Maintenance Articles from the Web
Buildings
- Masonry Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide for Condos and Community Associations May 2, 2024Masonry and brick buildings are beloved for their enduring class and elegance, but much like any beautiful thing that is to be long-lasting, they require continuous maintenance. For condominiums and community associations overseeing such buildings, implementing technically sound maintenance protocols is crucial for not only preserving aesthetics but also for optimizing costs long-term. Read the article…………………………….
- Laketown Wharf evacuation latest (FL) May 1, 2024Several residents remain vacated after Panama City Beach officials issued a mandatory evacuation for Laketown Wharf on Front Beach Road. Residents in 63 units have until Saturday at 6 p.m. to pack their belongings and relocate due to a safety hazard. According to officials they received a complaint on April 4th from a guest about unsafe stairwells in the building. Inspectors did an evaluation and found that two of the high-rise condominium’s stairwells are structurally unsound. Read the article…………………………….
- The United States of Termites: How the Tiny, Traveling Pests Are Taking Over—And Where They’re Going Next April 29, 2024From stink bugs to ants and even ladybugs, there’s no shortage of pests that can terrorize and take over your home. Thankfully, some of the best pest control companies or DIY methods can help eradicate unwelcome visitors and infestations. Termites, however, are in a class of their own. When left unchecked, they are some of the most destructive pests that can infest a home. Read the article…………………………….
- Roofing Changes Usually Require Member Vote (FL) April 29, 2024Q: Our condominium association is thinking about changing roofing materials. Our bylaws say that a majority of the unit owners who participate in a meeting can decide any issue, “unless a specific voting percentage is stipulated in the declaration, these bylaws or law.” Does this mean that a majority of the unit owners can approve a roofing change? Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Ocean City Condo Complex Remains Closed for Safety Repairs (MD) April 25, 2024An Ocean City condominium complex that was shut down last week by the city’s construction official amid safety concerns will remain closed until structural repairs are made. For now, red tags have been slapped on the Seaspray condos at 34th Street and Bay Avenue declaring that the buildings are currently “unsafe for human occupancy.” Read the article…………………………….
Grounds
- The low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn that will still impress your neighbors April 29, 2024This year, a Tasmanian yard that hadn’t been watered in 10 years and featured a dead brushtail possum won the title of ugliest lawn in the world. The contest, organized by the island of Gotland in Sweden, rewards those who turn over their yards to nature to save water and change the world’s perception of the ideal lawn. It also raises an important question: Who wants an ugly lawn, really? An admirable, dedicated contingent embracing ugly lawns’ ecological bona fides ...
- Sinkhole saga at Phoenix condo complex could soon be over (AZ) April 27, 2024People fed up with a growing sinkhole at the Parkside Condominiums on Bell and Cave Creek Roads are feeling optimistic. The HOA board, the VP, and the community manager for City Property Management held a meeting outside the complex Thursday night to announce that repairs for the sinkhole would begin next week. Read the article…………………………….
- Understanding Landscaping Architectural Requirements for Co-owners April 24, 2024When it comes to maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of shared properties, understanding the landscaping architectural requirements is crucial for co-owners. Whether you are part of a homeowners association (HOA), a condominium association, or any other type of residential community, staying informed about these regulations can help you avoid legal pitfalls and ensure your property remains beautiful and compliant. Read the article…………………………….
- Aliso Viejo residents claim herbicide spraying near their homes is making them sick (CA) April 19, 2024Back home after the walk, McCuan emailed Mission Landscape, under contract by the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA), asking what was being sprayed at Canyon View Park. The following day, after McCuan had spent six hours in her backyard digging up roots and planting native plants for Monarch butterflies, a reply arrived from Mission’s vice president of operations, Jon Cernok. He identified the spray as the weed killer Cheetah Pro. Read the article…………………………….
- Landscaping and Covenant Enforcement (CO) April 19, 2024With spring being in full force and summer being just around the corner, we wanted to remind all Associations regarding policies, covenant enforcement and good practices as it relates to landscaping. Read the article…………………………….
Energy & Water Conservation
- Ukraine: In Odesa region, a condominium association received 40% savings due to thermal modernization of a building May 1, 2024“We started the energy modernization of the house back in 19. At that time, we had the highest tariff in the city. We searched for a long time for ways to save money and came across the wonderful “Energodim” program. Then there was a lot of preparatory work, because at that time there were no changes to the Program were adopted, which greatly simplified the participation of all condominiums of Ukraine” Read the article…………………………….
- The low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn that will still impress your neighbors April 29, 2024This year, a Tasmanian yard that hadn’t been watered in 10 years and featured a dead brushtail possum won the title of ugliest lawn in the world. The contest, organized by the island of Gotland in Sweden, rewards those who turn over their yards to nature to save water and change the world’s perception of the ideal lawn. It also raises an important question: Who wants an ugly lawn, really? An admirable, dedicated contingent embracing ugly lawns’ ecological bona fides ...
