- HOA Installs Mismatched Shingles May 12, 2024
Dear Monty: We own a condo in the only four-unit building in our condo community. The rest are two-unit, three-unit or stand-alone condos. This is an upscale community. We had a roof leak, and the homeowners association paid for the repair, but they put on shingles that don’t match the rest of the roof. It is unsightly and makes our condo look trashy. Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Uncovering Asbestos During Condo Refurbishment: Navigating Challenges and Options (ON) May 6, 2024
Embarking on a major refurbishment project for a condominium is an exciting endeavor, promising revitalized spaces and enhanced living experiences for residents. However, amidst the renovation excitement, the discovery of asbestos can present a significant hurdle, requiring careful navigation and decisive action. Here, we explore the implications of finding asbestos during condo refurbishment, along with viable options for addressing this challenge. Read the article…………………………….
- Enhancing Condo Aesthetics: Window Replacement vs. Repainting Considerations (ON) May 6, 2024
In the realm of condominium maintenance and improvement, decisions regarding windows and exterior aesthetics are crucial for maintaining property value and resident satisfaction. However, determining whether to replace windows or repaint them requires careful consideration of several factors unique to condo living. Here, we explore when it’s advisable to replace windows and when repainting is the more prudent choice in the context of condominiums. Read the article…………………………….
- Masonry Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide for Condos and Community Associations May 2, 2024
Masonry 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, 2024
Several 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…………………………….
- Construction underway to fix sinkholes that have plagued Phoenix condo complex (AZ) May 8, 2024
Most people don’t like to hear the sound of construction but for people who live at a north Phoenix condo complex, it’s music to their ears. People who live at the Parkside Condominiums at Bell and Cave Creek roads sent us photos of construction being done to fill a handful of sinkholes in the area. Read the article…………………………….
- ‘We want the ticks gone’: Organizers calling for action against state parks “no mow” policy (NY) May 7, 2024
The West River Homeowners Association called for action against the New York State Parks “no mow” policy to prevent ticks from latching onto children and dogs along the West River Greenway Trail. Chris Russell, a member of the organization, wants the grass along the trail in Grand Island to be completely cut down. Read the article…………………………….
- The low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn that will still impress your neighbors April 29, 2024
This 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, 2024
People 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, 2024
When 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…………………………….
- Shining a Light on Rooftop Solar for Massachusetts Condo Owners May 18, 2024
After the Trustees of his condominium refused his request for an Architectural Variance to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels on his unit, the owner brought suit in the Land Court seeking a determination that the Master Deed and the Declaration of Trust “which restricts the installation of objects in common areas without the Trustees’ approval constitutes such a ban or unreasonable restriction on solar energy and must therefore be void as applied to the installation of solar energy systems.” ...
- Shining a Light on Rooftop Solar for Massachusetts Condo Owners May 17, 2024
After the Trustees of his condominium refused his request for an Architectural Variance to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels on his unit, the owner brought suit in the Land Court seeking a determination that the Master Deed and the Declaration of Trust “which restricts the installation of objects in common areas without the Trustees’ approval constitutes such a ban or unreasonable restriction on solar energy and must therefore be void as applied to the installation of solar energy systems.” ...
- Brazil: Remote self-consumption: savings on electricity bills in residential condominiums May 13, 2024
The advantages offered by solar energy systems, in the midst of a scenario in which the value of the electricity bill continues to rise in Brazil, have called attention of several residential building managers. The option of offering condominium owners the chance to subscribe to an economical and renewable 100% source is becoming increasingly common, to the point where condos be if interesting more in solar energy than in the installation of remote entrances and improvements to site security. Read the ...
- 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, 2024
This 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 ...
- Hawai?i Residents Fighting Wildfires Before They Happen May 9, 2024
Seven years ago, Erin Peyton made her home on this small island known for its Hawaiian culture, its broad sandy beaches, and high cliffs. Despite Moloka?i’s natural beauty and rural charm, Peyton understood that the dry grasses and wild foliage surrounding her townhome complex could also fuel destructive wildfires. Read the article…………………………….
- Homeowners fund their own fire prevention efforts using an aggressive team of goats in a volatile canyon (CA) May 6, 2024
Homeowners in the Eucalyptus Hill Improvement Association (EHIA) have brought in a herd of goats to begin reducing the fire dangers in a canyon that could be explosive in a wildland fire. The EHIA said its 700 members want to get ahead of the wildfire dangers this year as they have before, in this very rugged area. If humans were in there, they would have to contend with poison oak and steep hills to remove the weeds and brush. Read ...
- Storing e-bikes, e-scooters in your condo? A handful of B.C. strata councils say no March 21, 2024
Faced 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, 2024
A 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, 2024
Three 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…………………………….
- SE Houston neighbors say mailboxes have been busted up for 3 months (TX) May 7, 2024
A resident told KHOU 11 News the cluster box units in the Bay Knoll subdivision of Clear Lake were broken into three months ago and still haven’t been fixed. Read the article…………………………….
- Neighbors watching neighbors? HOA vehicle surveillance irks some in NC neighborhood May 2, 2024
By 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, 2024
Police 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, 2024
A 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, 2024
A 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…………………………….
- Association Contracts (FL) May 2, 2024
Whether 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, 2024
With 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, 2024
The 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, 2024
A 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…………………………….