AFew things are more stressful to board members and managers than dealing with a disruptive owner at a membership meeting. We have all been to meetings where “that” member steals the spotlight to air grievances, demand immediate action regarding their particular issue, or to just blast the board. What could be a simple meeting can […]
A Guide to HOA Budget, Accounting, and Finance
Understanding how to interpret your HOA management company’s financials are an important part of your role in an HOA. The management company you’re working with keeps detailed financial records and HOA members’ ability to read and understand them will be key in maintaining community funds. This skill set is even more important if you are […]
Can a Homeowner Really Do That? (IL)
This article will discuss common circumstances that arise in community associations. Always remember that not all community associations are alike, and you should always consult the governing documents for your Association and the applicable statute governing your community association. Read the article………………………..
The Reasons You Should Always Keep Up On Your HOA Payments
Every month, you write a check to the homeowners association (HOA) because you have to, but you wonder where those funds are going. Do you really need to make this payment, and what would happen if you just stopped doing so? Read the article………………………..
Inflation: How It Impacts Your HOA
Whether at the grocery store or on the news, you’ve likely heard and felt the impact of this year’s inflation. With costs steadily rising, it is important that HOAs prepare ahead of time to avoid their community running into financial trouble. Below, we’ll cover some of the impact inflation can have on your community and […]
What You Need to Know: HOAs and Legal Obligations (AZ)
Because HOAs and their Boards can exert such an influence over community members’ lives, it is important to understand what they are legally required to do and what they are prohibited from doing. And that requires understanding what HOAs even are in the first place. Read the article………………………..
Who’s a Good Board? Pros Weigh in on Co-op, Condo, HOA Leadership
The 347,000 planned communities in the United States—a number that includes cooperatives, condominiums, and homeowners associations—are generally governed by volunteer members of the building or community elected by their fellow unit owners or shareholders. There are no requirements or prerequisites for serving on a board, other than what might be specified in the governing documents […]
Supporting Aging Residents: Empathy, Strategy, & Care
Aging shareholders often contend with two serious problems: declining health and limited finances. As people age, it’s of course more common for them to live with health challenges related to genetic propensity, lifestyle choices, and the aging process itself; Read the article………………………..
What Are Robert’s Rules Of Order? How Can These Rules Help HOAs? (NC)
Robert’s Rules of Order have long been used by many homeowners associations to keep meetings on track. But, what are Robert’s Rules of Order exactly? Read the article………………………..
Tips for HOA boards on dealing with increasing demands from homeowners
It’s not just your imagination. Homeowner demands are increasing, and unfortunately, the hours in your day are not. If you and your board are starting to feel overwhelmed by emails, calls, and verbal requests, we’ve got some ideas to help your team succeed. Read the article………………………..
Wag more, bark less: Developing reasonable and enforceable pet policies
People consider pets as part of the family so it’s important for community associations to embrace that and document pet policies to ensure a positive and productive relationship for all. Read the article………………………..
Tips for Streamlining Your Community’s Projects
With budget season upon us, it’s important to think about upcoming projects for the next year. Does your community need to update the clubhouse? Spruce up the landscaping? Repair the pool? Now’s the time to jumpstart these projects! Join us below for some tips to streamline the process. Read the article………………………..
What is Considered “Reasonable Time” When it Comes to Association Actions and/or Decision Making (WA)
An Association’s Board of Directors is responsible for, amongst a multitude of other tasks, taking appropriate actions and/or making decisions based on issues that arise within the community. Some common examples may be: water intrusion that causes damage to a unit, units, and/or common area; an architectural request submitted for review and approval by an […]
Receiverships in HOAs and Condos (OR)
Volunteering to serve on the Board of a Community Association can, unfortunately, often feel like a thankless job. In many cases, conflict among the Directors, or between owners and the Board, can make service to the community an extremely stressful experience. Several of our clients have reported that they are finding it difficult to recruit […]
The benefits of EV chargers: What Florida property managers need to know
While EV chargers aren’t mandatory for all buildings yet, Florida law requires that condominium associations accommodate owners’ requests for EV charging stations. This means if someone wants to install an EV charger, the association can’t stop them. Read the article………………………..
Accounting Checklists Ensure HOA and Condo Financial Processes Are Done Correctly
How do you ensure best practice bookkeeping is done correctly on a consistent basis at your Homeowners Association (HOA ) or Condo community? You standardize your process, document it, add checklists and then inspect that your accounting team is following the system. Read the article………………………..
