KSN attorney Omar Malik and Greg Rosenthal (Partner at BKS Partners/Rosenthal Brothers) discuss navigating community insurance for your condo, homeowner (HOA), and townhome associations in a tough market. They address the different types of community association insurance coverage including, property, liability, directors and officer (D&O). Listen to the podcast…………………………..
What Is Loss Assessment Coverage?
Loss assessment coverage is specialized insurance for property owners in shared communities like condominiums or those with HOAs. It offers financial protection when unexpected costs arise from unforeseen damage or liability in common areas or buildings shared by all property owners. Read the article…………………………….
How To Deal With Collecting HOA Delinquencies
There are few things more basic to a homeowners association than the fees it takes to keep the place running. When one or more owners default in the payment of fees, the impact is felt by all. And the longer the delinquency, the deeper the cut. It is a situation that many boards dread because […]
Assessments and Fees: What Homeowners Should Know About HOA Finances (AZ)
For Arizona homeowners, understanding how their Homeowners’ Association (HOA) handles assessments and fees is crucial for both financial planning and maintaining harmony within their community. These payments play a vital role in the upkeep of shared spaces and amenities, as well as ensuring the neighborhood runs smoothly. However, it’s equally important for homeowners to be […]
Flood insurance and condo associations: Dispelling 5 myths
Flood insurance might not be on the minds of your condominium association clients, but here is why it should be…..As the number and intensity of hurricanes increases and extreme rain events become more frequent, the risk of flood disasters escalates for many of the condominium community associations in the United States. Read the article…………………………….
Winter Checklist for your Community Association (IL)
Winter maintenance and preparation are essential for condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome associations in cold climates to ensure safety and comfort. Proactive autumn tasks, such as maintaining landscaping, clearing gutters, and preparing irrigation equipment, can minimize winter risks. Read the article…………………………….
The Role of Technology in Community Management
In today’s technology-driven world, the management of community associations has evolved significantly. Technology is not only reshaping personal and professional interactions but also revolutionizing how communities are managed. While modern technology offers innovative solutions that streamline processes and foster better connections among your residents, it is important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Read the […]
Procedure to Amend CC&Rs to Remove Unlawful Restrictive Covenants (AZ)
A majority of the board can vote to amend the CC&Rs without a vote of the membership to remove unlawful provisions in the CC&Rs which violate fair housing laws. “Unlawful restriction” means a prohibition, restriction, covenant or condition in a document that interferes with or restricts the transfer, use or occupancy of real property on […]
Crucial Tips for Filing Your Hurricane Damage Claim: An Adjuster’s Insight into a Board’s Fiduciary Duties (FL)
As another hurricane season sweeps across Florida, Condominium Associations (COAs), Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and their residents brace for potential storms. With predictions for a particularly intense season, preparation is paramount. From understanding your insurance policy to knowing the critical steps to take before and after a hurricane, being prepared can make a significant difference in […]
Maximizing the Impact of Your HOA’s Annual Meeting
Annual meetings are the cornerstone of effective community management for homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominium communities. As a board member, you play an essential role in ensuring these meetings are not only well-attended but also productive and engaging. A successful annual meeting sets the tone for the year ahead, fostering a sense of community and […]
What Is An HOA Inspection and Why You Need One (TX)
HOA inspections are an essential part of maintaining the aesthetic appeal and property values within a homeowner’s association. But what exactly does an HOA inspection entail, and why is it crucial for your community? In Houston, Texas, where property upkeep is vital due to the climate and rapid growth, understanding the ins and outs of […]
How To Develop An HOA Emergency Preparedness Plan
When disaster strikes, your community’s safety is paramount. As an HOA board member, you have a critical responsibility to ensure that your community is well-prepared for any emergency. A well-crafted HOA emergency preparedness plan is your community’s best defense against the unexpected. Read the article…………………………….
Indemnification in Community Associations (MI)
Indemnification is a contractual or statutory obligation for one party to compensate or defend another party for its liability or losses. Homeowners associations and condominium associations may encounter indemnification in their relationship with their directors, officers, and management companies. Read the article…………………………….
What To Do When The HOA Board Denies the Results of an Election (GA)
Elections are pivotal moments that can shape the course of a community’s governance. However, occasionally, the smooth flow of this democratic process may encounter turbulence if the incumbent board refuses to acknowledge the outcome. Such scenarios can leave homeowners feeling disenfranchised and uncertain about the future of their community. So, what should one do when […]
The Ultimate Guide to Running Efficient and Harmonious Board Meetings
In an era where collaboration is crucial, how board meetings are executed plays a pivotal role in the community’s overall harmony and productivity. Drawing from Campbell’s top property managers, who average 12 years’ experience in property management, we have put together nine steps to an effective board meeting. This comprehensive list can be used to […]
Residential Roof Essentials: Types, Maintenance, Best Practices, and More
At the base of Maslow’s hierarchy lie the physiological needs humans cannot live without – food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter. There are many ways to describe “shelter,” but it’s incredibly fitting that among the most common is “a roof over your head.” Walls are great, a floor is preferred, but without a roof, what […]
How To Write An HOA Violation Letter
Navigating the world of homeowners association management can be complex, especially when it comes to addressing HOA violations. Clear and respectful communication is key to maintaining a positive community atmosphere. That’s where the HOA violation letter comes in. A well-crafted letter can effectively address rule infractions while preserving neighborly relationships. Read the article…………………………….
