Q: Unit-owners in a newly constructed Manhattan condo noticed extensiveness dampness in their new apartment. A sensor registered the humidity at 70%. The management company investigated, but the problem persists. The unit-owners installed a dehumidifier, but it needs to be emptied several times a day, an unsatisfactory fix. What’s a unit-owner to do? Read the […]
Ask About Incidental Damages Before Starting Your Condo’s Maintenance Project
Incidental damages are damages that are caused by associations to portions of buildings that unit owners are required to maintain. The most common example occurs when an association has its contractor go into a unit and remove portions of the wall or the floor to gain access to common elements which require repair. Incidental damages […]
Delivering Marketable and Insurable Title After Condo Termination (FL)
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, many condominiums in the Southwest Florida area were substantially damaged. While many Associations are in the process of rebuilding, some have not been able due to the high costs involved. As result, some of these associations have elected to terminate the condominium form of ownership and sell the condominium […]
Hurricane Preparedness and Electric Vehicles (FL)
It is mid-July and we have already experienced two (2) named storms this year. Where are you in your hurricane preparedness? In addition to general hurricane preparedness, local municipalities and programs throughout the state have been warning against the potential dangers of leaving electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters, electric golf carts, etc. (“EV”) plugged-in during storms. […]
Here’s How to Force a Reluctant Condo Board to Hold Elections (NY)
The board in a Brooklyn condominium hasn’t held elections in more than four years, and unit-owners are worried about the building’s financial management. The board has promised to set a date for the next election, but the management company is seeking candidates to replace one member — who will be chosen by the board, even […]
The Importance Of Board Meeting Minutes (MI)
Association boards have legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities for the organization they lead. Individual directors in turn have a legal duty to act with due care in their service to the association. This involves attending meetings, providing legitimate oversight, and using their best independent judgment in making business decisions. An essential aspect of this responsibility […]
The One HOA Policy You Must Have (But Probably Don’t)
If those names don’t sound familiar to you, this one surely will: Champlain Towers South. The unfortunate thing these communities all share is negative media press. Now admittedly, for these specific examples, it was earned. Lamplight Village and Champlain Towers South were both avoidable tragedies caused by deferred maintenance. Auburn Greens overstepped their authority and […]
How Technology Can Transform the Efficiency of HOA Management
In the evolving landscape of Homeowners’ Associations, technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As communities become increasingly complex, the adoption of digital tools and software solutions has revolutionized how HOAs operate, communicate, and manage their administrative tasks. Let’s explore the profound impact of technology on HOA management, highlighting the benefits of using […]
Homeowner Associations And Their Budgets
Many homeowner associations find it difficult to hold the line on expenses. Inflation erodes endlessly increasing budgets and members scream for relief. But help is on the way. There are practical ways to reduce costs without cutting services. The HOA’s budget is like a collection of uncut gems of different type, size and quality. Some […]
Essential Guide to Condo Master Insurance Policies (CA)
Navigating condo ownership insurance requires broadening perspectives beyond conventional homeowners’ policy familiarity. Condo communities introduce added coverage complexities through shared assets and liability exposures tied to communal spaces outside individual unit walls. Master association policies provide one crucial shield safeguarding such collective interests. Yet, gaps remain for unit interiors warranting separate owner insurance. Read the […]
Living With An HOA And CC&Rs (OR)
When you’re looking to buy a home in Central Oregon, one term you’re likely to encounter is “Homeowners Association.” Another critical element tied to HOAs is Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. These play crucial roles in shaping residential communities, impacting everything from property aesthetics to neighborly relations. People are often split opinion-wise on whether they like […]
What it’s like to live in a Calif. tourist attraction being swallowed by the sea
The Venetian Court homes are part of a central homeowners association, with each homeowner paying $179 per month, which goes toward communal expenses like upkeep of the public walkways, lighting, water and even maintaining the seawall that protects the homes from the ocean. But that seawall can’t fully protect the homes, with winter storms breaching […]
7 Yard Decorations Your HOA Wishes You Wouldn’t Put in the Yard
This week, Ken Lain The Mountain Gardener in Prescott talks about the 7 yard decorations your HOA wishes you wouldn’t put in the yard. What are some ways to dress up the front yard and make it stand out? What are some ideas you might want to avoid and which do your HOA absolutely despise? […]
Enhancing Internet Security: A Guide for HOA Board Members
As a homeowner’s association (HOA) board member, protecting your personal information and your community’s sensitive data is crucial. In today’s digital world, implementing strong internet security practices is vital to protect against cyber threats. Here are five key strategies to enhance your internet security. Read the article…………………………….
Leasing Restrictions (OH)
One of the most common questions HOA and condominium boards get from their owners is “What can we do about the rentals?” In many cases, the occupancy of homes by renters can be limited or prohibited altogether by an amendment to the declaration or, in more limited circumstances, by a rule adopted by the Board. […]
Finding Condo Insurance is Challenging – Affording It Can Be Difficult Too (MA)
Insurance has always ranked high on the list of challenges for condominium association boards. But inflation, federal regulations and risks related to climate change are making it more difficult for boards to fulfill their obligation to maintain adequate insurance for their communities. The two biggest challenges: Finding coverage and affording it Read the article…………………………….