Steps to Take If You Suspect Fraudulent Activity Within the HOA Board
Groups that are run by volunteers that handle money are particularly vulnerable to fraud, embezzlement, illegal activities, and scams. HOA boards are no exception. Access to funds is a temptation that some cannot resist. Read the article………………………..
What Should an HOA Board Know about ADA Compliance Requirements?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lays out basic requirements for businesses and other entities to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their disability, have access to all public facilities, buildings, and amenities. Read the article………………………..
HOA DEBT COLLECTION: Is A License Required? (CA)
Great news for HOAs collecting delinquent assessments! After over a year of confusion created by Senate Bill 908, which seemed to require that HOAs be licensed to collect assessments, California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) decided that routine HOA assessment activities do not require a license. Read the article………………………..
Answering The Most Asked Questions About Condo Insurance
As a condo owner, you may be wondering whether you need to purchase insurance for your unit. While your condominium association’s master policy will cover the building itself, it usually does not provide coverage for your personal belongings or liability coverage. That’s where condo insurance comes in – it can help protect you financially if […]
Is your HOA failing to have open meetings? (AZ)
Your homeowners association (HOA) helps maintain the neighborhood’s appearance and property values in your community. You probably paid a premium to purchase a home located in a respected HOA neighborhood, and you probably also pay association fees every month in addition to your mortgage and escrow contributions. Read the article………………………..
What Goes On In An HOA Board Meeting? (CA)
New HOA boards often feel lost and confused when first taking on the job. This applies to board meetings, too. What exactly goes on in an HOA board meeting? Read the article………………………..
Your guide to HOAs & solar panels: 5 strategies to get approval
In many areas, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can present significant barriers to homeowners’ ability to install solar. In 2020, for example, Solar United Neighbors estimated that HOAs wrongly denying residents the ability to go solar had cost Virginia solar contractors more than $7 million in retail solar sales since 2014. Read the article………………………..
Condominium Repairs: Who Is Responsible? Condo Owners Or The COA
Condominium repairs are an inevitable part of condo ownership. But, not all elements of a condo unit fall under the responsibility of the owner. Sometimes, the condo association is on the hook for maintenance and repairs. Read the article………………………..
Should Towing In An HOA Community Be Allowed?
There may come a time when a board will decide that towing in an HOA is necessary to mitigate parking violations. But, is a homeowners association even allowed to tow vehicles? Read the article………………………..
Tips for HOA boards on dealing with increasing demands from owners
It’s not just your imagination. Homeowner demands are increasing, and unfortunately, the hours in your day are not. If you and your board are starting to feel overwhelmed by emails, calls, and verbal requests, we’ve got some ideas to help your team succeed. Read the article………………………..
HOA Accounting Reports You Should Know That Are Not Financial Reports
Many homeowners associations focus on the operational side of community management. But, the financial aspect is just as important. And one of the ways to evaluate the financial health of the association is through HOA accounting reports. Read the article………………………..
InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes
Consumers, inspectors, and professionals advising their clients should note that these life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather or other conditions, neglect, over-use or abuse. Therefore, they should be used as guidelines only, and not relied upon […]
Top Tips for Fire Preparedness (NY)
Remember the old Smokey the Bear commercials, “Only YOU can prevent forest fires”? Well, consider that living in a NYC coop or condo, or even rental building with hundreds of neighbors and how just one of them could adversely affect the entire community. Read the article………………………..
HOA 101: Understanding the Role of the Vice President
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………………………..
A Reserve Study Primer
When living in a homeowner association, what are the things to think about? Some considerations may include: location, amenities, how much are the dues and assessments? One important topic that may be only discussed every five years is, ‘Is the Reserve account adequately funded’? Read the article………………………..
Budgeting 101
I’m a budget nerd, and I freely admit it. Putting together an HOA budget and seeing each month how accurately the projections and actuals fall into place gives me a sense of satisfaction and downright gleefulness. In the coming weeks, this process begins again as I start the budgets for the communities I manage. With […]
Who’s a Good Board? Pros Weigh in on Co-op, Condo, HOA Leadership
The 347,000 planned communities in the United States—a number that includes cooperatives, condominiums, and homeowners associations—are generally governed by volunteer members of the building or community elected by their fellow unit owners or shareholders. There are no requirements or prerequisites for serving on a board, other than what might be specified in the governing documents […]
Investing Association Reserve Funds—A Historical Perspective
When we discuss the best practices for investing association reserve funds in today’s world, it is probably best to review a bit of history with this topic. Community Associations began to take hold during the 1970s. During the 1980s, association reserve accounts began to grow. At the time, interest rates were substantially higher than today. Read […]
Workers’ Compensation Coverage & Insurance Costs: The Difference Between Volunteers & Employees
With inflation at historic highs, labor and supply shortages complicating even routine projects and maintenance, and budgets tight (and getting tighter), many condo and homeowner associations are looking for ways to control costs and still get needed work done on their properties. Read the article………………………..
