Boards

Boards – General Information

  • The Headless HOA (or Co-op or Condo) Can a Common-Interest Community Exist without a Board? (NY) May 1, 2024
    CooperatorNews recently received a question from a reader along these lines. The individual is the current president of her association in an unspecified city. She and her current board colleagues all plan to step down this year, but no one from her 20-unit building submitted their candidacy paperwork when the notice to do so was distributed.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Understanding Fiduciary Duty For Co-op and Condo Board Directors (NY) April 29, 2024
    Serving as a board director entails a range of obligations, and it’s not uncommon for newcomers to underestimate the scope of their responsibilities. Individuals are drawn to board positions with varied motives, ranging from personal interests to community objectives or concerns about finances. However, despite their eagerness to contribute, most new board members are unaware of the depth of their obligations until they step into their roles.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Condo Associations Struggling to Find Directors (FL) April 29, 2024
    The firm’s latest Miami Herald column titled “Do We Have Any Volunteers? Condo Associations Struggling to Find Directors,” was authored by Gabriella M. Ruiz. The article focuses on how rising association budgets and special assessments can be a recipe for hostility and dissent that becomes too much to bear for even the most ardent and effective condominium association board members. Her article reads:   Read the article…………………………….
  • What to Do if You Receive a Complaint or Subpoena April 29, 2024
    If your community association is served with a complaint or subpoena, you must promptly forward it to the community association’s legal counsel. As explained in this article, receipt of a complaint or subpoena triggers time sensitive legal obligations that can expose your community association to serious liability.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Community Association Boards: How Documents Protect or Expose Your Decisions April 28, 2024
    Community association governing documents offer a framework for board actions, but it’s imperative for boards to carefully follow them to ensure protection and validity of their decisions. Decisions and actions must be supported by the provisions in these documents and other applicable laws.   Read the article…………………………….
  • HOA Homefront: Officers, who does what? (CA) April 26, 2024
    Kelly,  I am a sitting board member for our HOA and we are coming up next week with our annual board election and a possible change of president (which is badly needed). As of right now, we have only three board members present out of five due to one moving away and another just resigned.   Read the Q&A………………………………..

Boards – General Archives

Board Meetings

  • HOA Q&A: Can board members group text to keep updated on association business? (FL) April 27, 2024
    Q: We have seven board members on our board. Can we all be on a group text or is this considered a quorum? Two of our board members want to use this form of communication to keep everyone updated on what’s going on. One board member feels this is against state rules.   Read the Q&A………………………………..
  • Do E-mail Exchanges Constitute A Meeting Of The Board? (CA) April 16, 2024
    In LNSU#1, LLC v. Alta Del Mar Coastal Collection Community Association,94 Cal. App. 5th 1050, 312 Cal. Rptr. 3d 707 (2023), two homeowners in a common interest development argued that their homeowners’ association violated state law governing open meetings when certain directors discussed items of association business by e-mails without giving all association members notice and opportunity to participate in the discussions and without preparing related minutes.     Read the article…………………………….
  • Upholding Decorum: Navigating Conduct at Association Board Meetings April 16, 2024
    Association board meetings are formal meetings where the board of directors conducts business. However, these gatherings can sometimes become arenas for discord, where conflicts escalate and civility wanes. Upholding decorum at association board meetings is paramount to fostering an environment of respect, collaboration, and effective decision-making.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Nightmare Board Meetings (MI) April 15, 2024
    We have all been there at some point – a nightmare board meeting. This is the meeting that never seems to end. It is unorganized and chaotic. A nightmare meeting is the meeting where Ms. Smith, the longtime resident, shows up with a laundry list of complaints and completely derails the board’s meeting agenda. It is the meeting where the Treasurer shows up to the meeting and reviews the financial statements for the first time when the meeting begins.   Read ...
  • Homeowner says it’s time to ditch Zoom meetings (NV) April 15, 2024
    Q: It’s been four years since COVID, and quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing excuses from lazy people who refuse to convene as normal. And while I understand the convenience of Zoom meetings, they are not without fault and major issues.   For one thing, there will always be “technical” difficulties. It’s the internet, after all.    Read the Q&A………………………………..
  • Virtual Board and Member Meetings (CA) April 8, 2024
    Good news for directors and managers who hold virtual meetings but hate the hassles that come with hybrid meetings: you can legally hold solely virtual meetings! Read on for details.  Associations have been using virtual video communications platforms like Zoom, GoTo Meetings, and Microsoft Teams for the last few years to hold board and member meetings. This was borne out of necessity as a result of the stay away orders of the COVID-19 pandemic. Boards continued to hold virtual meetings ...

