Security is a priority for individuals living in a community. For that reason, community associations or HOAs adopt various approaches when it comes to securing their properties, including the use of intercom systems and video surveillance. Other community associations opt to hire security personnel. The process of hiring security staff is no mean task. Read […]
Different Tools for Enforcing the Rules in Co-ops and Condos (NY)
We have all seen clips on social media and news outlets of people ostentatiously refusing to wear a mask in public spaces, including the South Lawn at the White House. What happens when one of these so-called “anti-maskers” lives in your co-op or condominium? Although the vast majority of co-op and condo residents have dutifully […]
Pet-friendly Communities: The Dos and Don’ts
Pets are valued members of the family, so it’s no surprise that pet-friendly communities are some of the most sought-after places to live. While there are many benefits to living in a homeowners’ association (HOA), pet permissions do come with a few guidelines. Like any association, pet-friendly communities have rules, regulations, and restrictions that every […]
HOA committee charters
HOA committees can be incredibly helpful to boards, and the HOA as a whole. A well-organized committee can shorten the long-to-do list for busy board members, and build a more productive and cohesive community. However, it’s important for HOAs to only create committees that are needed. Each committee must have a clear and defined purpose, […]
Mistakes New HOA Board Members Make (and How to Avoid Them!)
Way to go – you are the newest elected member of your community HOA board! This new role means great things for you, and we are excited to be part of your journey to help you make the most of this experience. Along with your new role comes some new challenges, but don’t worry – […]
Election notice: How communities can regulate displays of political signs
Political signs often receive a lot of attention in local news and on social media, particularly during election seasons. At a time when political views can become quite charged, the issue of lawn signs endorsing a candidate or supporting a social cause can further divide communities. Reasonable restrictions and uniform rules enforcement help avoid conflict. […]
How to Choose Professional HOA Management (UT)
Before you even start your search for a professional management company, be sure the board has agreed on what the community needs. It may be that you have an active board and a robust architectural committee, and so you only need help managing the books. Or you may find that you just want someone to […]
HOA Homefront: Civility must start somewhere (CA)
From presidential debate stages to courtrooms to families to HOAs, civility is becoming so rare, it should be considered endangered. Differences of opinion are no longer allowed – either you agree with me or you are a demon and I will reject any dialogue with you. Read the article…………………………………
Holding Virtual Annual Meetings (CO)
Many HOAs are hosting their required annual meetings towards the end of the year. In addition to the stress of making sure such meetings run smoothly, Boards and managers have to also navigate annual meetings during the COVID pandemic. Read the article………………………………….
What Is a Reserve Study?
Today, there are over 351,000 homeowners’ associations in the nation. If you’re part of one, you’re probably interested in maintaining the community to the best of your abilities. One way to do so is to have reserve studies done at regular intervals. What is a reserve study? And how can it benefit your homeowners’ association? […]
A Question of Privacy: NY Law is Unclear When it Comes to Co-op/Condo Residents’ Info, Attorneys Say (NY)
In a recent piece for the New York Law Journal, attorneys from Manhattan-based law firm Ganfer Shore Leeds & Zauderer delve into the issue of privacy as it pertains to the personal information of shareholders and unit owners – and the rights of co-op and condo boards to access that information. Read the article………………………………
Political Signs in Your Community: Know the Law and Your Documents
With election season upon us, the subject of political signs is more relevant than ever. It is at the forefront of discussions between community association leaders and residents. According to the 2020 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey conducted by Zogby Analytics for the Foundation for Community Association Research, nine out of 10 condominium and homeowners association residents […]
How to Avoid HOA Violations
HOA’s are responsible for protecting the property values of the community. To do this, the board must enforce certain rules and restrictions. While some may find this to be a bit intrusive, the benefit of compliance with the regulations outweighs the inconvenience and benefits the homeowner. When the rules are followed, the homeowner doesn’t have […]
Regulations on HOA Political Signs and Demonstrations (NJ)
Few issues elicit as much emotion as politics – especially during election season. Political discussions can add fuel to the fire when neighborhoods begin to display political advertisements of opposing affiliations. Dealing with political signage in your community is an issue that must be approached with sensitivity. Read the article………………………………….
