult People in your Condo or HOA?
Do you have difficult people in your condo or HOA? It seems that these days the loudest voice will win an argument. Who’s right or wrong doesn’t matter, it’s all about intimidation. People with a chip on their shoulders will always make their presence known in your condo or HOA. This is not a new […]
Fourth Court of Appeals denies motion to withhold finances (TX)
The La Bota homeowners Association was ordered by District Judge Joe Lopez to release all financial information including expenses regarding association fees. However, the association fought that ruling by filing an appeal with the Fourth Court of Appeals. Read the article……………………….
Alterations to Common Elements: When do you Need a Membership Vote?
Updating and altering common areas of the building is often necessary to keep your property or neighborhood up-to-date. Old paint schemes need to be refreshed, furniture needs to be replaced, and landscaping needs to be redone. Read the article………………………
Who is Responsible for a Limited Common Element?
The sidewalk, the road, the park bench, the elevator, the streetlights, and more belong to and benefit everyone in a homeowners association. These common areas or common elements are shared property maintained by the association and enjoyed and used by all residents. The money for repairing and replacing these elements comes from the community’s operating […]
Nearly a year later, Chesapeake’s Cahoon Plantation Golf Course remains in limbo (VA)
Over the past 10 months, Ken Donner has watched the golf course in his community waste away and succumb to overgrown grass. What could become of it is even more of a concern. Nearly a year ago, the Cahoon Plantation Golf Course in Chesapeake abruptly closed. Read the article……………………….
Australia: Mascot Towers owners appeal for govt help (NSW)
Apartment owners in Sydney’s cracked Mascot Towers have pleaded for the NSW government to help fund remediation work before the building suffers further damage. Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson and Premier Gladys Berejiklian were asked about providing low interest loans in parliament on Tuesday. Read the article……………………..
Brooklyn condo discriminated against people with disabilities, HUD alleges (NY)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced charges Monday against developers and architects of a Brooklyn condominium that allegedly discriminated against people with disabilities. The charges name Toll Brothers, Greenberg Farrow Architecture and others involved with the design and construction of North 8 Condominium — a 40-unit residence in Williamsburg. Read the […]
Hercules Neighborhood Installs License Plate Surveillance Cameras To Deter Crime (CA)
A neighborhood in the East Bay city of Hercules has installed new surveillance equipment to deter crime. And even though they don’t have a lot of crime, residents are determined to keep it that way. On Camden Lane and Kensington Circle in the city’s Coventry neighborhood, there are plenty of signs to remind residents of […]
Local homeowners asked to plant salt-tolerant mangrove seedling (FL)
In the spirit of his “Underwater HOA” project last year, “Plan(T) will encourage community conversations on sea level rise, including neighbors-to-neighbors who see the white flags, students at 25 local schools, and 50 public libraries throughout Miami-Dade County that will display project information, mangrove seedling exhibits and host student guest speakers as part of the […]
3 adults, 2 children sickened by carbon monoxide at west Houston condo (TX)
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be dangerous for people who are sleeping. People may have irreversible brain damage or even die. Read the article………………………..
The bizarre story of Campbell Lake, the private lake that isn’t (AK)
It all started because Alaska Landmine Creative Director Paxson Woelber just wanted to go packrafting: “A couple years ago, a friend and I set out to float Campbell Creek. We dropped a car at the cul-de-sac on Canary Drive, right where the creek enters Campbell Lake. As we were trying to drive away, a resident […]
Pleasant Pastime or Privacy Peril? Piloting Drones in HOA Communities
Within the past decade or so, millions of Americans have purchased and piloted unmanned aircraft – better known as “drones.” Though initially only used by the military, drones are now enjoyed by amateur enthusiasts around the country. And new commercial applications seem to emerge every day. Indeed, an FAA license to operate drones in commercial […]
The 5 Most Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Association Group Property Tax Appeals (IL)
This year, property owners all over Chicagoland are receiving notices from the County Assessor indicating their property’s new assessment. While all property owners should consider appealing their new assessment to lower their future property taxes, you should consider filing your tax appeal as a group if you live in a condominium, townhome or homeowner association. […]
Badlands becoming wasteland, haven for crime as property held in limbo (NV)
The city of Las Vegas is fighting a long, expensive battle, and using your money to do it. It’s over the former Badlands golf course located in the west part of town. 13 Chief Investigator Darcy Spears first teed up this story last year. Monday, she shows the property near Summerlin is a wasteland, and […]
Fore! Seminole looks into allowing golf carts on county roads (FL)
Seminole County commissioners plan to consider regulations that would allow residents to drive golf carts on designated county streets within neighborhoods. County officials said they received inquiries from residents, many from the Rolling Hills neighborhood in west Seminole, about whether they are legally able to drive golf carts on publicly-owned roads within their neighborhoods. Read […]
Ex-cop patrolling Kissimmee subdivision closely connected to HOA property manager (FL)
9 Investigates looked into how an ex-North Carolina company police officer, who is a now a convicted felon, was hired by an HOA management company that oversees security for a Kissimmee neighborhood. Watch the news report………………………
County takes Flying Heart to court (ID)
Blaine County made good on its threat to sue a local homeowners association last week when it filed a complaint Thursday afternoon in 5th District Court seeking to restore easy access to the Big Wood River through the Flying Heart Ranch north of Hailey. Read the article…………………….
Sometimes, All It Takes Is a Town Hall Meeting (NY)
Is it true that most people who live in co-ops and condos have no idea what their boards do? It’s 100 percent true. I find it amazing that most shareholders and unit-owners really don’t know what their boards do, how they do it, what their roles and responsibilities are, the roles of the managing agent […]