Board Meetings Archives

Annual/General Meetings of the Members of a Condominium or Homeowner Association

  • Virtual Board and Member Meetings (CA) April 8, 2024
    Good news for directors and managers who hold virtual meetings but hate the hassles that come with hybrid meetings: you can legally hold solely virtual meetings! Read on for details.  Associations have been using virtual video communications platforms like Zoom, GoTo Meetings, and Microsoft Teams for the last few years to hold board and member meetings. This was borne out of necessity as a result of the stay away orders of the COVID-19 pandemic. Boards continued to hold virtual meetings ...
  • Increase Annual Meeting Attendance (AZ) April 8, 2024
    It’s Annual Meeting Season! Our firm has been busy helping clients prepare for and execute successful annual meetings. After all, the Association’s annual meeting is the Association’s TIME TO SHINE!    Read the article…………………………….
  • Arizona Law Mandates Open Meetings for Planned Communities April 7, 2024
    In Arizona, homeowners’ associations are governed by a law that promotes transparency and resident participation. The statute, A.R.S. § 33-1804, is part of the state’s Planned Community Act and requires associations to conduct open meetings with only a few narrow exceptions.  Subsection (A) of the law sets forth the general rule: all meetings of an association and its board must be open to all members, who are entitled to attend and speak.     Read the article…………………………….
  • AB 1458 Stop, Adjourn, Then Proceed: New Reduced Quorum Requirements Help Make Every Vote Count (CA) April 2, 2024
    Recent legislation has provided various tools to remedy the difficulties that many associations face due to the lack of member participation in director elections. AB 502 went into effect in 2022, permitting elections by acclamation when the number of qualified candidates running for a board of directors is less than or equal to the number of positions to be filled (subject to several procedural requirements). Recently, AB 1458 was also enacted to address the inability of many associations to reach ...
  • Director Elections—What Could Possibly Go Wrong? April 1, 2024
    Director elections are one of the most important powers association members have, so it makes sense that owners take elections seriously. Whether voting in an election and/or running for the board, the process and its results are personal to association members. Therefore, any appearance of impropriety or error in the process is oftentimes met with objection, suspicion, and unfortunately, hostility.    Read the article…………………………….

Annual/General Meetings Archives

Parliamentary Procedure

  • Who Was Robert and Why Do his Rules Rule? March 29, 2024
    As an attorney and professional parliamentarian, I’m sometimes asked, “Who was Robert and why do his rules rule?” It’s a timely question. Henry Martyn Robert, the original author of Robert’ Rule of Order, died 100 years ago on May 11, 1923. Since that time, versions of his parliamentary manual have come to dominate meetings.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Why the Chair Never Asks “Is There Any Old Business?” February 17, 2024
    At some point in some board meeting, you’re likely to hear a presiding officer ask, “Is there any Old Business?” and wait for a reply. It’s intended as an opportunity for members to raise issues that were addressed at an earlier meeting. The problem with this question is twofold    Read the article…………………………….
  • Parliamentarian Pro Tips: Assisting Large Meetings August 2, 2023
    Large annual meetings and conventions create special demands on the parliamentarian. For example, numerous business items may move very quickly with lightning speed. The large audience and attendees milling about make it difficult to see who wishes to be recognized to speak.  Read the article………………………..
  • Are you Following Robert’s Rules at Your Community Association Meetings? March 7, 2023
    If you’re a board member of a community association, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with and follow Robert’s Rules of Order. This article will give you some background information on the rules and how they relate to homeowner’s association (HOA) meetings.   Read the article………………………..
  • Can Robert’s Rules of Order Benefit Your Community Association? October 27, 2022
    Running a successful meeting seems like a snap for most people, but actually, meetings can turn into dreadful events without notice. Issues like speaking out of turn, emotions, and being overly controlling can easily derail a meeting. Hence, homeowners associations need to adopt tried and tested techniques like the Roberts Rules in order to make meetings successful.   Read the article………………………..

