In 2017, a Boston couple was brutally murdered in their penthouse apartment in a high-end condominium building. The murderer, the former employee of a company that supplied concierge services to the condo, had worked there, and so knew the ins and outs of the building—including some serious gaps in the property’s security that both the […]
Best Practices: Community Association Maintenance
A regularly applied maintenance plan and program are essential parts of a community association’s responsibility to its homeowners, according to Best Practices: Community Association Maintenance, a new report published by the Foundation for Community Association Research. Read the report……………………………….
14 practical steps to make your HOA more climate-friendly (and save money in the process)
An estimated 74 million people in the U.S. live in areas governed by a homeowners association (HOA)—and many of them are frustrated about HOA restrictions that prevent them from saving money and helping the planet. Read the article………………………..
The Role of Community Associations in Owner vs. Owner Disputes (OH)
Like the Hatfields and the McCoys of yesteryear, one of life’s undeniable and consistent truths is that some people just cannot get along. This is often especially true in residential communities, where people are living in close proximity to each other and may have to interact with their neighbors on a regular basis. Too often, […]
Should Your Condo Association Allow Ring Doorbell Cameras? (MI)
For better or for worse, we live in a society where security cameras are everywhere. With the rise of technology companies such as Amazon and Google, security cameras are now available to the average consumers. For under $200.00, anyone can now buy a doorbell camera that can record high-definition video (day or night) and audio […]
Enforceable Vs. Unenforceable HOA Rules: A Guide For Association Boards
HOAs—Homeowners Associations—play a pivotal role in maintaining community standards and fostering harmonious living environments. While understanding the importance of balancing residents’ rights and ethical considerations can be challenging, association boards can create enforceable and ethical rules while fostering a harmonious and inclusive community. Read the article………………………..
Who Owns a Development’s Common Areas? (FL)
HOAs have common areas as do condo associations, and the answer to “Who owns them?” varies under Fla. law and even from association to association. Read the article………………………..
Resolving Conflict – How One HOA Board Changed the Direction of a Building
Built as one of the tallest and most luxurious residential high-rise buildings in the country, Millennium Tower in San Francisco has gained fame for something far less flattering. The 58-story building is the site of one of the most expensive construction retrofits in history. Read the article………………………..
Blazing Speed and Blazing Fires: E-bike Fires and Policy Considerations (CA)
If you have read or watched the news in the last few months, you know that Associations should consider adopting policies to address e-bike safety issues. Some associations may already have rules prohibiting wheeled recreational devices, like bikes, scooters, and skateboards, from being used in the common area where there are likely to be people […]
Why Your HOA Needs a Responsibility Chart
A responsibility chart can be a valuable tool for keeping your HOA organized and making sure your members know who to contact when they need assistance. Here is an overview of what a responsibility chart is and how it can benefit your community! Read the article………………………..
What Can I Do About Marijuana Smoke in a Condo? (IL)
The legalization of marijuana in many states has raised concerns regarding the impact of marijuana smoke in shared places, particularly in condo buildings. For those experiencing such situations, you may be wondering what you can do if you feel bothered by the aroma of marijuana in your condominium building. Read the article………………………..
Unattended Vehicles in HOAs/Condos: A Growing Challenge (AZ)
In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of dealing with unattended vehicles in condominium parking garages, exploring the legal implications, practical challenges, and potential solutions. Whether you’re a condominium board member, community manager, or a concerned homeowner, this information will help you navigate this growing challenge effectively. Please note that the tips […]
Understanding the Key Roles of Officers in a Community Association Board of Directors
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 […]
Ensuring Adequately Funded Reserves (CA)
Throughout the state, many older common interest developments (CIDs) are struggling with costly repairs and large maintenance projects as buildings age. Is your CID prepared to replace major components without a special assessment? Read the article………………………..
Watch the Webinar: The Do’s and Don’ts of Handling Insurance Claims (FL)
We recently held an educational webinar with Steve Mason from Altieri Insurance Consultants to discuss the do’s and don’ts of handling insurance claims. Watch the webinar…………………………..
Weighing the pros and cons of HOAs taking out loans (CT)
In every homeowners association (HOA) community, unexpected expenses such as large repairs or renovations can arise. When these situations occur, it may be necessary for the HOA to look for outside financing to cover the costs. Read the article………………………..
Home-Based Business Regulations for Community Associations
Today’s economy has shifted to a hybrid work model, where home offices are used to conduct business as often as work is done in a formal office setting. Consequentially, CAI is updating its public policy regarding home-based businesses in community associations to reflect a new reality for millions of Americans. These updates will address questions […]
No Common Areas In Your HOA? Do You Still Need HOA Liability Insurance?
