When you buy a home in a homeowners association, or HOA, the association has certain rules owners must follow. These rules are called restrictive covenants, and they can make a difference in what you’re allowed to do with your property. Before you buy a home in an association with restrictive covenants, make sure you understand […]
How to Recession-Proof Your HOA from a Maintenance Perspective
When the Great Recession of 2008 occurred, home-owners associations took a hit. Not only was there an increase number of homeowners unable to pay their dues, but continued maintenance was unfortunately overlooked. Without sufficient funds, how can HOAs complete necessary maintenance in their communities if they didn’t plan? As the U.S. economy gets hit by […]
9 Habits of Extremely Productive Community Association Managers
It doesn’t matter what part of the country you are in, Community Association Management is a high-stress and fast-paced job. Site visits, Board Meetings, project planning and management, emergency repairs, and homeowner communication are just some of the tasks us managers have to prioritize every day. Read the article………………………….
Tips for Developing and Adapting a Strategic Plan for Your Association
As a member of your HOA’s board of directors, you’re responsible for establishing the direction of the association and allocating resources. To ensure both dollars and human resources get used wisely, you should adopt the practice of setting time aside to develop a strategic plan for your community. Read on to learn more about the […]
HOA: Protecting the Most Vulnerable (FL)
Multifamily residential buildings provide both privacy and community. Privacy, because a recluse in New York City can have almost anything delivered to his door and thus never have to leave the sanctuary of his apartment; and community, because a single retiree in an active adult community in Palm Beach can enjoy the company of his […]
Steps to Take if You Suspect Fraud Within Your HOA
While not a pleasant topic, fraud, theft, or embezzlement can happen in any organization, and volunteer organizations such as homeowners’ associations are particularly vulnerable. With large sums of money and members’ personal information at stake, it’s crucial for members to be able to easily recognize fraudulent activity and understand how to best protect their association. […]
Top 10 Reasons Why Homeowners Should Attend Board Meetings. A Primer for Board Members and Homeowners
Are you a homeowner and are you part of a condo association, townhome association or HOA? What is your desired community living experience given that you are part of an association? Are you looking to maximize your living experience within the community or are you simply satisfied with homeownership and are not looking to get […]
Tips for reviewing cable service provider agreements (MI)
In 2009, 87.8% of American households had either a cable or satellite TV subscription; however, by the end of 2019, that number dropped to just 65.3% of American households, as more American households “cut the cord” and turned to internet-based TV subscriptions, such as Netflix, Hulu and YouTube TV. With this steep drop in cable […]
Here’s How Co-ops and Condos Can Cut Their Energy Bill (NY)
Most of a co-op’s or condo’s budget – roughly 80% – is eaten up by fixed costs, such items as taxes, insurance and staff payroll. Now more than ever, boards need to make sure they’re spending wisely on the sliver of the budget they can control. And one item that many boards view, wrongly, as […]
Everything You Should Know About HOA Committees (NC)
Every homeowners association can benefit from the creation of HOA committees, but the process of assembling one requires much more than sheer willpower. Before you can form a committee, you must first understand the types as well as their individual roles. Read the article…………………………
HOA Restrictions on Emotional Support Dogs in the Pool Area (CA)
Asked – Our Association does not allow pets in the pool area, but a resident has recently begun bringing her emotional support dog to the pool-side lounge area. Do we have to let the dog accompany its owner to the pool? Read the article………………………………….
Enforcing Conformity: Home Improvement Projects And Architectural Review Boards In HOAs
You found the right home, and now you are ready to build a beautiful deck to relax on or add another room. Then, the HOA gets involved. They want to know how big the deck will be, what color you are going to paint it, and (most significantly) whether the plans comply with the community’s […]
Speed Bump Size Limitations for an HOA
Traffic safety should be a top priority for HOAs, where pedestrians and cars are often in close proximity to one another. Speed bumps can be an effective calming measure to reduce aggressive driving and potential accidents on association property. Regulations for installation will vary depending of the association’s location. Read the article……………………………..
Ready… Set… Recover: Essential Hurricane Preparedness Guidebook for Florida Community Associations
Anticipating an active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, the Florida Community Association Law Firm of Katzman Chandler today released its annual “Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guide for Community Associations” to help Florida communities protect their properties and safeguard community residents during what experts say will be a significantly more active storm season. Read the article…………………………
Finding the Source of Leaks in a New Condo Can Be a Detective Story (NY)
The quest to find the source of leaks in a building’s envelope can turn into a detective story. In such cases, the sleuths try to solve a pair of mysteries: What is causing the leaks? And who is going to pay for the repairs? Read the article…………………………….