Parliamentary Procedure Archives

Duties & Responsibilities of Board Members

  • Property owners, HOA responsible for paying for damage from multi-day barricade, City of Henderson says (NV) May 1, 2024
    The aftermath from the multi-day barricade in Henderson remains.  The face of the townhome where the suspect was barricaded is still ripped off from the incident, over two weeks later.  According to the City of Henderson, the community’s Homeowner Association will be responsible for paying for repairs to the structure of the building, and the property owners will be responsible for their individual townhomes.   Read the article…………………………….
  • HOA Board Governance: Roles, Responsibilities, and Ethics April 23, 2024
    Homeowners’ Associations play a pivotal role in shaping the communities they oversee. At the heart of every HOA is its board of directors, a group of individuals entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions that affect the entire community. However, being an HOA board member is not merely a title; it comes with a set of duties, responsibilities, and ethical considerations that require careful attention and dedication.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Board Relations: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest April 22, 2024
    It’s the time of year when many community associations welcome new board members. It also is a great time to review conflicts of interest and how to avoid them.  Community association board members are considered fiduciaries. Fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care imposed under law, and it occurs when one or more persons are responsible for the money or property of another. The fiduciary is expected to be honest, free from fraud, and faithful to his or her ...
  • Condo Boards: Know Your Responsibilities to Avoid Liability (NY) April 1, 2024
    Condominiums have a contractual duty to maintain common elements. While the business judgment rule normally protects condo board members from personal liability if their choices seem unwise, it won’t shield the condo if the board breaches its contractual obligations to owners. Boards who neglect these responsibilities could open the condominium up to significant liability.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Board Member Code of Conduct (FL) March 30, 2024
    The law specifically provides that Board members have a fiduciary relationship with the owners and requires Board members to disclose conflicts of interest. However, the law does not specifically address acceptable (and unacceptable) behaviors for discharging these responsibilities. As such, a Code of Conduct for Board members is a good idea to have so that all Board members have a better understanding of their responsibilities as Board members and the limitations of their office.  Read the article…………………………….

Duties & Responsibilities Archives

Working With Residents of Community Associations

  • 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…………………………….
  • Navigating Dispute Settlements and Business Decisions: A Guide for Community Associations April 17, 2024
    In the complex realm of managing condominium and homeowner associations, disputes with contractors and other critical business decisions can unexpectedly arise. Successful navigation through these challenges requires proactive measures, clear communication, and careful decision-making. In this guide, we explore how to handle dispute settlements, important business choices, and the significance of release agreements for associations.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Conflict Management How to Handle When Things Get Out of Hand (NV) March 20, 2024
    Living in close quarters can—and often does—lead to conflict. In co-op, condo, and HOA communities, conflict can occur between residents, or between a resident and the board. And to complicate matters, a seemingly isolated conflict between residents may spill over to become a conflict between resident(s) and the board. What’s the key to resolving differences? Like the old British wartime poster advises: Stay calm and carry on.    Read the article…………………………….
  • What Is a Community Association’s Responsibility In Regards To Alleged Discrimination Or Harassment? October 16, 2023
    Years ago, if the board of a community association (condo, coop, or HOA) learned that an owner was allegedly discriminating against or harassing another, it could turn a blind eye with little (if any) legal consequence.  Today, federal regulations and many local laws require a community association board to intervene and take action when it knows about alleged discriminatory conduct in its community, and has the power to correct it.    Read the article………………………………..
  • Unlocking the Vibrancy of Your Community with Lifestyle Programming October 7, 2023
    In the realm of community association living, a growing trend is transforming residential landscapes, making neighborhoods more vibrant and connected than ever before. It’s called lifestyle programming and is not exclusively for 55+ communities anymore.   Read the article…………………………….

Working With Residents Archives

Administration of Condominium and Homeowner Associations

  • Importance of HOA Minutes April 10, 2024
    Homeowner associations should keep good historical records, because to know where one is going it’s necessary to know where one has been. Some of those crucial records are the minutes kept at Board, Special, Committee and Annual Meetings. Minutes document decisions made during a meeting and provide a public record of actions taken.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Legislature Adds Teeth to Florida’s Community Association Fraud Laws April 7, 2024
    The article focuses on two bills to strengthen criminal penalties for association fraud and malfeasance that have been passed by the Florida Legislature with unanimous votes in both chambers. His article reads:. . . Both bills impose the exact same strict criminal penalties for a number of violations. They make it a first-degree misdemeanor to intentionally deface and destroy accounting records, or to fail to create and maintain them with ill intent. They also call for second-degree misdemeanors……Read the article…………………………….
  • Arizona: The Ultimate HOA Records Retention Guide: What You Need to Know April 2, 2024
    HOA records retention is not just a procedural formality; it’s essential for effective association management. It’s the cornerstone for continuity, aiding decision-making, and assists in navigating legal processes. Every HOA board member knows the importance of maintaining organized and accessible documents—from board minutes to financial records. What’s more, categorizing these essential records, such as tax returns and maintenance histories, is critical since they hold informational value and are indispensable in legal compliance.    Read the article…………………………….
  • When Law Enforcement Wants the Association’s Records (FL) April 1, 2024
    An HOA here in South Florida recently fought the State Attorney’s Office tooth and nail when they attempted to obtain copies of the association’s official records. There’s no doubt that as a result of that one HOA, the following law was passed:   Read the article…………………………….

