As a member of a homeowners’ association (HOA), you’re legally required to follow all rules and regulations. At first glance, having rules for a neighborhood or community may seem restrictive; however, there are many benefits to having a robust set of guidelines. Read the article……………………………
Co-op and Condo Boards Must Repair and Maintain Sidewalks (NY)
Co-op and condo boards cannot afford to forget one of the more curious aspects of running a building in New York City: the city owns most of the sidewalks, but the city isn’t responsible for taking care of most of the sidewalks. Read the article……………………….
Use Riders to Collect Delinquent HOA Fees
If you have purchased a condominium or property in an HOA you have signed a rider. For condos its called a Condo Rider. For HOAs its Called a PUD Rider. This rider is an attachment to the document recorded in the land records to secure the note given by the lender (aka mortgage). These riders […]
7 Cost-Effective Ways to Reduce Property Risk
Amenities like clubhouses, tennis courts, basketball courts, and recreation centers bring value to your neighborhood. Since each HOA member chips in, everyone gets to enjoy these perks without breaking the bank. However, such perks are not without their risks. Read the article……………………..
Condominium and HOA Boards Beware of Holding “Executive Sessions” (FL)
I am often asked by association boards if the board can meet in “executive session” to discuss a sensitive topic, such as a personnel matter or dispute with an owner or neighborhood association, without members present. Read the article………………………….
How to Handle Troublesome Tenants
A recent tragedy in Las Vegas where an 11-year old girl was shot and killed in her home while eating dinner by suspected gang members raises many questions about a homeowners association’s authority over its residents. Turns out, the shooters targeted the wrong house; they meant to target the one next door. The home was […]
The Role of HOA Management — Hang Up Your Super Suit
Sometimes it seems that homeowners think community association managers have superpowers. They are all-knowing, have x-ray vision, and are able to resolve all matters with a simple decree. But when you’re actually in the trenches of your job, you know superpowers aren’t exactly part of the package. Read the article………………………….
7 Key Things That Should Be on Your HOA Vision Board In 2020
2020 is approaching and if your board has not had your end of year meeting or planning meeting for next year, these 7 items should be factored into your agenda planning meeting. Read the article……………………………
Happy decorating: How community associations should regulate holiday lights and displays
Many homeowners likely have already gotten into the full spirit of the holidays and put up lights, decorations, and religious displays outside their home. If you live in a community association, you might be asking yourself: When do I have to take my decorations down? Do I have to turn my lights off every night? […]
What Your HOA Should Focus On In 2020 (NC)
Where should your HOA management focus on in 2020? At the beginning of the year, HOA board members need to have a clear direction of their approach for the upcoming year. The reason for this is that residents need to feel that their dues are being used efficiently and ethically. Without having a clear approach […]
SMART meetings: get the most out of your board meetings
Are your meetings great? No, not likely. Too many meetings are poorly attended, take far too long, are unproductive, and without purpose or outcomes. Having great meetings is not mandatory, but holding meetings that people want to attend is a smart approach. Read the article…………………………
To Tow or Not to Tow?
One of the “hot-button” questions we receive from HOAs is about their authority to tow vehicles that are improperly parked in the subdivision. The primary question that the HOA needs to ask is whether the vehicle they want to tow is parked in a Common Area (parking lot or private street in most cases). If […]
Simply Unenforceable: HOA Covenants and How They Can Go Too Far
Covenants and restrictions form the foundation of a homeowners’ association. By establishing standards for what homeowners must do, and must refrain from doing, they set the tone for the community. Well-planned covenants can protect property values, promote safety and aesthetic appeal, and generally improve a neighborhood’s quality of life. But if they’re ill-conceived, covenants and […]
Dealing with Racially Restrictive Covenants
HOA board members may be unaware that their covenants contain discriminatory language against racial, ethnic, and religious minority groups. If your CC&Rs are more than 30 years old, take a look. It may be time to update the documents anyway. Read the article……………………….
