Cook County properties are reassessed on a triennial schedule. Every three years, the new valuations – along with appeals, exemptions, local tax levies, and assessments of nearby properties – determine the amount of future property tax bills. Read the article…………………………….
Do Condominium Boards Have the Right to Restrict Signs? (MA)
QUESTION: Our condominium association has a rule barring the display of signs in common areas or in locations visible from common areas. Some board members say we are required to make an exception for political signs. Is that true? Read the Q&A………………………………..
The Developer is Offering the Association (a lot of) Money to Sign a Release- Should the Board of Directors Consider Signing it? (NC)
Over the last year our firm has seen an uptick in offers to associations from the developer to pay money in exchange for signing a release. The language of releases can vary but the purpose is almost always the same – The money being offered to the association is in exchange for releasing the developer […]
Hiring an HOA Company: How to Reduce Conflict and Improve Community Services
It’s no secret that homeowners associations have proliferated in the United States. We’ve gone from 10,000 in 1970 to an estimated 365,000 associations in 2023. It’s virtually impossible to find a home for sale these days that isn’t part of an association. Homeowners associations provide huge benefits to their residents, but they also have no […]
“A ‘CliffsNotes’ Guide for New Condominium Board Members” (FL)
The election is over, and you have earned a coveted seat on your condominium association’s board of directors. Now what? This helpful guide will provide you with a “CliffsNotes” version of important things to remember as you embark on your journey as a director. Read the article…………………………….
How do HOAs enforce rules?
A homeowners association, or an HOA, does have the right to create rules for residents of the community. They do have to follow these rules, even though the rules are not technically laws. For instance, there are often rules governing where to park vehicles, how to do home renovations, how to handle holiday decorations and […]
Mum’s the Word When Disclosure Leads to Breach of Fiduciary Duty
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 Maintenance Matrix: An Incredibly Helpful Tool
Alternatively, if an association has planned ahead, the association’s board and management can turn to their handy dandy maintenance matrix! A maintenance matrix is a compilation of the maintenance, repair, and replacement responsibilities in a clear and concise chart which depicts the specific assignments for each component. A maintenance matrix is prepared by reviewing all […]
Here Are the Top Reasons Why People Run for Co-op and Condo Boards (NY)
Serving on a co-op or condo board is nice work if you can get it. The pay is terrible (that is, nonexistent). The hours can be long. The level of satisfaction among shareholders or unit-owners can range from sky-high to the bottom of the basement. When things go wrong, it’s the board’s fault; when things […]
Boards & Boundaries: How ‘Available’ Should You Be?
In multifamily residential communities, where neighbors share common space, amenities, and maintenance—if not actual walls—establishing and maintaining boundaries can be a bit tricky. Read the article…………………………….
Understanding the Interplay Between an Individual Unit Owners’ Policy and Their HOA Policy is Crucial for Submitting Condominium and Townhome Claims in California
Of the 39 million potential insureds making up California’s population, over 14 million – or over 35% – live in homeowners association communities. Therefore, understanding whether their property damage claims fall under their individual or association insurance policies is essential to properly recovering insurance benefits. Equally essential is understanding which policy takes priority when property […]
How to Get Homeowners Excited About Your Community for the New Year!
Membership enthusiasm plays a key role in the success of every community. When homeowners are engaged and excited, the whole community can feel it. It makes the HOA a vibrant, bustling place to live. Not only does an engaged membership support high property values, but close-knit homeowners are integral to creating a true sense of […]
Roles and Responsibilities of Effective Board Members
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of effective condominium and HOA board members is critical. Community association directors should always be scrupulous and dedicated volunteers who wish to do their part for the effective administration and oversight of their enclave. Read the article…………………………….
Condo, Coop, HOA Board vs. Dissidents – Navigating Contentious Times
In the intricate realm of community associations, addressing the process of compelling a vote to remove a board is a crucial but often overlooked aspect. One of the primary challenges arises when the sitting board refrains from calling a special meeting, necessitating potential litigation funded personally by the owners or shareholders. Read the article…………………………….
Civility in Community Associations: Does it Even Exist Anymore?
It seems the growing trend is that tempers flare so much faster than in days gone by. One of the more difficult situations to deal with is when a cantankerous member of the association goes out of their way to make life miserable for their neighbors and/or their board. Read the article…………………………….