Rules, Regulations, and CC&R Compliance: Navigating Guidelines in HOA and Condo Associations in Florida
Living in a homeowners’ association (HOA) or condo association in Florida entails abiding by rules and regulations established by the association. These guidelines, often outlined in Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R), play a vital role in maintaining community harmony and preserving property values. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of understanding and […]
Eliminate Problems Caused by Certain Tenants
Many homeowner associations are experiencing problems with certain tenants because the tenants are violating the association’s Operating Rules and/or CC&Rs. Violations affect the association, its members, including the landlord. Many violations by tenants result in fines being charged to the account of owners, but these fines don’t always eliminate the problems commonly caused by these […]
Developer Turnover: 8 Things Michigan Condo Associations Must Know when Negotiating with a Developer to Avoid Paying for Construction Defects
Successfully transitioning control of a condominium association from the developer to the co-owners is critical for the long-term success of any Michigan condominium. When a developer exits a condominium project, it often requests a release of liability from the co-owner controlled board of directors. An experienced developer has an inherent advantage in negotiating a release […]
You May Be Handling the Consent Calendar Wrong–Especially if Financials Are On It
A recent trend, particularly among governmental bodies and REALTOR® organizations, is to include a category of business on the agenda known as the Consent Calendar or Consent Agenda (or sometimes called a Unanimous Consent Agenda). The purpose of this category, which is often near the beginning of the meeting, is to handle all noncontroversial items […]
Upcoming Changes : open flames for Homeowners Associations (CO)
We are currently experiencing a major shift in the insurance market for community associations, with changes happening swiftly across most carriers. These changes are driven by a decreasing willingness to cover high concentrations of risk, particularly when considering the required reconstruction costs or building limits alongside the realities of aging properties and outdated utilities. Read […]
Fall HOA Tips (TX)
As we near the end of the Summer months, it is essential for Associations to gear up for the Fall Season with strategic planning and proactive measures. This time of the year presents the unique opportunity to begin planning and making the crucial decisions to remain ahead of the curve. From reviewing financial reports, planning […]
The Best Ways to Locate HOA Grants for Your Community
It can be particularly difficult to manage funds with high inflation and prices. Extra help like HOA grants can be especially beneficial. Additional assistance, such as HOA grants, can be quite helpful. Grants offer financial aid that can help cover costs for various community improvements without increasing HOA fees. Read the article…………………………….
Advice on How to Handle an Election Year in Your HOA Community
Maintaining harmony within your community can be difficult during the best of times. But when election season rolls around, things can get especially tricky. With high emotions and a wide variety of opinions among homeowners in your neighborhood, keeping things peaceful can feel like a true challenge. Read the article…………………………….
Tips for Sticking to Your HOA Budget When the Unexpected Happens
Most of the time, sticking to an HOA budget isn’t difficult. After all, most associations face generally the same expenses every year and they have ample notice when prices are rising or something else is going to change with how they spend their money. Sometimes, though, emergencies come up. If this is happening to you […]
Financial Responsibility in Your HOA
Sometimes, the stars align and everyone agrees about who should pay for what in an HOA. More frequently, though, people disagree about whose finances should cover what. This is particularly true when homeowners think that the HOA should cover a cost and the HOA thinks that the homeowner should cover it. Read the article…………………………….