An HOA liability insurance is essential. It protects your homeowners’ association against liability claims. But what if you don’t have shared spaces in your HOA? Do you still need the insurance? Read the article………………………..
7 HOA Insurance Policies Your Association Needs
There are many HOA insurance policies homeowners associations need to protect themselves. But, it can be challenging to know which ones your association needs to function. Not everything is essential. Regardless, there are a few insurance policies every association should get to keep themselves covered. Read the article………………………..
HOA Vendors: How To Select Vendors And End Contracts?
Choosing the right HOA vendors is vital to the community’s well-being. But, it can be hard to pick a contractor with the right experience and skills the community needs. Let’s take a look at the selection process to help your HOA choose a fitting vendor. Read the article………………………..
HOA Violation Process: What’s The Right Way To Handle HOA Violations?
The HOA violation process is among the most challenging parts of managing a community. HOA managers and board members have a duty to enforce rules and promptly handle violations. But, they must also be careful to follow due process to keep things fair and avoid liability. Read the article………………………..
HOA Budgeting Tips: Understanding the Shifting Insurance Market
The insurance market has always been a dynamic arena, with predicting stability often resembling a high-stakes gamble. Even seasoned insurance agents, with their wealth of experience, find themselves in uncharted territory given the current market landscape. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the current state of the insurance market, shedding light on the unprecedented […]
Where Is the Money Coming From? (FL)
With all the new laws, especially for buildings three stories in height or higher, along with reserve funding requirements, condominium living has just gotten a lot more expensive. With only one steady source of income, namely the assessments paid on a monthly or quarterly basis from unit owners, sometimes those funds are just not enough […]
Important Reminders Regarding Delinquency Processes (CO)
Please note the following reminders related to collections and processes: A vote of the Board of Directors is required prior to a file being transferred to the attorney for collections. Read the article………………………..
Understanding the Key Roles of Officers in a Community Association Board of Directors
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 […]
How to cool your swimming pool water temperature
A popular question pool companies often get asked from swimming pool owners in the heat of summer is “How can I cool down my pool water?” Below are a few suggestions to be considered: Read the article………………………..
HOA Reserve Studies: How to Use Reserve Study Data to Plan for Changing Economic Conditions
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining the value and functionality of communities. Part of this responsibility involves managing financial reserves to cover future expenses, such as repairs and replacements of common elements. Read the article………………………..
Hurricanes Hilary and Idalia Remind HOAs to be Ready
The past few weeks have brought natural disasters to several parts of the U.S.—from wildfires in Maui to a tropical storm in Southern California and a hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend. While the southeast surveys damage from Hurricane Idalia this week, the wide-ranging disasters should remind community association leaders to evaluate their disaster preparations. Read […]
Can Anything Be Done About Solar Panels? (FL)
If you are living in a homeowners association you probably know that the Association cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). But what about a request to install such devices on the roof of a condominium? Read the article………………………..
Aging Infrastructure & Insurance (CA)
It is no secret that the insurance industry, especially for common interest developments in California, is in crisis. After several years of wildfires and other natural disasters, carriers are not only charging higher premiums, but also revising eligibility requirements with regard to infrastructure and giving greater scrutiny to insurance applications. Read the article………………………..
Heatwaves and Housing: How Multifamily Buildings Can Prepare and Protect Residents (FL)
Heat events are no longer isolated occurrences; they’re becoming a norm. For multi-residential building association boards and management teams, this poses unique challenges and liabilities. Read the article………………………..
Disaster preparations: Hurricanes Hilary and Idalia remind communities to be ready
The past few weeks have brought natural disasters to several parts of the U.S.—from wildfires in Maui to a tropical storm in Southern California and a hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend. While the southeast surveys damage from Hurricane Idalia this week, the wide-ranging disasters should remind community association leaders to evaluate their disaster preparations. Read […]
Simple Ways Co-ops, Condos, & HOAs Can Help the Environment
Nobel Prize–eschewing poet and folk-rock music legend Bob Dylan might have been the first person to be known as “going electric” (at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965), but as with much of his oeuvre, the world is now following in his footsteps. Now it is imperative that as many people, industries, businesses, and buildings […]
One of These Things Is Not Like the Other: Proxies at Meetings, Written Ballots, and Electronic Voting (NC)
All community associations, at least annually, are faced with action items requiring a vote of their membership. For example, community association membership participation is necessary on an annual basis, at a minimum, to elect the Board of Directors and for ratification of the upcoming year’s annual budget. Read the article………………………..