Disaster Assistance: Information on the 2021 Condominium Collapse in Surfside, Florida
This Q&A report looks at the federal response. FEMA coordinated response and recovery efforts, including assistance for survivors and victims’ families. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating the technical cause of the collapse and plans to issue a report in 2025 that may recommend changes to improve the structural safety of buildings. Read […]
City Has a Skeleton Staff to Enforce Compliance With Local Law 97 (NY)
Some 50,000 large New York City buildings, including thousands of co-ops and condos, will be required to comply with the city’s sweeping climate law, Local Law 97, which went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year. And how many inspectors does the Department of Buildings (DOB) have on staff to make sure those buildings […]
When Time Runs Out…Part II (CA)
The Typical Condominium “Business Model” will Not Sustain the Buildings: Condominium buildings are like rental apartments in their aesthetics and construction, with one significant difference—condominiums are mapped and built to be sold to individual unit owners. The ownership of rental apartments remains with one owner. Apartments are rented for a fixed period. Read the article…………………………….
Five Ways to Improve Community Association Collections (MD)
Community associations face many challenges, none more so than funding the upkeep and welfare of their communities. An owner who refuses to pay their share can put a heavy strain on a community association’s finances. Community associations must be proactive and aggressive in protecting their interests. Read the article…………………………….
MIRS and SIRS and Condominium Document Review for Contracts Entered into Prior to Dec. 31, 2024 (FL)
In the transactional world of resale of residential condominium units the statutory three business-day condominium-review period will be taking on new elements for consideration. These additional considerations will be very important in analyzing the potential costs of ownership of a condominium unit. Read the article…………………………….
Shedding light on a spate of condo loan rejections
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac intensified their scrutiny of condominiums after the 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South complex in Surfside, Florida, which killed 98 people in one of the worst tragedies of its kind. Shortly after the disaster, the GSEs revised their policies on loans purchased in condo developments, with an aim to […]
How to Build a Great HOA Board
Ever wondered what it takes to cultivate a thriving and effective HOA? The key to any successful homeowner’s association is having a competent and dedicated board of directors. Read the article…………………………….
Condo Association Websites Can Help with Concerns Over Growing Budgets (FL)
By now, all Florida condominium associations with 150 units or more (excluding timeshares) should have launched a website that includes a password-protected subpage or portal for unit owners and association employees that is inaccessible to members of the general public. Read the article…………………………….
Important Reminders for Collection Procedures (CO)
It is very important to properly reflect in a Managing Agent’s software or Association’s records when an account is transferred to legal collections, as accepting payments for accounts that are in legal collections, or speaking to Owners whose accounts are in legal collections regarding their account may negatively impact the Association’s ability to collect the […]
When Time Runs Out…
Many condominium buildings will soon reach the end of their service lives. Others are already there. Maximizing the surviving property’s value may be the key to protecting owner equity. Read the article…………………………….
Can An HOA Board Make Homeowners Remove Security Cameras?
Homeowners may be shocked to find a letter from their HOA asking them to remove security cameras. This reaction may be quickly followed by confusion and then anger, wondering whether or not their association even has the ability to regulate security cameras on private property. Read the article…………………………….
Fines & Enforcement Considerations (OH)
Imposing an enforcement assessment, commonly referred to as a “fine,” on an unruly owner or property is a popular and usually effective mechanism for enforcing rules within a condominium or subdivision. Fines alone, however, cannot address all scenarios and must be imposed in accordance with applicable laws. Read the article…………………………….
The 2024 Board Planning Guide for Community Associations. A Best Practices Guide for Board Members and Community Managers.
Over the past 20 years, community associations have become an essential part of modern living. They provide homeowners a sense of community and help maintain an enjoyable quality of life for homeowners and residents. However, managing and operating a community association can be challenging, especially when it comes to planning for an entire fiscal year. […]
Developing HOA Reserve Study Procedures for Specific Assets (CA)
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) serve as the guardians of their communities. Moreover, they’re responsible for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for residents. A fundamental aspect of this stewardship involves prudent financial planning and establishing reserve funds. Read the article…………………………….