How HOAs Can Make a Clean Break From Their Management Company
When a board tells me that they wish to terminate their management agreement, I ask: What happened in the past 30 days to make you want to take that direction? I am then told that service has deteriorated over the course of months or years. My follow-up question is: How often did you meet with […]
Best Practices for Budget Preparation in Community Associations (TX)
Budget preparation is an important annual exercise that sets the financial course for the entire year. Effective budgeting makes sure that necessary services are maintained, funds improvements, and upholds financial stability, whether managing a homeowners association (HOA), a condominium association, or a cooperative. Here’s the ultimate handbook on preparing budgets for community associations. Read the […]
Forming Association Committees (CA)
Newsletter article (PDF) Read the article (PDF)…………………………….
There is No “Next Order of Business”
One phrase you often hear in meetings is the chair making reference to the “next order of business,” as in “The next order of business is . . . .” As suggested by the name, the “order of business” is the order in which business is taken up during a meeting. While the order of […]
How To Transition Smoothly To A New HOA Management Company
Switching Homeowners Association (HOA) management companies can be a big change for any board member or community. Whether you’re looking for better service or fresh ideas, the transition process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful planning and clear communication, you can make the switch as smooth as possible. This article will walk you through […]
Navigating Late Fees and Fines: A Guide for Co-op and Condo Boards (CT)
Governing a cooperative or condominium association requires maintaining order and ensuring financial stability. Late fees and fines are essential tools for boards to achieve these goals, but their implementation must be carefully considered. This article explores the legal framework and best practices surrounding late fees and fines in New York, focusing on three key questions: […]
Responsibilities of a Condo Board Association (MA)
Are you a natural born leader and want to get more involved in your community, and have the authority to decide what happens with your condo association’s finances, rules, and maintenance? Being a part of the Homeowners Association Board may be the right fit for you. Read the article…………………………….
Political Signs and Community Associations
Election Day is November 5. Between now and then, many Condominium and Homeowners’ Association Boards will be challenged on the topic of political signs. Political signs in a community have the potential to be hugely confrontational and divisive. The good news is that Community Associations can usually restrict or prohibit political signs. Read the article…………………………….
Co-op and Condo Boards Cannot Overreach on Fines and Late Fees (NY)
Just as governments need to deter misconduct and punish rule-breaking, co-op and condo boards rely on fines and late fees to keep their houses in order. But there are limits. This article explores three questions boards need to address before imposing fines and late fees. Read the article…………………………….
Why are dispute resolution clauses essential in HOA contracts?
As homeowners’ associations (HOAs) continue to maintain the quality of life and property values in community living, disputes between HOAs and homeowners are inevitable. These conflicts can lead to tension, stress and even legal battles, which can affect the harmony of the community. Read the article…………………………….
Preparing to Borrow for Major Projects: What Association Management Companies Should Know
In the rapidly growing community management space, association managers are responsible for a wide range of projects to maintain and improve the communities they serve. From routine maintenance to large-scale initiatives aimed at enhancing property values and resident satisfaction, each project needs a financial plan as well as a logistical one. Read the article…………………………….
Maximize your Return on Reserve Interest
Over the last three years, inflation has reached 40-year highs. As a result, board members of homeowners associations have been put in a difficult position when trying to optimize their community’s expenses. Inflation was resulted in the expenses incurred by your property increasing in addition to more expense rates when it is necessary for the […]
What Makes a Successful HOA Budget?
To begin, a budget’s purpose is to plan out what is needed for cash flow for a period of time. It can also function as a planning tool, depending on the template used. Some associations function on a calendar year (January-December), and some function on a fiscal year, which is any twelve month period, such […]
Five Steps to Protect a Community Against Fraud & Embezzlement
The Board of Directors of an owner’s association wears many hats: decision maker, mediator, judge, and community organizer. Quite possibly the most important role a Board member serves is that of a fiduciary. A fiduciary is a person or entity put in a position of trust to protect the interests of a third party. While […]
Tough Enforcement and Foreclosure Cases – What Can be Done to Collect or Resolve? (CO)
Covenant enforcement and foreclosures have become harder in the last few years due to legislative and economic changes. As such, certain covenant enforcement and foreclosure cases can become extremely difficult to resolve due to Owners who may attempt to delay the process or due to not following the proper processes and procedures both in the […]
What to know about Obtaining an HOA Loan (CO)
There are times when a community association may need to explore its funding options, such as if it is considering a large construction or renovation project for the community. A loan may be an attractive option to avoid relying on increased assessments, special assessments, or reserves alone to fund the project. Ultimately, whether a loan […]
Community Messaging During Times of Financial Turmoil (CO)
Nobody LIKES to have those hard discussions with board members and homeowners on the reality of the Association’s financial health, but it is increasingly becoming a necessity within the HOA industry. Over the past 10 years, we have endured dramatic price increases across the board, including basic labor rates, material price increases in some industries […]
Effective Strategies to Keep Your Condo Building Cool in the Summer
As temperatures rise in Chicago during the summer months, keeping buildings cool becomes a top priority for both comfort and energy efficiency. This post will explore various methods to maintain a pleasant indoor environment while also conserving energy. Read the article…………………………….