How to Effectively Manage Conflict in Your Community
As an elected leader of a homeowners’ association (HOA), you have a duty to preserve and promote harmony in the community. Conflicts can and will arise, and it’s up to board members to diffuse situations as much as possible and bring the community together instead of apart. Read on to learn about the sources of […]
Should Your Community Association Have A Lifeguard?
Warm weather means that your HOA community members are looking to cool off and have fun in the sun. If your HOA or condo association has a pool that is open to residents and their guests, you may be concerned about keeping them safe while they splash. This is an important thing to consider because […]
Fireworks Within Community Associations Spark Complaints and Liabilities (FL)
With the approaching July 4th holiday weekend community associations are on high alert and warning residents of the consequences and potential dangers of violating rules which prohibit setting off fireworks and the like. Read the article…………………………..
Do the Board of Directors have a Responsibility to Address Harassment? YES! (AZ)
Many boards have taken the position that the board does not have an obligation to address reports of harassment in the community. Generally, boards try to avoid confrontation and are unsure how to deal with a resident who harasses others. Boards tend to be reluctant to escalate matters and incur legal fees. Read the […]
HOA 101: Understanding the Role of the Board Treasurer
To function correctly, a homeowners’ association (HOA) must have a board of directors that’s authorized to act on a community’s behalf, create and enforce community guidelines, and maintain shared spaces. Generally, the HOA board has four officer positions: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Each officer has specific duties and responsibilities related to the operation […]
Who is Responsible for Accidents on HOA Property?
HOA or Condo associations have a duty of ordinary and reasonable care. If a person is walking in a communal space, whether it be a community pool, clubhouse, park or on the sidewalk, liability can fall on the association. Members of the community association board should be aware of the risks and liabilities in their […]
Is HOA Bankruptcy An Option?
Whether due to an economic downturn or other reasons, homeowners associations are not exempt from financial issues. The situation can degenerate even further to the point that an HOA is forced to consider bankruptcy. But, is HOA bankruptcy even a viable option? Read the article……………………………
How To Deal With Trespassing In HOA Community (NC)
Believe it or not, trespassing in HOA communities is a common point of concern. Whether the situation involves the HOA entering a homeowner’s property or a homeowner entering community property, it is important for any association to know how to handle this issue. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences for both parties. […]
How to Build HOA Reserve Funds
A large responsibility of the HOA is to operate, maintain, repair, and replace all common areas within a development. Because these areas are available for use to everyone within the community, HOA funds are used for any expenses that may ensue. Read the article…………………………..
Is Your HOA’s Preferred Contractors List a Liability?
Q: Our association has a list of preferred contractors for homeowners to use for work inside their homes. Does the association face increased liability? Read the Q&A……………………………….
5 Tips to Improve Your HOA’s Outdoor Amenities (NJ)
A well-planned landscape of shrubs, bushes, and colorful flowers along stone garden walls, with grass upon neighborhood entry, around the in-ground pool, and clubhouse, always neatly trimmed with few, if any, weeds are a beautiful thing. Such perfection does take work and thoughtful planning! The good news, it is all a shared expense and experience […]
Identifying, Scouting and Retaining HOA Board Members
Having a strong Board for your Homeowners Association is essential. Developing that HOA Board, and the individual Board members, can feel like an insurmountable task at times, especially during times of hardship or conflict. Creating a culture within your Board that includes appreciation, expectations, and imagining what can be achieved are all part of creating […]
Boards and Managers Play Traffic Cop as Alterations Reboot (NY)
As Phase Two of New York City’s reopening picks up steam, co-op and condo boards and their property managers are finding themselves cast in the unfamiliar role of traffic cops. They have to decide which apartment renovations and alterations can move ahead first, and how those projects can proceed with a minimum of risk and […]
Tips to Being a Smart HOA Money Manager
As an HOA board member or property manager, staying on top of the HOA budget and other financial issues is a top responsibility. With the coronavirus pandemic potentially impacting the timeliness of HOA assessment payments and increasing costs, such as the disinfecting of common areas, it is now even more important to be a smart […]
How to Conduct Board Meetings in an Hour or Less
Homeowners and board members alike lead very busy lives these days, and it’s important to hold efficient and productive board meetings to make the best use of everyone’s time. With a proactive approach and careful planning, it is possible to hold meaningful and well-organized board meetings in one hour (or less)! Read the article……………………………….