Planning Ahead for 2021: A Brief Guide to Annual Budgets (FL)
As we approach the final months of the year, community associations and their Board of Directors must start planning for 2021. There is no question that the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 this year has unexpectedly and significantly impacted every facet of our lives. Condominium Associations have particularly felt the financial repercussions of the pandemic […]
Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign: It’s Time for Community Associations to Address Sign Policies
(The article) discusses recent news reports from around the country that are indicative of an uptick in disputes within HOA communities involving homeowners’ yard signs. Laura writes that today’s polarized political environment and social movements combined with widespread societal cabin fever caused by the pandemic have seemingly created a perfect storm for tempers to ignite […]
Drones and 3D Property Reconstructions for Homeowners Associations (CO)
For HOA’s, it can be very useful to have a tool to document a house or property to view later. Often, this would entail just taking photographs of anything relevant or particularly specific on a property. However, photos can only get you so far. Say perhaps you want to have a measurement on a wall […]
Is the Architectural Control Committee a Government of Laws or of Men? (VA)
Founding father John Adams observed that a republic is, “a government of laws, and not of men.” Adams contrasted a republic with an empire, where, “what pleases the prince has the force of law.” In Adams view, a government of laws surpasses one where a single individual (or a small group) holds unlimited power. If […]
Permissible Prohibitions on Campaign Yard Signs by HOA and Condo Associations (VA)
With only weeks before the election, Northern Virginia residents continue to engage in the high-stakes battle of the placement of campaign yard signs. But, can they be asked to remove these signs? For the thousands of residents who live in one of the hundreds of homeowners and condominium associations throughout the region, the answer is […]
Encouraging Participation at HOA Meetings
Board meetings are a key part of running any HOA, allowing both board members and homeowners to keep up with what’s going on and give input for important decisions. However, it’s not uncommon for even the most established HOAs to experience a lull in participation, lackluster enthusiasm, or even spotty attendance when it’s time to […]
5 Tips: Service Animal Classifications and HOA Pet Restriction Enforcement
An HOA Board has the duty to adopt rules known as covenants and restrictions. Those restrictions often include restrictions on HOA members owning pets. As an HOA Board member, you may wonder what is permissible especially with regard to service animal classifications and HOA Pet Restriction Enforcement. The following paragraphs explain what the classifications are […]
3 Ways That Technology Can Improve Community Experience (FL)
Modern technology has shifted the way we function in all aspects, creating higher expectations for better, effective communication and cost saving efficiency. Pre COVID, many community associations were slow to embrace and leverage technology, likely because technology is often perceived to come with an initial learning curve and financial cost. Present day, we have come […]
Political Season is Upon Us: Guidance for Navigating Political Sign Display in Community Associations (NC)
With Presidential, Senate, and House elections less than thirty days away, political signs are popping up in yards everywhere. Many community associations have restrictions in their governing documents prohibiting or limiting the display of political signs, including the size, number, and time period of display. However, those community associations without such restrictions are searching for […]
Dissecting the sticky issue of flags, banners and signs in HOA communities
On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia adopted a resolution that “the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” Though the American flag has changed a few times […]
How to Write an HOA Violation Letter
As an HOA board member, you may be faced with difficult challenges that come with maintaining an HOA community. It is in the boards best interest to serve their community and ensure that all governing documents are enforced according to their communities guidelines. In times when community members fail to live up to the standards […]
Ethics
The Washington Metropolitan Chapter of CAI published a number of excellent articles in their magazine “Quorum”. Read the magazine………………
HOA Halloween Activities for Safe Trick-or-Treating
Halloween will look a little different this year as the country continues to navigate the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As communities search for ways to keep children safe and practice social distancing on Oct. 31, many homeowners associations are turning to trunk-or-treating as an alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. Read the article…………………………….
Getting Official: Your HOA’s Articles of Incorporation
There is most definitely a hierarchy when it comes to HOA documents. Familiarizing yourself with your association’s community documents is essential when serving as a member of the HOA board, but it’s also important as a homeowner. Being ‘in the know’ when it comes to what’s acceptable, expected, and standard procedure not only helps you […]
Preparing for the Holidays: 8 Useful Tips and Tricks for Homeowners Associations (CA)
We’re getting into that time of year again: the three-month period that has us leaping from one holiday to the next. From early October through New Year’s, life is a flurry of holiday planning, seasonal products, and fun festivities. Of course, this brings a whole new set of challenges for any homeowners association. To weather […]
The Right Way to Handle Neighbor Conflict
What’s worse than having a grumpy neighbor? A disruptive neighbor. Getting involved in a neighborly dispute can not only lead to a sore relationship, but it can also bring many more troubles down the road. As an HOA member, it’s important to understand the standards and rules behind neighborly etiquette. Read the article………………………………
How to Hire a GOOD Contractor: Five Simple Tips (MI)
Many factors have made 2020 an interesting year. We are now fully understanding the cause and effect that a global pandemic has on many industries. While some industries such as travel and entertainment have been devastated, others, such as home improvement services, have been remarkably busy. You may notice when walking the aisles of Home […]
Time Management for HOA Board Members
You may be wondering if it’s possible to balance board duties with the rest of your commitments. The answer is yes! With the right tools and the right team, you can absolutely take an active role in your community while maintaining the right balance for your life. Let us help you! Read the article…………………………………
Preparing for Tax Season
As the end of the year approaches, we will soon be entering tax season. To help your board prepare for this busy time, SpectrumAM has put together some common questions regarding HOA taxes: Read the article………………………………
A Guide on Key Community Members in an HOA (NJ)
While there are many benefits to living in an HOA, it’s essential to know who your association’s key community members are. Whether you are brand new to an HOA or you’re a member seeking guidance on who to contact, we’re here to help you identify the who’s who in your community. Read the article……………………………..