- What Can Be Done About Solar Panels? (FL) April 29, 2024If you are living in a Homeowners Association the Board or the Architectural Review Committee generally cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). A Florida law, F.S. 163.04, provides that any “deed restriction or declaration” or even any “similar binding agreement” may not prohibit — or have the effect of prohibiting — solar collectors (or clotheslines or any other energy devices based on renewable resources), from being installed on buildings or lots within the Association. Read the ...
- Industry groups applaud new energy codes set by HUD, USDA April 29, 2024The newly adopted code requirements are designed to strengthen efficiency requirements for new houses and multifamily units that are purchased with federally backed loans such as Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and USDA mortgages, along with new homes with funding from other HUD programs. These new homes are primarily occupied by low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters. Read the article…………………………….
- Residential community will be the first with onsite greywater recycle/reuse system (HI) April 22, 2024After receiving approval from the Hawaii Department of Health and the City and County of Honolulu, Kuilei Place, a new condominium development in Diamond Head, Waikiki and Kaimuki, will be the first of its kind in the state with its own onsite greywater treatment recycle and reuse system. Read the article…………………………….
Energy & Water Conservation Archives
Fire Safety
- Storing e-bikes, e-scooters in your condo? A handful of B.C. strata councils say no March 21, 2024Faced with growing concerns about e-bike and e-scooter battery fires, a small but growing number of strata councils in the province are banning them from buildings. “The number of strata corporations, … probably 15 or 20, have in the last year taken the position, ‘We’re not going to permit them at all,’” said Tony Gioventu, executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. Read the article…………………………….
- New law means an HOA can’t stop you from hardening your home against wildfires (CO) March 15, 2024A new state law voids homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using building materials that are more resistant to wildfires. Gov. Jared Polis signed the legislation this week. In a statement, he said the new law should help homeowners safeguard their homes and save money on insurance. Read the article…………………………….
- Green Valley HOAs get Firewise ball rolling (AZ) March 9, 2024Three communities in Green Valley have become designated Firewise USA sites, and are encouraging homeowners associations to do the same to help protect Green Valley from wildfires. The Firewise USA award is given to communities that have put in a lot of time, effort and planning to educate homeowners in wildfire safety and mitigate the impact of wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
- Some Colorado HOAs ban using fire-resistant building materials. This proposed law could overrule that February 22, 2024A Colorado Senate committee on Tuesday advanced legislation that would block homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using fire-resistant building materials, a change that firefighters and insurance experts say would give communities more options to harden properties against climate-fueled wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
- Lawmakers advance bill that would void HOA rules that block wildfire-hardening (CO) February 21, 2024A Colorado Senate committee on Tuesday advanced legislation that would block homeowners’ association rules that prevent residents from using fire-resistant building materials, a change that firefighters and insurance experts say would give communities more options to harden properties against climate-fueled wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
Security
- Neighbors watching neighbors? HOA vehicle surveillance irks some in NC neighborhood May 2, 2024By all accounts, the controversy over surveillance at Princeton Manor began at a pool party last summer. “Personally frustrated” by a string of car break-ins and a recent burglary in the Knightdale subdivision, a member of the homeowners association board struck up a conversation with a Knightdale police officer at the event, asking what else the neighborhood could do to fight crime. Read the article…………………………….
- Thief arrested after being caught on camera stealing mail from Cobb County neighborhood (GA) April 23, 2024Police say they found 70 pieces of stolen mail in a man’s car. Video from a security camera shows the suspect in action. It’s just before 2 a.m. on Atwater Drive in Smyrna. A security camera was positioned perfectly to catch the man’s every move. He opens a mailbox, pulls out an envelope, places it in his pocket, looks directly into the camera, then walk he walks off. Read the article…………………………….
- Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities April 18, 2024A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
- Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities April 16, 2024A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
- Someone stole a master mailbox key in Sacramento. What’s being done to stop break-ins? (CA) April 15, 2024Mail theft has been an ongoing issue in her Arden Arcade condominium community, Woodside Homeowners Association, over the past few years, she said. Braden filed a report with the inspection service to help her recover her stolen credit card in February. “You’ll receive an email response in 1-3 days,” the confirmation said. She never heard from them. Read the article…………………………….
Amenities
- Dive In & Thrive: Optimizing Your Community Pool May 1, 2024As the sunny days of summer beckon, it’s crucial to recognize that the upkeep of a community pool demands year-round attention. Not only does a pool enhance property values, but it also serves as a cherished sanctuary for families and individuals alike. From providing a space for children to frolic in the sun to offering adults a venue for exercise and socialization, the community pool stands as a unifying element within the neighborhood. Read the article…………………………….