Slowly Getting Over the Hump: Addressing Speeding with Traffic Calming Devices (FL)
Between kids at play, exterior maintenance projects, pedestrians, and cyclists, your association could be seriously impacted by speeders. As a follow up to Jennifer Horan, Esquire’s article “Slow Your Roll: How to Address Speeding Issues in your Association,” published on October 28, 2019, can or should your association install traffic calming devices, like speed bumps […]
What Insurers Need to Know about Florida’s Statute of Repose for Construction Defects
When can a construction CGL insurer finally breathe easy? The answer can be found in Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(c), Florida’s statute of limitations and repose for construction defects. The statute of limitations prohibits construction defect claims 4 years after the claim accrues. For not-readily-observable defects (“latent defects”), the claim does not accrue until the defect […]
New Board? How to Make the Transition as Smooth as Possible
Typically, board transitions happen after elections at a homeowners’ association (HOA) annual membership meeting. Voted in by community members, new directors volunteer to take on the duties of the board and the great responsibility that comes with it. Knowing the weight of the role, it’s important the transition of old board to new board is […]
Tips for managing HOA architectural change requests
When trying to decide if an architectural change request should be approved, an HOA will generally look to the association’s architectural standards to help them make a fair and subjective decision. Read the article………………………….
Protecting HOA Members’ Contact Information (CA)
Asked – Our HOA Board of Directors just learned that any member may request a copy of our HOA’s membership list and have access to other members’ personal contact information. Is there anything we can do to protect the privacy of our members who may not want their personal information shared with others in our […]
Top 10 Legal Obligations of Homeowners Associations
Across the US, approximately 2.5 million people serve on community associations and boards. More Americans are choosing to live in communities that are ran by HOA’s. Beyond being the people who decide if you can paint your door purple, the list of obligations and responsibilities Homeowners Associations have is certainly long and complex. Read the […]
Installing License Plate Readers in HOAs
Some homeowners associations are installing license plate readers, a new frontier of private surveillance that raises questions about privacy, data, and liability. Read the article…………………………….
The Dangers of Pet Waste in a Community
Many pet owners are unaware of the dangers of pet waste in their yards and communities. The truth is that the waste our pets leave behind poses numerous hazards to humans, the environment, our lawn, and plants. Read the article……………………………..
HOA 101: Understanding the Role of the Board Secretary
A homeowners’ association (HOA) must have a board of directors authorized to act on a community’s behalf, create and enforce guidelines, and maintain shared spaces. Generally, the board has four officer positions: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Each officer has specific duties and responsibilities related to the operation of the association. Read on to […]
How to Make Outbound Calls to Collect Delinquent Assessments in Condos and HOA
In the effort to collect delinquent assessments in a condo or HOA, one of the tools used will be outbound calls. These calls to delinquent owners are very effective in that in some circumstances people are unaware that they are delinquent in their obligations to the association. Outbound calls to collect delinquent assessments in condos […]
Tips to Deal with Structural Issues in High-rises
At some point in their lifetime, high-rise buildings will experience post-construction issues. In fact, nearly all residential high-rises enter litigation for a variety of reasons stemming from construction defects or deferred maintenance. Board members, community managers, maintenance supervisors, and service providers must pay attention to their buildings and look for signs of a problem before […]
Do Co-ops and Condos Need a Business Safety Plan? Good Question (NY)
The confusing signals keep coming. The latest confusion surrounds the Business Safety Plan, a document businesses must prepare as the state moves through its phased reopening, outlining steps the business will take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some attorneys are advising co-op and condo boards that they’re obligated to formulate plans. Others aren’t so […]
The Importance of an HOA Board Code of Conduct
Serving as an HOA board member is a rewarding challenge, especially if this is your first time! The more prepared you are for the expectations of the role, the more confident you’ll feel. There’s certainly a code of conduct you should be committed to upholding. Read the article……………………………..
HOA Board vs HOA Management Company Responsibilities
In a homeowners association, the board and the management company must work together to run the community. Yet, it is equally important to know the difference in roles and responsibilities between the HOA board vs HOA management company. Read the article……………………………..