5 Best Practices for Closing the Community Pool at Summer’s End
As summer winds down, many community pools will soon be closing for the season. This period is crucial for HOA boards – and requires a lot more than simply locking the gates. Closing your pool properly ensures it remains in good condition throughout the off-season and is ready for a smooth reopening when warm weather […]
Multifamily Energy Conservation Tips: From Audits to LEDs
Energy efficiency and reducing emissions has become a hot topic (no pun intended) in recent years across New England, with more and more gadgets and devices coming on the market specifically designed to use less energy and save money. Saving energy does a lot more than just reduce your building’s carbon footprint and toxic emissions—and […]
Climate Change vs. Multifamily HVAC Systems: Hotter Summers, Wetter Winters Demand Adaptation
The impacts of climate change are vast and interrelated. While natural factors like solar variations, the planet’s orbital shifts, and volcanic eruptions occur cyclically and have nothing to do with people, human activity adds significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these influences have driven average winter temperatures […]
New Energy Technology: A Look at What’s Here, and What’s Coming
Perhaps the most pressing long-term issue for our society and the planet as a whole is the threat posed by climate change. While some may still deny the established facts, the reality remains that the world is warming at an unprecedented—and unsustainable—rate, with the blame for this resting squarely on human activity based around fossil […]
Declaration Amendment Aids: Court Petition Process and Certified Mail Process (CO)
Amending a set of covenants/declarations is no easy task. Declaration amendments typically require approval from owners representing at least 67% of the total votes in the association. To make things worse, sometimes we also see requirements for first mortgagee approvals, which means the association must obtain approval from banks to whom owners issue their mortgage […]
Is Your Community Association Ready to Fine or Suspend? (FL)
Whether your association is a condominium, a cooperative, or a homeowners’ association, chances are that, at one point or another, it has had to deal with a resident who just can’t seem to abide by your governing documents. We all have had that one neighbor who insists on blaring music at odd hours of the […]
Common Mistakes That HOA Boards Make and How to Avoid Them
Homeowners Association (HOA) boards play a crucial role in managing and maintaining the community. However, even well-intentioned boards can make mistakes that lead to frustration among residents, legal complications, and financial mismanagement. To help HOA boards operate more effectively, here’s a consolidated list of common mistakes that are often made, along with tips on how […]
Understanding Homeowners’ Rights to Access HOA Financial Records
As a member of a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), you have a vested interest in how your community is managed, especially when it comes to financial transparency. The ability to review the financial records of your HOA is not just a privilege—it’s a right. Ensuring that HOAs operate with accountability and transparency is crucial for maintaining […]
All Signs Point to Enforcement Issues: Regulating Signage within Community Associations (TX)
Fall 2024 marks the closing stretch of another highly contentious election season. From local officials and issues such as school board members and bonds, to the U.S. Presidential decision, all different types of signs have appeared or will be appearing throughout communities over the next few weeks. For board members and managers, it is important […]
Understanding HOA Fees and Finances: What Homeowners Need to Know
Learn about HOA fees, financial structures, and reserve funds. Get insights into how fees are determined and managed for your community’s financial health Read the article…………………………….
Winter Checklist for your Community Association
Winter maintenance and preparation are critical aspects of condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome association management for communities impacted by cold weather, freezing temperatures, and snow. Board members, community leaders, and property managers that proactively address their winter checklist can minimize risks, maximize safety, and work to ensure the comfort of residents throughout the colder months. […]
Pets in an HOA Community
Do you have a pet, or have you ever owned one? Owning a pet is a source of joy and companionship for many people. However, in an HOA (Homeowners Association) community, managing pets can be a complex balancing act. It requires careful consideration and thoughtful regulation to ensure pet owners can enjoy their furry friends […]
HOA Fraud is a Hardly Detected and Thriving Cancer of Our Society
The most affordable homes can be the ones built as part of a homeowner’s association (HOA) – nothing wrong with that. The surroundings are always maintained through the HOA and the only thing homeowners need to worry about is the interior of the house, as well as paying regular monthly dues to the HOA. But […]
The role of member voting in amending HOA covenants
Amending Homeowners’ Association (HOA) covenants is an important task that can shape the future governance and harmony of your community. If you are an HOA board considering such changes, it is essential to understand how member voting plays a crucial role. Read the article…………………………….
Elderly & Mentally Compromised Residents in Your Condo or Coop are a Significant Challenge for Board Members and Management
The demographics of many multifamily buildings are shifting. The original residents who bought in decades ago are now aging in place, leading to a rise in the number of elderly residents and those with mental health challenges. This presents unique challenges for boards and property managers who have a fiduciary obligation to all owners/shareholders and […]
Decoding Reserve Studies
RESERVE STUDY. The term is common in the HOA lexicon. Managers know their associations need them. Board members know they need them. But what is a reserve study, really, and why are they getting so much attention now? Well, it all comes down to – what else – money. Due to the number of unanticipated […]
I Don’t Need a Budget Oh Yes You Do! (CA)
HOW IMPORTANT IS a budget in operating a business? (And yes, HOAs are businesses. They are non-profit corporations licensed in the state of California.) The importance of a working budget and its implementation can be measured by the health and happiness of the homeowner’s association. Read the article…………………………….
Financial Pitfalls Following Developer Transition (CA)
EVERY DEVELOPMENT GOES through a transition where the original developers hand over the management and operations to the homeowners. Such a transition will include the finances of the association. Here, we focus on an association’s legal obligations, but also offer real-life advice from a professional manager experienced in turning over a community. Read the article…………………………….
Guide to Managing Common HOA Maintenance Challenges
Managing the maintenance of a homeowners association can sometimes feel like a never-ending task. From fixing leaky faucets to planning long-term upkeep, there’s a lot to take care of. Whether you’re a new HOA board member or a seasoned homeowner, understanding common maintenance challenges and how to address them can make a big difference. Here’s […]
Architectural Review in Homeowners’ Associations (FL)
Architectural restrictions are one of the many reasons people purchase homes governed by homeowners’ association as they serve to preserve an aesthetic quality to the community and the value of the homes in the community. However, architectural restrictions are also historically a great source of contention between the Board or architectural review committee and the […]
How to Communicate Condo HOA Dues Increases and Handle Homeowner Concerns
Increasing Condo HOA dues is never an easy decision, and it can often lead to concerns and resistance within the condo community. Condo owners may worry about the financial impact and question the necessity of the increase. Addressing their concerns and being transparent about the reasons for the increase can foster a sense of trust […]