The Essential Summer Maintenance Strategy for Condo Buildings (IL)
Summer in Chicago is not just a beautiful time of year, but a crucial period for condo associations to focus on essential building maintenance tasks. As the season changes, so do the needs of your property. By ensuring proper upkeep, you’re not just maintaining the property’s safety, functionality, and attractiveness for residents, but also preserving […]
Florida Creates New Grant Program For Condominiums To Replace Roof, Windows, And Other Hurricane Protections
The Florida legislature has recently introduced a new mechanism for condominium associations to receive inspections and potentially government funds to improve their properties. These changes may be found in Florida Statutes, Section 215.5587, which was created through House Bill 1029. This new law takes effect on July 1, 2024 and creates the My Safe Florida […]
Building community: Nurturing well-being through memorable events
Community association events aren’t simply social occasions. They’re essential ingredients in the recipe for a flourishing community. Behind the scenes of every successful event lies a commitment to nurturing community spirit. With the ever-present reality of social media, work and school schedules, activity demands, and other daily responsibilities, building community for residents is challenging Read […]
How to protect your home from wildfires – here’s what fire prevention experts say is most important
Extreme heat has already made 2024 a busy wildfire year. More acres had burned by mid-July than in all of 2023, and several communities had lost homes to wildfires. As fire season intensifies across the West, there are steps homeowners can take to make their homes less vulnerable to burning and increase the likelihood that […]
A Blueprint For Solving The Homeowners Insurance Crisis
Whether termed “climate change” or “extreme weather,” an increasingly unstable environment is damaging homes and other property at an accelerating pace faster than observed in decades. The magnitude of these risks, as seen in Figure 1 on the following page, grows for homeowners, insurers, lenders, and investors across the country at the same time that […]
Is Investing HOA Reserve Funds the Right Move?
In the world of Homeowners Associations (HOAs), managing reserve funds effectively is crucial for maintaining property values and ensuring the community’s long-term financial health. A question that often arises is: Can HOAs invest their reserve funds? The answer isn’t straightforward, but understanding the nuances can help HOA boards make informed decisions. Read the article…………………………….
Should I consider mediation for an HOA dispute? (FL)
Homeowner associations (HOAs) play an important role in maintaining community harmony and property values. The HOA achieves this balance by working to ensure those within the community follow the rules. There are times when people do not agree, when a conflict over an HOA rule may arise. Read the article…………………………….
Thoughts on Achieving Financial and Social Sustainability (TX)
In Texas and nationally over the past 15 years we have seen a higher number of condominium projects being developed. The reasons vary, but include a desire for greater density as a means to accommodate higher land prices and/or construction costs, changing demographics, and/or a means to offer the option for homeownership with a higher […]
Revolutionizing HOA Management: Changemakers on the Horizon
Community Associations play a crucial role in maintaining community harmony and property values. In the past, HOA management involved intricate paperwork, face-to-face meetings, and manual administrative tasks. Due in large part to the recent pandemic, the industry is experiencing a rapid paradigm shift. This article explores the evolving landscape of HOA management and new tools […]
Guilty By Association: Common Pitfalls in Planned Community and Condominium Formation and Management (PA)
Many homebuilders are familiar with the general structure of condominiums and planned communities in Pennsylvania, and the purposes of the associations that manage them. However, due to the complexities of these communities and the statutes that govern them (68 Pa.C.S.A. Sections 3101, et seq. (condos) and 5101, et seq. (planned communities)) (the “Acts”), there are […]
Time Management Tips for HOA Executives
Juggling the responsibilities of an HOA executive can be a time-consuming challenge. Between board meetings, resident concerns, and managing team members, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide offers time management tips specifically designed to help HOA executives conquer their workload and reclaim their sanity. From the power of time blocking to leveraging technology, discover […]
The Essential Summer Maintenance Strategy for Condo Buildings (IL)
As the season changes, so do the needs of your property. By ensuring proper upkeep, you’re not just maintaining the property’s safety, functionality, and attractiveness for residents, but also preserving property values and enhancing the living experience for everyone. A well-thought-out maintenance strategy covering both indoor and outdoor building areas is essential. This approach will […]
Effective Strategies to Keep Your Condo Building Cool in the Summer (IL)
As temperatures rise in Chicago during the summer months, keeping buildings cool becomes a top priority for both comfort and energy efficiency. This post will explore various methods to maintain a pleasant indoor environment while also conserving energy. Read the article…………………………….
Common Cybersecurity Risks in the Association Management Industry
Cybercrime is on the rise, and the association management industry is not immune. This blog dives into the most common cybersecurity threats faced by associations, we’ll also explore actionable steps associations can take to protect themselves and their members from these ever-evolving threats. Read the article…………………………….
Emotional Support Animals: All Bark and Bite A Community Association Perspective (FL)
The Federal Fair Housing Act 42 USC 3601 (the “FHA”) requires housing providers to modify or make exceptions to policies governing animals when it may be necessary to permit persons with disabilities to utilize animals. The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Read the […]