Administration Archives

Directors & Officers of Condominium and Homeowner Associations

  • A Guide To HOA Board Responsibilities May 2, 2024
    Serving on the board of a homeowner association is a high calling. Well meaning volunteers are elected to roles that are critical to the well being of the HOA. But what exactly is a board member supposed to do to fulfill this charge?  Read the article…………………………….
  • Director Elections—What Could Possibly Go Wrong? April 1, 2024
    Director elections are one of the most important powers association members have, so it makes sense that owners take elections seriously. Whether voting in an election and/or running for the board, the process and its results are personal to association members. Therefore, any appearance of impropriety or error in the process is oftentimes met with objection, suspicion, and unfortunately, hostility.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Board Member Code of Conduct (FL) March 30, 2024
    The law specifically provides that Board members have a fiduciary relationship with the owners and requires Board members to disclose conflicts of interest. However, the law does not specifically address acceptable (and unacceptable) behaviors for discharging these responsibilities. As such, a Code of Conduct for Board members is a good idea to have so that all Board members have a better understanding of their responsibilities as Board members and the limitations of their office.  Read the article…………………………….
  • Treasurer’s Payment Mistake Requires Defense Coverage Under Property Association’s D&O Policy March 28, 2024
    A federal court recently ruled that a carrier must defend its policyholder against a claim involving the treasurer’s erroneous payment to a scammer. The ruling shows that a “wrongful act” under a D&O policy need not be an egregious act of wrongdoing, that coverage may hinge on whether extrinsic evidence can establish coverage, and that breach of contract claims are not always uninsurable as a matter of law.   Read the article…………………………….

Directors & Officers Archives

Fiduciary Duty of Board Members

  • Understanding Fiduciary Duty For Co-op and Condo Board Directors (NY) April 29, 2024
    Serving as a board director entails a range of obligations, and it’s not uncommon for newcomers to underestimate the scope of their responsibilities. Individuals are drawn to board positions with varied motives, ranging from personal interests to community objectives or concerns about finances. However, despite their eagerness to contribute, most new board members are unaware of the depth of their obligations until they step into their roles.    Read the article…………………………….
  • What are a Board’s Fiduciary Obligations, Anyway? Understanding a Director’s Role and Duties March 27, 2024
    Fid-doo-she-air-ee. What the heck is a fiduciary, let alone a fiduciary duty? “Fiduciary” means trust. A fiduciary duty is the legal responsibility to act solely in the best interest of another party. A person with a fiduciary duty has a legal obligation to maintain that trust. For example, lawyers have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of their clients.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Enhancing Governance: Lessons from a Recent Condo Board and Property Management Company Lawsuit (NY) February 14, 2024
    Condo Boards and their Property Management Companies play a crucial role in maintaining harmony within residential communities. A recent legal battle involving the Sky House Condominium sheds light on the importance of meticulous governance to avoid potential pitfalls.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Mum’s the Word When Disclosure Leads to Breach of Fiduciary Duty February 10, 2024
    It is common knowledge that a director has a fiduciary duty to his or her association and its members. To be a fiduciary means that the director has accepted the highest duty imposed by the law…….This duty also obligates the director to place the interests of the association and its members as a whole over the director’s personal interests in the event these interests conflict. This duty is referred to as the duty of loyalty or duty of undivided loyalty.  ...

