One of our recent jobs is a really beautiful high-end building down in Tribeca. It’s a $1.4 million job — a four-car, four-passenger elevator group modernization. They were all overhead traction elevators, 2,500-pound capacity each, which is pretty normal, especially in a building that size. It was four 34-story elevators all in line, pretty much […]
Nature in the Valley: Brandon Farms meadow offers lessons for all
My email box was completely filled with forwards of the New York Times Dec. 14 article entitled, “They Fought the Lawn. And the Lawn’s Done.” What made the story so compelling was that it had all the elements of a blockbuster film: a simple scenario with a relatable protagonist who overcame significant challenges in her […]
HOA Disaster Team: Does Your HOA Need One? How To Form It? (NC)
Having an HOA disaster team is always a good idea, especially if you have a larger community. But what does this team even do? And how can you form one for your association? Read the article………………………..
Does Recession Affect The HOA? How And What To Do?
One of the last things any homeowners association needs is a recession. But in what way can a recession affect the HOA? And what can HOA boards do about it? Read the article………………………..
Boards have to watch their Officers – Florida Condo President arrested 3 times for hiding cameras in homes
What a way to wake up on Christmas morning. Happy holidays to all. Robert Orr, president of the Las Brisas Condominium Association in Florida was arrested for the third time for installing hidden surveillance cameras in owners homes. I can understand the first time, but three times. Here is the article. Mr. Orr ought to […]
Community Association Management and Architectural Controls
Architectural controls are necessary for an HOA’s ability to protect the homeowners’ investment and quality of life. Understanding architectural controls and how community association management can help with them can be a major advantage to a new community and its developers. Read the article………………………..
Leverage The Power Of Committees In Homeowners Associations
When you’re shopping for a new place to live, you probably consider a lot of factors – location, schools, taxes, and the community itself. You’re essentially interviewing the neighborhood to see if it’s the right fit for you. But once you move in, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the association that helps run your […]
Borrowing More Than a Cup of Sugar: Current and Former Board Members Charged with Siphoning Millions from Florida HOA
A past president of the Board of Directors of Hammock Community Association in West Kendall, Florida, along with her husband and three others, were arrested and charged with crimes ranging from grand theft, racketeering, fraud, and money laundering related to a years-long scheme to siphon money intended for community maintenance and upkeep into their own […]
Best Practices for Board Meeting Minutes (NC)
A question came up during a recent online discussion about “best practices” for board meeting minutes. The answer to questions of what should (or should not) be included in minutes is more complicated than it seems. Read the article………………………..
How to Set Goals for Your Community Association
Goal-setting is an annual task that every community association should perform. It’s a great way to maximize the effectiveness of your association in the coming year. The goals set serve as a roadmap to maintain and improve your community. They keep your community on track, accountable, and financially sound. Read the article………………………..
Woman and Young Daughter Killed in Downey Condo Fire (CA)
A woman and her young daughter died in an early morning fire that tore through a condo building in Downey. Downey Fire Department firefighters were called just before 11 p.m. Tuesday to Dinsdale Street and Tweedy Lane. Three people were carried out of the burning apartment, which firefighters were able to contain after several hours. […]
Rash of E-Bike Fires Poses Tricky Test for Co-op and Condo Boards (NY)
Where there’s smoke… We may have just experienced the catalyst for yet another shift in New York City’s ever-evolving regulatory landscape. In early November, fire swept through a luxury high-rise apartment building on the East Side of Manhattan, injuring dozens and requiring a dramatic rope rescue of residents by firefighters. Read the article………………………..
Acronyms HOA Board Members Should Know
Even if you are an experienced board member, you may run across a new one every once in a while. While some may find them unpleasant, they have an important role in simplifying paperwork and shortening the time it takes to discuss essential topics. Read the article………………………..
IN VIRGINIA MEMBERS SHOULD HAVE TWO WAYS TO COMPLAIN – (BUT WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS!)
We have observed that there are some association boards which are not aware of a distinction between state law requirements and necessary internal procedures for complaints. In this article we distinguish between the process to be followed for a complaint concerning a violation of state law or regulations vs. a complaint about the actions of […]
Pickleball Finds Growth, Conflict in HOAs
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. and, within the past few years, has emerged as a new, popular amenity in community associations. It’s also become a growing source of conflict. Read the article………………………..