Phony Parking Violation Letters in Condominiums (FL)
Condominium living has its advantages and challenges – one such challenge is often parking. Today, people move into these communities with several vehicles in tow and in condominiums, there is limited space in the parking garages and parking areas for unit owners and their guests. Sometimes this results in unit owners taking parking, that violates […]
Director Elections in HOAs (i.e. Welcome to the Wild, Wild West) (FL)
An increasing number of homeowners’ associations are adopting a two-notice, advance-nomination process for electing directors, similar to the election procedures statutorily dictated for condominium associations. Yet with many HOAs still operating with governing documents drafted by the developer, it is not uncommon to hear about situations where an association is running its condo-like election based […]
Handling Harassment – When Trash Talk Turns to Transgression (IL)
Whether you live in a super-luxe Park Avenue co-op in New York City, a waterfront condo on Lakeshore Drive, a sprawling HOA in Nevada, or a multifamily community in Miami, one thing is certain: you have neighbors. Hopefully they’re the people you grill with on a summer afternoon; the providers of a spare cup of […]
Special Assessments
Condo buildings are complex and intricate, and they require a reliable source of revenue to maintain the structure, repair systems, keep everything clean, cover emergency or unexpected costs, pay staff, etc. Much of this money comes from owners in the form of condo fees. However, on rare occasions, the corporation or association may be hit […]
Political Signs & Community Associations: 7 Things You Should Know (IL)
During election season, board members and property managers are likely to notice political lawn signs popping up in and around their association along with political signs being displayed in windows and balconies. Association leadership should communicate to the owners that the goal is not to restrict the freedom to express political views. Rather, the association […]
5 Costly Financial Mistakes To Avoid In Your HOA’s Budget
Proper budgeting can be an art. When carefully planned and well-executed, a homeowners association (HOA) budget can serve to improve the lives of everyone in the HOA community. A reasonable HOA budget helps ensure that the association has a bright future. It creates more resources for improvements, maintenance, and amenities for residents. Read the article……………………………………
How Board Members Drive Success
When you choose to serve on a board, you may wonder what impact you have on your community. Today, we want to outline that impact and say thanks for serving. Board service, when effective, truly blesses the lives of the homeowners in the community. Read the article………………………………
Take a Bite Out of Fraudulent Emotional Support Animal Requests (FL)
One of the most difficult issues facing community association board members is how to evaluate and address requests for accommodations for emotional support animals (“ESA”). Often, mental disabilities are not as visible and obvious as many physical disabilities. Combine this with the number of websites and individual medical professionals that advertise to write letters after […]
2nd Edition: HOA Audit Tales of Terror (GA)
Halloween is around the corner and along with scary clowns and vampires come HOA Audit Tales of Terror from your BJM team. The word “audit” alone can be scary and bring up fears of long hunts for missing receipts or accusations about erroneous accounting treatment. In reality, most audits confirm sound fiscal procedures and financial […]
Ready for the worst: Disaster preparedness for HOAs
Furious wildfires are destroying large swathes of California, Oregon, and other parts of the western United States. Dozens of people have died and thousands have been forced from their homes. The US National Interagency Fire Center has reported that firefighters are battling more than 100 large wildfires across the western U.S., with higher-than-normal levels of […]
Political Signs and the Limits Imposed on a HOA’s Ability to Regulate Same (CA)
As we draw near to the 2020 election, many residents living in HOAs have decided to install yard signs and other displays for their chosen candidate or cause. Many of these “noncommercial” signs have sparked fury in those who oppose such views, calling upon the Board of Directors to have such signs removed. Thus, in […]
Anatomy of a Condo Loan – One Building’s Case Study (NY)
As we’ve reported in previous articles, special assessments are not the only tool condo associations and HOAs have to finance common area improvements and major repairs when needed; there are also loans available in the marketplace to help communities pay for big-ticket projects. Read the article……………………………….
Who Pays for Repairs? Check the Condo Bylaws (NY)
A drain on a condominium’s roof – a common element – leaked water into the penthouse apartment, destroying newly installed designer cabinets. Does this mean that the condo board – and therefore all unit-owners – are responsible for replacing those expensive cabinets? Perhaps. Read the article…………………………….
Lien Priority – Where Does Your HOA Stand? (AZ)
Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 33-1256(B) / 33-1807(B), an HOA lien for assessments, late fees related to assessments and collection fees/attorney fees/costs incurred with respect to assessments has lien priority ahead of all other liens, interests and encumbrances on a lot/unit except: (1) liens and encumbrances recorded before the recordation of the declaration; (2) a recorded […]