Fiduciary Duty Archives

Board Ethics

  • HOA Board Governance: Roles, Responsibilities, and Ethics April 23, 2024
    Homeowners’ Associations play a pivotal role in shaping the communities they oversee. At the heart of every HOA is its board of directors, a group of individuals entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions that affect the entire community. However, being an HOA board member is not merely a title; it comes with a set of duties, responsibilities, and ethical considerations that require careful attention and dedication.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Can’t We All Just Get Along? When to Consider Implementing a Code of Conduct for a Board of Directors April 11, 2024
    The reading of a community association’s election results can be filled with mixed emotions ranging from anticipation, to worry, to excitement, but those members elected to the board of directors generally are eager and optimistic to make positive changes within their community. Unfortunately, dealing with a multi-member board of directors can have significant challenges, and at times, members with vehemently opposing ideas and solutions. Differences of opinion may lead to conflict, breakdowns in communication, or even a complete inability to ...
  • HOA Codes of Conduct and Why They Are Unenforceable April 1, 2024
    Codes of Conduct are all the rage in HOAs and condominium communities. Some associations are even attempting to insert these Codes of Conduct into their bylaws, declarations, and other governing documents.  There’s just one major flaw with Codes of Conduct — they are invalid and unenforceable.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Board Member Code of Conduct (FL) March 30, 2024
    The law specifically provides that Board members have a fiduciary relationship with the owners and requires Board members to disclose conflicts of interest. However, the law does not specifically address acceptable (and unacceptable) behaviors for discharging these responsibilities. As such, a Code of Conduct for Board members is a good idea to have so that all Board members have a better understanding of their responsibilities as Board members and the limitations of their office.  Read the article…………………………….

Board Ethics Archives

President

  • Understanding the Key Roles of Officers in a Community Association Board of Directors September 6, 2023
    Community associations play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in their respective communities. At the heart of every community association is its board of directors, comprised of dedicated individuals who serve in various officer roles. In this article, we will delve into the responsibilities and functions of these officers, shedding light on their contributions to the community’s well-being.   Read the article………………………..
  • HOA Board Member Roles May 3, 2023
    As a homeowner in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), commonly referred to as a Community Association, you may be curious about the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are elected by the association members to serve as their representatives and make decisions on behalf of the community.    Read the article………………………..
  • 3 Steps to More Efficient Board Meetings January 3, 2023
    Community association board meetings are the primary forum for directors to make formal decisions that affect the community. With so many moving parts and topics to discuss, running effective meetings that make the best use of everyone’s time can be challenging. Here are three strategies for running efficient meetings.   Read the article………………………..
  • How To Be A Good HOA President December 9, 2022
    Many people underestimate the HOA President’s responsibility and what they must do to keep the community running smoothly. Although this task can seem daunting at times, it can also be very rewarding.  A board of directors governs homeowners associations. Each board member has a distinct title and set of responsibilities. The HOA president stands at the highest top of the organization and is in charge of a wide range of duties.    Read the article………………………..

President Archives

Vice President

  • Understanding the Key Roles of Officers in a Community Association Board of Directors September 6, 2023
    Community associations play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in their respective communities. At the heart of every community association is its board of directors, comprised of dedicated individuals who serve in various officer roles. In this article, we will delve into the responsibilities and functions of these officers, shedding light on their contributions to the community’s well-being.   Read the article………………………..
  • HOA Board Member Roles May 3, 2023
    As a homeowner in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), commonly referred to as a Community Association, you may be curious about the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are elected by the association members to serve as their representatives and make decisions on behalf of the community.    Read the article………………………..
  • Understanding the Role of an HOA Vice President October 25, 2022
    A vice president serves as the second-in-command of an HOA. Vice presidents are more than just figureheads; they’re important positions and can hugely impact the culture and success of the organization they work in, good or bad.  Read the article………………………..
  • HOA 101: Understanding the Role of the Vice President August 9, 2022
    A critical part of any homeowners’ association (HOA), the board of directors ensures community guidelines are followed, the neighborhood is maintained, and improvements are funded and supported. In short, the HOA board is there to better the community on behalf of its residents.   Read the article………………………..

Vice President Archives

Secretary

  • Importance of HOA Minutes April 10, 2024
    Homeowner associations should keep good historical records, because to know where one is going it’s necessary to know where one has been. Some of those crucial records are the minutes kept at Board, Special, Committee and Annual Meetings. Minutes document decisions made during a meeting and provide a public record of actions taken.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Meeting Minutes and the Role of the Secretary October 17, 2023
    The role of a secretary in a condo association is an important one, as they play a key part in the administrative and record-keeping aspects of the organization. In this article, we are going to focus on Meeting Minutes. Taking minutes at a condo board meeting is an important responsibility that helps document decisions and actions taken during the meeting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:     Read the article……………………………
  • Understanding the Key Roles of Officers in a Community Association Board of Directors September 6, 2023
    Community associations play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in their respective communities. At the heart of every community association is its board of directors, comprised of dedicated individuals who serve in various officer roles. In this article, we will delve into the responsibilities and functions of these officers, shedding light on their contributions to the community’s well-being.   Read the article………………………..
  • HOA Board Member Roles May 3, 2023
    As a homeowner in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), commonly referred to as a Community Association, you may be curious about the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are elected by the association members to serve as their representatives and make decisions on behalf of the community.    Read the article………………………..