Where and why more new homes are getting wrapped into homeowner associations
In the low-interest rate era that followed the 2008 housing crisis, real estate developers rushed to build housing stock to meet rising demand. Federal data suggests that nonprofit associations have been set up at an increasing rate to govern these new developments. Read the article………………………..
How to Get the Most out of Living in a Community Association
Living in a community association can be a great experience. Still, it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations to ensure everyone enjoys their time living there. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to get the most out of your community, get involved in community events, and get to know your neighbors. Read […]
The Value of Professional Intermediaries: Don’t Turn HOA Issues into Safety Issue
Homeowners association (HOA) disputes or enforcement should not require personal, face-to-face, confrontation with members. A recent tragedy in Florida underscores the risk of confrontations in the HOA context. It is alleged that on December 3, 2022, 75-year-old Hugh Hootman shot and killed his HOA president and her husband, Ginger and Henry Wallace, who were both […]
Can, or Should, My Community Association Prohibit “Group Homes”? (NC)
With the passage of federal and State laws protecting disabled individuals, we see a societal push away from institutionalized living arrangements and towards community based, group home settings. This firm is frequently asked how, or if, an association can prohibit these group living arrangements within their community. Read the article………………………..
Sample Reserve Investment Policy
Reserve Investment Policy For XYZ Homeowners Association. For Fiscal Year 20XX. Provided as a courtesy by Association Reserves. Please customize as appropriate and review with appropriate legal and accounting professional counsel Read the article………………………..
Condo Boards have to be Careful in Giving Licenses
Condominiums that want to give exclusive use of common space to a particular unit owner, often use a license agreement to do so. Selling common space requires approval by unit owners and sometimes all of them voting in favor of a sale because all unit owners in a condominium owns a percentage of the common […]
‘Tis the Season…for Fire Prevention
During the winter months, the rate and risk of residential fires increases. Your condo or HOA is not immune to this. The increase is often attributed to additional electricity use, holiday décor, Christmas trees and the increased use of electric space heaters. Residents and owners need to be sure that they are using common sense […]
How to Increase HOA Homeowner Participation
An effective way to increase homeowner participation in homeowner associations (HOAs) is to encourage homeowners to get involved in events and to volunteer for the HOA Board of Directors or recognized committees. As obvious as this may sound, HOA boards and Committee members must find creative ways to increase community participation. In this article, we […]
It’s Time to Implement Best Practices for HOA Cyber Security
There is no question that digital solutions and online platforms can save tons of time for homeowners associations. Every paper process that can be replaced with a digital solution is probably worth exploring. The only problem with online solutions versus traditional paper document storage is the increased risk for hacks that put member and association […]
How are HOA Rules Enforced? (CA)
Living in any community means there are rules to follow. The police enforce the law by writing tickets, issuing warrants, or making arrests. Schools enforce policies for students by taking away recess, sending them to speak with the principal, or giving extra tasks to do. There are also rules when you live in a homeowners […]
Investigating Suspicious Financial Activity in Your HOA
Today, a homeowner’s association’s (HOA) board of directors depends on technology to store contracts, banking information, and other confidential documents. Unfortunately, while digitization increases efficiency, it also intensifies the potential for fraud and theft of community funds. Even with checks and balances, like collective oversight of a community’s financials from board members and community managers, […]
But We Can’t Afford It! (CA)
omeownership entails dealing with occasional unanticipated expenses. Recently, I didn’t plan on a main water line breaking, but it happened. Days (and much money later), the problem was resolved. I didn’t want the expense, but it happened. I couldn’t say to the water company or my neighbors, “I’m sorry, I can’t stop this flooding right […]
How to Reduce the Volume of Communication Boards Deal with at Your HOA and Condo Community
According to a survey done for over 7,000 communities, the volume of communication with property managers has increased by 40% in the past 24 months. If you extrapolate this the Boards are also experiencing an increased volume of communication. As a volunteer, you want to know how to reduce the volume of communication boards deal […]
7 Things Every First-Time Board Member Should Do
Becoming a member of a homeowners’ association (HOA) board of directors is an exciting and rewarding opportunity. You’ll play an integral role in maintaining and enhancing the neighborhood, financial planning, and regulation enforcement. You’ll also collaborate with other board members to ensure residents are represented and informed. Read the article………………………..