Master or Sub: Which Rules Do I Follow? (OH)
Far too often an association’s board of directors has a hard enough time getting prospective purchasers (or long-time owners for that matter) to understand what it means to live in a deed-restricted community. Just getting people to read (and hopefully understand) the governing documents is quite the challenge. However, many associations not only have to […]
Who is Responsible for Carrying Insurance on a Condominium? (MI)
For many people, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will make in their lifetime. While owning real estate should be considered an investment, it should also be viewed as a risk. Aside from the risk that the property will decrease in value, every homeowner should consider the risk that the property could be […]
No Thanks: The Lot of a Co-op Board President (NY)
Paranoia seems to be an inevitable part of daily life in this big city. And paranoia is in evidence among some co-op shareholders and condo unit-owners who, whenever a decision is made that they don’t like, immediately suspect the board of malfeasance. To these people, the board members have grown drunk on their power to […]
Pet Problems In Your HOA
Homeowner associations (HOAs) offer many benefits to their members. Communal amenities, increased safety, and a strong sense of community are some of the most significant. However, when individuals choose to live in an association community, they agree to follow set guidelines. One area that many associations struggle with is managing pet problems and complaints among […]
Too Many Cars, Not Enough Parking: Finding a Neighborhood Solution
HOAs and COAs have long struggled with the issue of limited parking and strict parking policies. Especially as the average number of vehicles per household rises through the decades. Once, an allotment of two cars was enough for families but now, each child has a car, visiting relatives and caregivers must have a place to […]
How to Make Online Voting Work for Your HOA
Online voting is a great tool designed to pair the greatest need of an HOA—homeowner involvement—with a technological solution. As a follow-up to an earlier article about community voting, this week we will share the benefits and challenges of online voting for your HOA. Then, we will provide some best practices to consider when planning […]
What’s Special about Special Assessments? (NC)
The term for owner payments to a homeowner or condominium association in North Carolina is “assessments.“ That’s because the term “dues” doesn’t appear in any statute. Instead, “assessment“ is used to describe the payment that owners of an HOA lot or a condominium unit make to the association to pay for common costs of the […]
Cumulative Voting in an HOA
Voting is an important aspect of homeowner engagement in an HOA, especially for annual meetings. Homeowners’ voices are heard through voting to adopt or amend the governing documents, levy a special assessment, or most notably, for the election of board candidates. Voting can be conducted in person, by proxy (in Texas, but not in Arizona), […]
Handling Fire Lane Parking Rules in an HOA (TX)
A fire lane is defined as a marked lane near a structure that runs along the street. As every driver knows, parking in a fire lane is prohibited at all times in order to grant fire trucks and emergency vehicles unobstructed access to the structure in the event of an emergency. However, it’s not uncommon […]
How to Write Holiday Decoration Guides for Community Associations
Holiday decorations are part of what makes the season so magical. Driving past houses that give the impression of gingerbread cottages and warm holiday cabins is a special sight. Of course, there are always a few houses that go overboard. When decorations become gaudy or distracting hazards, many HOAs feel inclined to draw the line. […]
HOA Tips for Handling Snow Removal
Our association wants to reduce snow removal costs. We’re looking at everything from landscaping companies to a neighbor with a plow on his truck. What liability issues should we be considering? Read the Q&A……………………….
HOA Rules vs. Policy: What’s the Difference?
You’ve heard the terms rules and regulations, CC&R’s, bylaws, resolutions and policy – but what do they mean? How are each of them different and which term is appropriate to use? There are subtle differences between them, but there are also similarities. In fact, some of them even overlap in terms. We’ve composed a definition […]
6 Ways to Spread Joy in Your HOA Community
One of the most wonderful things about an HOA neighborhood is the potential to come together during the holidays. Spreading joy throughout the holiday season is a great way to connect with your neighbors and to enrich your community. Of course, simply smiling and saying “Happy Holidays” is only the beginning. Whether you’re an HOA […]
Back to Basics
There are articles every month covering community association issues, which you can find from a plethora of sources. This magazine, other similar magazines, national magazines, newspaper articles, everyone’s favorite blog, attorney resources, Internet, etc. Most of these articles deal with specific issues, such as short term rentals, or emotional support animals, or the latest case […]
Know The Ins And Outs Of Your HOA’s Board Meeting Minutes
A board of directors plays an essential role in the overall well-being and culture of a homeowner’s association (HOA) community. The board is responsible for making decisions that keep a community running smoothly, ensure safety, and create a positive environment. One of their responsibilities is holding regular board meetings, discussing the needs of the community […]
What Are HOA Violations & How to Avoid Them
Becoming a member of a homeowners’ association (HOA) has many advantages, including increased home values and better amenities. However, the extra perks don’t come without a price. Members of the association are expected to upkeep their homes and abide by specific rules and guidelines. When a homeowner fails to live up to these expectations, they’ll […]
Community Safety: Beyond Neighborhood Watch Programs
According to a 2019 study in the Journal of Urban Economics, “nearly 60% of recently built single-family houses in the US, and 80% of homes in new subdivisions, are part of a homeowners association.” Many homeowners choose to live in Home Owners Association (HOA) or Condominium Owner Association (COA) neighborhoods because they appreciate the focus […]
3 Tips for Festive, but Manageable Holiday Decorations (IL)
While condominium, townhome, and homeowner association residents are free to decorate the interior of their home as they please, many associations have adopted formal decorating policies for association common elements (ex. hallways, patios, lobbies, and lawns). Read the article………………………….