Secretary Archives

Treasurer

  • Understanding the Key Roles of Officers in a Community Association Board of Directors September 6, 2023
    Community associations play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in their respective communities. At the heart of every community association is its board of directors, comprised of dedicated individuals who serve in various officer roles. In this article, we will delve into the responsibilities and functions of these officers, shedding light on their contributions to the community’s well-being.   Read the article………………………..
  • HOA Board Member Roles May 3, 2023
    As a homeowner in a community governed by a homeowners association (HOA), commonly referred to as a Community Association, you may be curious about the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors are elected by the association members to serve as their representatives and make decisions on behalf of the community.    Read the article………………………..
  • A Guide To HOA Board Responsibilities November 26, 2021
    Serving on the board of a homeowner association is a high calling. Well meaning volunteers are elected to roles that are critical to the well being of the HOA. But what exactly is a board member supposed to do to fulfill this charge? Here’s a handy guide:   Read the entire article……………………………….
  • Answers to common questions about HOA treasurer reports October 8, 2021
    HOA treasurers work to maintain the financial integrity of their association. Treasurers are largely responsible for managing the HOA’s money, as well as reporting the financial status of the association to other board members.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Treasurer Archives

Committees

  • Effective Committees – Maximizing Use of Community Volunteers May 1, 2024
    In a typical co-op, condo, or homeowners association, residents have a lot to say about how their building or community is or should be functioning … but few actually step up to run for and serve on the board that does the actual governing. One reason is that board service can be a heavy lift, requiring time, energy, and diplomacy that the average homeowner might be unable or unwilling to give on a volunteer basis.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Effective Committees: Maximizing Use of Community Volunteers (NJ) April 24, 2024
    In a typical co-op, condo, or homeowners association, residents have a lot to say about how their building or community is or should be functioning … but few actually step up to run for and serve on the board that does the actual governing. One reason is that board service can be a heavy lift, requiring time, energy, and diplomacy that the average homeowner might be unable or unwilling to give on a volunteer basis.    Read the article…………………………….
  • 5 HOA Committees All Utah Communities Should Have April 17, 2024
    Living in a homeowners association can be complicated. Many homeowners are confused about the general operational setup of their neighborhood. Why do the assessments seem to keep going up? What does my money even pay for? Who actually calls the shots?   Read the article…………………………….
  • Social Committee April 4, 2024
    Committees are a crucial part of any successful condominium corporation. Comprised of volunteers, condominium corporation committees help support the board of directors so they can focus their efforts on accomplishing operational duties and achieving goals.  One important condominium corporation committee is the social committee. Tasked with coordinating social events, these committee members promote harmony and work to ensure the community is an all-around great place to live.   Read the article…………………………….

Committees Archives

General

  • The Headless HOA (or Co-op or Condo) Can a Common-Interest Community Exist without a Board? (NY) May 1, 2024
    CooperatorNews recently received a question from a reader along these lines. The individual is the current president of her association in an unspecified city. She and her current board colleagues all plan to step down this year, but no one from her 20-unit building submitted their candidacy paperwork when the notice to do so was distributed.   Read the article…………………………….
  • Understanding Fiduciary Duty For Co-op and Condo Board Directors (NY) April 29, 2024
    Serving as a board director entails a range of obligations, and it’s not uncommon for newcomers to underestimate the scope of their responsibilities. Individuals are drawn to board positions with varied motives, ranging from personal interests to community objectives or concerns about finances. However, despite their eagerness to contribute, most new board members are unaware of the depth of their obligations until they step into their roles.    Read the article…………………………….
  • Condo Associations Struggling to Find Directors (FL) April 29, 2024
    The firm’s latest Miami Herald column titled “Do We Have Any Volunteers? Condo Associations Struggling to Find Directors,” was authored by Gabriella M. Ruiz. The article focuses on how rising association budgets and special assessments can be a recipe for hostility and dissent that becomes too much to bear for even the most ardent and effective condominium association board members. Her article reads:   Read the article…………………………….
  • What to Do if You Receive a Complaint or Subpoena April 29, 2024
    If your community association is served with a complaint or subpoena, you must promptly forward it to the community association’s legal counsel. As explained in this article, receipt of a complaint or subpoena triggers time sensitive legal obligations that can expose your community association to serious liability.   Read the article…………………………….

General Board Articles Archives