Tips for Successful HOA Board Succession Planning
As an HOA board member, a key part of your role is ensuring the success of the board and community beyond your tenure. Otherwise, your board and community may face issues with leadership transition and financial stability. Read the article………………………..
Tips for Amending Governing Documents (VA)
The governing documents of a community association include the recorded covenants (often called the declaration, deed of restrictions, CC&Rs, etc.), bylaws and, if the association is an incorporated entity, its articles of incorporation. The governing documents and applicable law, such as the Virginia property owners’ association, condominium and nonstock corporation acts, may also establish authority […]
Can our Association Restrict or Prohibit Solar Panels? (MN)
Until very recently, the answer to this question was a resounding “YES”. However, legislation that was recently passed in Minnesota will change the way that some associations look at solar panels and solar energy. This change to Minnesota Statutes was intended to promote the use of solar energy as well as provide homeowners with the […]
What Board Members Need to Know on POA Budget Season
For many, the start of fall marks the hope of cooler temperatures being near, but for POA community managers and board members that is another story. September means the heat is really cranked up with the stress of budget season falling upon the POA industry. The requirements on how the budget should be set depends […]
Why Your Board Should List All Damages Following a Hurricane
In the aftermath of a hurricane, community associations face numerous challenges, including assessing and documenting the damages caused by the storm. While the immediate focus is often on cleanup and recovery, it is crucial for association boards to prioritize the comprehensive listing of all damages incurred. Read the article………………………..
Q & A: Can a Condo Board Spy on Staff and Unit-Owners? (NY)
Q: The board president at our Midtown East condo building has installed cameras above the doorman’s desk and in the passenger and commercial elevators. We suspect the cameras monitor conversations, as well as everyone’s comings and goings. But only the board president and our superintendent can see the video footage. The doormen go outside so […]
Understanding Condo Fees Vs. HOA Fees: Differences And Similarities
When amenities include lush courtyards, state-of-the-art fitness centers or a 24/7 door attendant, it’s no surprise so many people consider moving to a new HOA community or condo building with these – and other – added features. But someone has to pay for these perks. Read the article………………………..
Who Can Attend HOA Board Meetings? (CA)
HOA board meetings stand as vital gatherings, serving as a cornerstone for addressing community matters, making consequential decisions, and fostering open communication among members. The HOA board should be committed to ensure that these meetings are transparent, inclusive, and productive. Read the article………………………..
Communication counts: Developing a collections policy for community assessments
When homeowners don’t pay their assessments, a community association should immediately refer to its collections policy. Collections policies, which help ensure that all owners are treated equally, typically have timelines for how long an owner has to make a payment before the issue is turned over to a collections attorney. Read the article………………………..
Mastering Condo Maintenance: Why Legal Guidance Is Key For Crafting A Responsibility Matrix
A responsibility matrix is a summary of association and co-owner responsibilities for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the condominium common elements and units. Because condominium master deeds, even when clearly drafted, can be complicated and often challenging to interpret, a responsibility matrix that is properly and accurately prepared can be a helpful guide for management, […]
3 Tips for Weathering Today’s Hard Insurance Market
Today’s so-called hard insurance market is the result of a perfect storm. Record personal injury claims have driven up the cost of liability insurance. Umbrella policies for excess liability protection are shrinking, with fewer carriers offering less coverage at higher prices. Property insurance premiums are soaring due to increased labor and material costs. And reinsurance […]
Are Your HOA Volunteers Covered for Injuries?
Homeowners Associations (“HOAs”) rely on the efforts of their volunteer directors, officers, and committee members to perform all manner of tasks needed in assisting the HOA with its operations. Participation by these HOA volunteers in common tasks such as site inspections, including slope inspections, landscape committee walk-throughs, and even meeting room set up and take […]
Best Practices: Community Association Maintenance
CAI’s Foundation for Community Association Research has produced a new, free report. A regularly applied maintenance plan and program combined with a properly prepared and funded reserve study can lead to safe, desirable, financially secure community associations. Read or download the report (PDF)………………………..
The Role of HOA Management in Safeguarding and Improving Property Investments (TX)
Owning a home means more than having a place to live; it’s a valuable investment we cherish. Many neighborhoods are blessed with a Homeowners Association (HOA) to safeguard and nurture this investment. This remarkable alliance consists of fellow homeowners who unite to manage and care for the community. Read the article………………………..