Cookie-Cutter Suburbs Could Help Spread Sustainable Yards
Yards in Austin, Tex., look like most across the country: sprawling expanses of short, uniform grass. But when intense Texas droughts set in, dead brown patches deface the Kelly green monochrome. Instead of repeatedly replanting these patches with the typical sod, the homeowner association of one Austin neighborhood, Travis Country, offers another option: filling in […]
Holding a Meeting? – A Proper Check In is Critical for Success (CO)
It is that time of year when many associations are holding budget meetings and annual homeowner meetings. It is important that the integrity of the voting at those meetings be maintained, especially if there will be a vote on a special assessment or some other matter that may be contentious or controversial. If there is […]
Top Seven Recommended Policies – Do You Have Them All? (CO)
Most everybody knows by now that Colorado associations are required to adopt nine good governance policies pursuant to CCIOA (Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act). However, do you know that in addition to the required policies there is a slew of not-required, but highly recommended policies for associations? Read the article………………………
The Annual Calendar – A Key Component of Management Success
No one can dispute the value of preparation. Coach Wooden knew it firsthand. By his own admission, he was a poor tactician. Still, he was one of the most successful and respected coaches in the NCAA. No team ever out-prepared UCLA. For various reasons, many managers fall short in this area. They are in reactive […]
Regulating Season’s Greetings in HOAs
How soon is too soon to decorate for the holidays? When do I have to take my decorations down? Do I have to turn my lights off every night? How many decorations are too many? These are some of the questions common in HOAs this time of year. Read the article……………………….
Be prepared for annual election of board members (FL)
The first quarter of the new calendar year, also known as “season” is coming up and this is the time that most condominium and homeowners’ associations have their annual meetings and annual election of directors because the most residents are in town. Read the article…………………….
Why Should Your Community Consider Trademarking Its Name and Logo?
Many communities rely upon name recognition and a certain style logo to attract attention from potential new purchasers as well as to enhance real property values for existing owners. Read the article……………………….
Committed Teams: The Best Way to Be a Successful HOA
So, how do you create a team of people committed to solving problems quickly and producing quality work? The team you already have is likely to be the perfect one. All you have to do is bring out their best qualities. Members of the highest performing teams say the following: Read the article……………………….
Properly Handling Your Community Association’s Online Presence
It’s almost 2020, and chances are, your community association has a virtual presence on the Internet. Whether your association runs its own website, has a site run by a management company or some other third-party vendor, or is active on a social media site, association leaders and Managers should take some steps in order to […]
How Should Community Associations Handle Flags?
Flags are a tough issue for any HOA looking to promote a tidy, unified curb line. Flags tend to make homes stand out from one another and some cross the neighborhoods style-guide into gaudiness or are so large that they overwhelm the rest of the landscaping. But where do you draw the line between a […]
3 HOA Rules You Need To Follow
Buying a home in a subdivision usually means agreeing to a homeowner’s association (HOA). These groups were created with the intent to assist owners, keeping the community clean and hopefully protecting property value. Sometimes, though, they may become a bit annoying, especially when they hold fast to certain rules. It’s best to honor the agreement, […]
4 Questions Association Board Members Should Ask in a Hoarding Situation
It is important to be able to identify a hoarding situation in the event one is present within your Association. Hoarding is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “the compulsion to continually accumulate a variety of items that are often considered useless accompanied by an inability to discard the items without great distress”. Hoarding goes beyond […]
Getting to Know Your HOA Documents
Whether you own a home in an HOA community and are serving on the board, or if you’re looking to purchase a home and want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into, let’s breakdown your HOA documents and what they mean for you. Read the article………………………..
The Holly Jolly HOA
From Halloween through the New Year, there are all sorts of opportunities to celebrate, decorate…and break every HOA rule in the book. But while you love the festivities as much as anyone else, you still have community standards to maintain. All too often, adherence to HOA holiday decoration rules and such can put a damper […]
Inequity of Scale – The Challenge of Leading and Managing Small Condominium Associations
Association Bridge was formed in large part due to my experience teaching CAI’s old “Essentials” program for community association volunteer leaders. Ken Ingram of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and I were tapped to teach the full day program for a few years at Reston Association. RA member associations are typically very small communities known as […]
Updating Your Documents: Is it Time for a Facelift?
The governing documents of a housing development—be it a cooperative, condominium, or homeowners association—spell out the rules, regulations, and policies that all unit owners or shareholders are obligated to follow as a condition of their residence. Read the article………………………
HOA Problems That Happen in Winter and How Careful HOA Planning Can Help
Summer may be the most exciting time of year in your community, and it’s certainly the homeowners association’s chance to show off a little bit, reminding residents of all the amenities that make your neighborhood or condo so great. A sparkling pool, newly surfaced tennis courts, colorful flower beds, and full playground speak for themselves, […]
Is it Legal for Owners to Record HOA Board Meetings?
Almost no one leaves their home without their smartphone, including HOA members attending a board meeting. A smartphone can quickly become a recording device with the tap of an app. Recording meetings and conversations is a slippery slope for many HOA boards. Finding the right balance between what’s legal and how to protect your HOA […]