Can Florida Condo Insurance Exclude Water Damage?
From accidents to severe weather, condo insurance often covers many perils, including certain types of water damage. But homeowners might wonder, “Can Florida condo insurance exclude water damage?” In some cases, yes. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Fraud In Your HOA: What to Watch Out For
Every so often a community makes the news and becomes infamous. In November 2022, that happened to Hammocks Homeowners Association, a large master community in Miami-Dade County. It all started when homeowners noticed that their annual dues increased by 400%. Instead of paying, the owners filed a lawsuit. Investigators found that current and past members […]
Safe harbors: Community associations built to be places of open discussion and respect
As mounting gun violence across the U.S. continues to alarm the public, community association experts urge everyone to remember that homeowners associations, condominiums, and cooperatives—neighborhoods millions of Americans call home—are places of tolerance, open discussion, and respect. Read the article………………………..
Remember To Let the Community Know About Rules Regarding Holiday Decorations
The holiday season is upon us. While it’s a special time of year, it can also be a time for more violations and neighborhood disputes. The good news is, HOAs can get ahead of some of these issues by making sure rules and regulations are clearly stated. Read the article………………………..
Board Member Terms and Staggering Elections- Getting It Right to Benefit the Community (OH)
Community association owners may not fully appreciate how the length of time board members serve on the board and staggered elections can directly impact the community. Making sure the governing documents for the association provide for longer board terms and staggering elections are necessary tools for efficient and effective community associations. Read the article………………………..
How To Be A Good HOA President
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 […]
What should you do if your HOA denies your project?
People who move into a neighborhood a homeowners’ association governs know that they will have to follow the rules of that HOA. It’s advisable to review those rules so you can ensure you comply with them. Read the article………………………..
Why do I need condo insurance when insurance is covered in HOA dues?
As an insurance agent, I hear this question a lot. My reply is this: Yes, the condominium association has what they call a master condo policy that covers the interest of the condominium association, not the owner’s unit. What I mean by this is that the master policy does not cover the unit owners’ contents, […]
BIAS in Our Communities: Strategies for Recognizing, Managing, and Eliminating Bias in HOAs
Bias is a buzzword we hear often in today’s world, but for many it is difficult to understand or accept. Many approach the topic as though the goal is to “empty our minds” of bias (as if that were possible). However, the less we focus on and are aware of bias, the harder it is […]
Creating an Emergency Management Plan for Your Community
Although it can be hard to predict when and where an emergency might happen, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be prepared when a crisis impacts your community. By establishing a clear plan for disaster management ahead of time, you can help mitigate the effects that an emergency will have on your community and ensure […]
Beware of Procedural Pitfalls in HOA Foreclosures (NC)
Most community associations already know the Planned Community Act allows them to place a lien on a delinquent homeowner’s property and foreclose on that interest. But to do so, associations must comply strictly with the statute governing that process. Read the article………………………..
Surveillance in Buildings & HOAs Privacy vs. Safety? (MA)
In 2017, a Boston couple were 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 […]
HOA Backyard Rules: What Can And Can’t Homeowners Do
When it comes to HOA communities, rules are normal. That is why homeowners living in these communities, as well as buyers who are still considering purchasing a home in these communities, should familiarize themselves with the rules of the association. These include HOA backyard rules. Read the article………………………..
How to Create an Outline for Your Community’s Strategic Plan
Strategic planning, also known as long-range planning, is the process an organization uses to define its priorities, allocate resources, improve operations, and assess its trajectory. Created by a homeowners’ association (HOA) board of directors, this plan should be used to communicate the vision of the community, establish direction, and provide focus for the future. Read […]
Here’s How Your HOA Can Avoid Special Assessments
These assessments usually happen because there is a shortfall in the HOA budget and unexpected repairs, but in recent years inflation has become more of a factor as well, with significantly and rapidly rising insurance rates and construction projects the association may have planned. Read the article………………………..
HOA Board Members Ethics Model
Leaders of organizations, corporations, and governments should abide by a set of ethical standards when performing their duties. This also applies to volunteer leaders of homeowners associations. Here is your guide to HOA board member ethics. Read the article………………………..
HOA Tax Returns: Can Your HOA Not File It?
For most organizations, tax season is one of the most stressful times of the year. Homeowners associations are no exception. Here is what you need to know about HOA tax returns. Read the article………………………..