- Pool Preparations for Your HOA April 29, 2024Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for pool season. Maintaining the perfect oasis is about more than just warm weather and water. Creating a safe, positive environment for residents to escape, unwind, and make cherished memories requires an ongoing process of routine checks, equipment upgrades, and meticulous planning. Read the article…………………………….
- Should a tennis court be converted into pickleball courts? Debate intensifies in one Austin community (TX) April 15, 2024In the Steiner Ranch Community in northwest Austin, there are three areas with neighborhood tennis courts, and some of them have pickleball lines. Residents can make reservations to play either game, but recently a debate has landed on the courts at the Bella Mar community center over whether a tennis court should be converted into four pickleball courts. Read the article…………………………….
- Making a splash: Developing a community association pool policy April 11, 2024Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for pool season. Maintaining the perfect oasis is about more than just warm weather and water. Creating a safe, positive environment for residents to escape, unwind, and make cherished memories requires an ongoing process of routine checks, equipment upgrades, and meticulous planning. Read the article…………………………….
Maintenance – General Articles
- Association Contracts (FL) May 2, 2024Whether your community association is a condominium, cooperative, or a homeowners’ association, Florida law empowers your association to enter into contracts in connection with the maintenance and operation of the community. Often times, your association is all but required to contract with third parties in order to maintain and operate the community, as it does not have the in house employees required for specialized, but essential tasks, such as the maintenance and repair of your community’s plumbing, elevators, or fire ...
- Waterproofing Your Building Envelope Protecting Structure & Health (NJ) April 24, 2024With severe weather events becoming ever more common—and more intense—waterproofing your building’s envelope against rain, wind, snow, and ice is a growing concern. To counter the effects of climate change on buildings both old and new, our main focus must be on maintaining the integrity of the structural envelope. Proper, proactive exterior maintenance saves money on repairs, as well as operational costs like cooling, and heating—and a well-maintained building also provides better comfort for its residents. Read the article…………………………….
- Important Construction Contract Provisions for Major Repairs in Condominiums & HOAs (MI) April 19, 2024The overwhelming majority of condominium and homeowners associations will, at some point in time, need to enter into a large construction contract for a major repair or replacement. Complex construction contracts are more frequent in condominiums, where associations have a much larger number of items that they are responsible for maintaining. However, even smaller homeowners associations may have to contract for a repair or replacement to certain large items, such as private roads/drives or shared stormwater drainage systems for their ...
- California HOA Condos and Homes: Unveiling the Top 10 Pitfalls of Faulty Gutter & Fascia Installations April 18, 2024A common oversight with potentially significant financial impacts is the quality and installation of gutters and fascia. At Naumann Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how these defects can lead to extensive property damage and financial strain. In our most recent blog, we delve in a bit closer the top 10 construction defects resulting from poorly installed gutters and fascia in California HOA condos and homes. Read the article…………………………….
Maintenenace – General Articles Archives
Mold
- HOA Homefront: Myths mold consultants use to scare residents, homeowners (pt 2) (CA) March 30, 2024Although mold trade organizations have created their own credentials and extensive and expensive cleanup protocols, the EPA recommendation to clean up a moldy area of up to 10 square feet is to wipe it with a cloth dampened with a diluted bleach solution. Misleading and self-serving statements by the “toxic mold” industry continue to grab attention. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Homefront: Why ‘toxic mold’ myths continue to panic residents (CA) March 22, 2024In 2000, a new panic swept the country — “toxic mold.” Twenty-four years of lawsuits and untold billions of dollars later, major mold myths continue to frighten residents and cause exaggerated repairs and unnecessary conflict. On one side of the debate is the mold industry: testers, consultants and mold clean-up contractors. On the other side are the federal and state governmental health agencies. Read the article…………………………….
- Tenant says mold grew for 3 years in Downtown condo while condo board stalled repairs (FL) February 8, 2024It’s one of the premier luxury condos in downtown Jacksonville, however a resident at Berkman Plaza says his experience has been anything but luxurious. Nearly 3 years ago a pipe burst on the 10th floor of Berkman Plaza and created massive damage in Nick Rosado’s 8th floor condo. Rosado is still trying to get his condo repaired and says the condo board is standing in the way of the repairs. Read the article…………………………….
- Condo owners frustrated with leaking, possible mold in Prince George’s Co. building (MD) June 2, 2023Some condominium owners in a Prince George’s County building said they are dealing with leaks and living with mold. The owners said the issue is starting outside of their unit, which means the “condo” association should be taking care of it, and owners say they’re not handling it properly. Read the article………………………..