Telling Your Association’s Financial Story: How to Read Monthly Financials Properly
Have you ever found yourself looking at a set of association financials that appear to be a bunch of codes that need deciphering? Imagine the pressure of being a new community manager at your first Board meeting, and you are expected to explain the association’s financial position. The financial portion of the meeting is inching […]
What Is Condo Insurance And Do You Need It?
As a condo owner, you don’t own the land or building your home sits on, but you still need good insurance for your unit and personal belongings. And you can’t rely on the homeowners association (HOA) master policy. Read the article………………………..
Flood Preparedness Guide
From water damage to ruined personal items, floods can be a nightmare for homeowners. To learn how to best protect your home in the event of a flood, review our in-depth guide below. We’ll cover how to prepare before any potential flooding, how to stay safe during a flood, and how to best recover once […]
Issues that often lead to a dispute with an HOA (FL)
The intent of a homeowners’ association is to manage certain aspects of a community, such as the maintenance of common areas, as well as protect the values of the homes in the community. While there are many benefits to an HOA, there may be times when the responsibilities and power of this governing body conflict […]
Increases from Insurance, Inspections and Reserves Rattling Many Condominium Communities (FL)
A recent article in the Palm Beach Post chronicled the early signs of the financial strains that Florida condominium associations are beginning to experience. Unfortunately, these early issues involving increased insurance costs represent just the beginning, and things are indeed expected to get worse in the months and years to come. Read the article………………………..
Crisis: CA Community Association Insurance
Anyone living in California over the last five years has seen the dramatic increase in property losses caused by wildfire. Some say that since 2017 wildfire losses have equaled a dollar figure of two Northridge Earthquakes. Carriers that used to have money in reserves to fall back on in a “bad claims” year have fewer […]
The Right Way for a Co-op Board to Deal With a Hoarder (NY)
What should a co-op board do — and not do — when it’s made aware of a hoarder living in the building? Follow these steps: Read the article………………………..
Can An Association Restrict Firearm Possession? (OH)
Firearm possession and the Second Amendment is perhaps one of the biggest political issues on the minds of Americans today. Recent tragedies in Highland Park, Uvalde, and Buffalo have once again brought firearm possession and the Second Amendment to the political forefront. Read the article………………………..
Pet Policies and Assistance Animals: The New Normal for Community Associations (IL)
Among the many impacts the coronavirus pandemic has had on daily lives, two trends that have become part of the “new normal” include pet adoption and remote work. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), nearly one in five American households “acquired a cat or dog since the beginning […]
Discrimination Based on Familial Status: What Your HOA Needs to Know About Kids and Common Areas
School’s out for the summer! For many condominium and homeowners associations with families, the long summer days mean more families and children utilizing recreational facilities and common areas, such as clubhouses and swimming pools. Concerned about the safety of children who use these areas, condominium and homeowners associations may create and enforce rules and regulations […]
Directors & Officers (Insurance)
This month, we take a look at the Directors & Officers policy. As a liability policy, it serves to defend the board of directors should someone file a lawsuit against them. I know, the thought of someone being so offended by something a community association board says or does that they sue is ridiculous (just […]
When Natural Beauty Became a Threat: The Evolution of a Firewise Community (OR)
No one will ever forget the Summer of 2020…the orange sky that hung over us for days. The stench of what remained of a destroyed landscape…the ash falling like snow in the 100-degree heat. Read the article………………………..
Not My Building Not My Problem: Special Assessments, Cost of Repairs, and Who Has to Pay (FL)
Condominium associations exist in high concentration throughout Florida, many of which are made of a collection of buildings, and not just a single tower. Damage to buildings happens, and insurance is not always sufficient to pay for all needed repairs. So, what if only one of the buildings is damaged? Is every member of the […]
Fiduciary Duties of Directors and Officers
When a homeowner gains election or appointment as a director or officer of a corporation, they become a fiduciary for the corporation, and undertake duties to the corporation, and ultimately to the members it represents. Read the article………………………..