Homeowners insurance vs. co-op insurance vs. condo insurance
What kind of home you live in can significantly impact the type of insurance needed. There are separate, specialized types of policies for co-ops, condos and homeowners. The right policy for one often won’t even apply to another. Before purchasing a policy to protect your property, make sure you understand how that policy works and […]
Business Judgment Rule: Lessons for Co-op and Condo Boards (NY)
The business judgment rule often serves as a perceived safety net for boards, shielding them from legal scrutiny. However, this rule is not an impenetrable shield and boards should be aware of the nuances. Simply put, the business judgment rule states that, with four exceptions, a court cannot overrule a co-op, condo or HOA board-issued […]
Understanding the Importance of Reserve Study Data
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the value of a community. To ensure financial stability and plan for future growth, HOAs must clearly understand their reserve study data. In fact, reserve study data is an indispensable asset for homeowners’ associations aiming to secure a bright future for their communities. Read […]
Co-op Boards’ Broad Powers Do Not Include the Right to Discriminate (NY)
Q: A shareholder in a co-op in Jackson Heights, Queens, is trying to sell her apartment — but the co-op board has used its considerable powers to reject a series of potential buyers. One sale was blocked because the board said the co-op’s financial information was unavailable while the co-op was undergoing an audit. Read […]
Association Common Area Can Be Foreclosed and Sold to a Third Party for Unpaid Property Tax (NC/SC)
Our office has had two situations in the last six months where an association failed to pay property taxes on association common area, the tax department foreclosed, and a third-party bought the common area at the tax foreclosure sale. Fortunately in these cases it was not the association pool or clubhouse, but it could have […]
Master the Art of Challenging HOA Late Fees: Effective Strategies & Tactics
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are organizations that manage and maintain the common areas and amenities in planned communities, condominiums, and townhomes. These associations require homeowners to pay regular assessments, known as dues or fees, to cover the cost of the services they provide. HOA late fees are penalties that are imposed on homeowners who fail to […]
Dealing with Marijuana Complaints in NYC Co-ops and Condos
The pervasive smell of marijuana in New York City is presenting challenges for co-op and condo buildings as residents complain about smoke and odors. Since August 2018, a mandate has required all residential buildings to establish a smoking policy and inform residents on the details. Read the article……………………………..
HOA Homefront: Could holiday charity include your HOA? (CA)
Regardless of one’s religious leanings, most agree that the holiday season is a time of generosity. Here are several ways those involved with the HOA can through generosity promote community, peace, and harmony throughout the year. Read the article………………………….
What Are HOA Fees—and What Do They Actually Pay For?
There are two major components to a homeowners association (HOA). The first is that the organization oversees a set of rules particular to the residential community. The second component is the associated fee required for living in the community and how the HOA fees benefit the homeowners. Read the article…………………………….
Ask the HOA Expert: Professional Management Perks
All too often a homeowner association board of directors approaches problems as would a renter looking after the apartment building…reacting by crisis rather than by a long range plan. Guess what? Many HOAs are in constant turmoil because of this approach. A professional HOA manager can smooth out the bumps in this rocky road by […]
How To’s & Quick Tips Fire Sprinkler System Cost Factors and Considerations: Why It’s Worth It
A residential fire sprinkler system is well documented to save lives and protect property. Fire sprinkler system cost typically falls between $0.80 and $7 per square foot with a national average of $2 per square foot. Read the article……………………………….
How Long Do I Have to Keep Association Records? (CO)
Did you know that both CCIOA and the Colorado Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act, provide retention timeframes for certain records? For example, did you know that the Nonprofit Act requires associations to keep the following records permanently: Read the article……………………………..
Celebrating Kwanzaa in Your Community: Embracing Unity and Tradition
In the tapestry of cultural celebrations, Kwanzaa stands as a vibrant and meaningful observance that honors African heritage and unity. As residents of a community association, there’s a unique opportunity to come together and celebrate this rich tradition. Read the article……………………………….
Avoiding and Mitigating Owner Disputes in Community Associations (FL)
With neighbors living in close proximity to each other, all mutually bound by set rules and edicts, communities with associations are oftentimes fertile ground for spats and disputes. The best boards of directors and property managers understand that disputes between owners may arise from time to time and should strive to settle them as reasonably […]
Seven Strategies for Building a Stronger Sense of Community in Your HOA
The desire for a sense of belonging and connection with neighbors is universal. Homeowners Association (HOA) living provides a perfect ecosystem for creating an environment that can generate a sense of community, enhance the quality of life, and, by extension, improve property values within the association by making it a sought-after place to call home. […]
Let it snow: Texas community creates winter wonderland
While nestled in the heart of Spring, Texas, where snowfall is a rare sight, the Windrose Community Association has found a creative way to bring the joy of winter to its residents. For years now, this close-knit community has been making cherished memories by building an annual winter wonderland and snow hill for the children. […]
Navigating Inflation and Investments: Strategy Guide for HOA Reserve Funds
Whether your HOA reserve fund is modest or substantial, the pressing question remains: How can you best manage this crucial financial resource for your entire community? In the current climate where inflation looms large and investment opportunities are rising, understanding the intricate balance of community safety, growth, and fiscal responsibility is paramount for managing your […]
What is an HOA insurance policy?
Homeowners associations (HOAs) generally assess a fee to the HOA members, which is used to manage tasks like snow plowing, lawn mowing or maintaining public spaces. Some of the money collected may also go toward HOA insurance coverage. This type of policy protects the HOA community against certain liability risks or property damage. Read the […]
Condominium Owners Should Recognize Their Rights and Understand their Responsibilities (MA)
“I know my rights!” This is a statement association boards hear frequently from owners, usually in response to a board decision, covenant or rule requiring something owners don’t like or prohibiting something they want to do. As it turns out, many owners don’t really know their rights. Read the article………………………………….