Homeowners associations (or HOAs) are supposed to exist to make our lives easier. Don’t want to mow your lawn or deal with noisy neighbors? Typically for a monthly fee, HOAs provide property maintenance and a code of rules meant to provide a uniform look and feel to a community. Sometimes, though, these codes can cause […]
Condominium Owner? How to spot problems with your HOA
Statistics show that most Condo owners do not attend Board of Directors (BOD) meetings and avoid involvement with HOA issues. As a result, Condo owners rely on the BOD to be their fiduciary agents, operate the Home Owners Association (HOA) prudently, establish a budget, manage reserves, maintain the Condo’s structure in a safe condition, maintain […]
How to Offer a Positive Customer Service Experience in Your HOA
Community association board members and managers might not immediately think of customer service as one of their priorities, but they should. Customer Service is typically associated with the retail industry, but it’s an integral function of any organization. The need for excellent services is just as vital to an association’s success as it is to […]
Service Animals: FFHA, ADA, and Your HOA
Federal laws can be sticky when it comes to HOA fair housing. Although the Federal Fair Housing Act was significantly revamped in 1998, there are still a surprising number of board members and managers who don’t have a full understanding of how the FFHA applies to them. One area of particular concern in any HOA […]
5 Ways to Cope With Changes in Homeowners Association Requirements
HOAs vary, of course, but in many cases they exert a large amount of control over what kind of changes can be made to an individual home in the community. As a result, homeowners may find themselves required to make certain changes to the exterior or even interior of their homes. Unfortunately, many of those […]
Ask the HOA Expert: Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Homeowner associations can be hotbeds of discontent, turmoil and conflict at times. Out in the big world, combatants can often successfully just avoid each other rather than deal with the problems. But within the HOA, avoidance is much more difficult and being in conflict with a neighbor can make living there very stressful. Unresolved conflicts […]
5 Essential Dos and Don’ts of Great Board Members
Many board members take great pride in never raising assessments. This is a great practice if there is an ability to reduce certain costs – say insurance premiums. But if it is a result of using less reputable vendors or other risky practices, doing so is likely to catch up with the association in the […]
HOAs, BOTs, CC&Rs, and more: Defining community association terms
Today, 70 million Americans live in 344,500 common-interest communities. Even if you haven’t lived in a condo, co-op, or HOA, chances are you’ve at least heard of these communities. Admittedly, those who live in, volunteer in, and work for common-interest communities tend to throw around terms like “ARC,” “CC&Rs,” “D&O” or “CMCA” that make things […]
What You Need to Know About Fire Alarm Maintenance (CA)
As a board member, your homeowners trust you to keep the community safe and well-maintained. Fire alarm systems are one of the main requirements to keep homes safe and having them inspected, tested and serviced is crucial. Read on to learn everything you need to know about short and long-term fire alarm maintenance. Read the article………………
HOA Rule vs. Policy: What you Need to Know
Rules and policies are an important part of an association’s governing documents. An association’s governing documents prescribe what the association is, how it runs, what its goals are, and the restrictions home owners agree to abide by while living within the common interest development (CID). As with any hierarchy, there is an order of authority […]
Can Your HOA Regulate Your Holiday Decor?
Fall and winter holidays are perfect for creating an elaborate outdoor scene – whether you’re planning to recreate “Frankenstein” in your front yard, light up the walkways for Diwali or feature Santa Claus and his reindeer on your roof. Regardless of which holiday you prefer to go all out for, the potential to spread extra […]
5 Possible Solutions to Short Term Rental Problems in an HOA
Short term rentals have become a hot-button issue in HOA communities. More and more homeowners are choosing to rent their homes through sites such as Airbnb or VRBO as a convenient, low-cost way to earn additional income; however, the popularity of short-term rentals is raising concerns in associations and even opening them up to liabilities. Read […]
Risks Worth Considering for Self-Managing the HOA
On the surface, managing the homeowners association may seem simple and straightforward. Many HOA boards think they have it all together and can easily manage the HOA on their own. After all, can’t their community be self-managed? Is it required to hire an HOA management company? The answer isn’t that simple and there are factors […]
Which Rule Rules?
A dustup at the Village Dunes co-op in Montauk highlights the differing standards that may govern the enforceability of decisions made by co-op boards. This dispute began when a shareholder sought the consent of the co-op board to make alterations to his apartment, including raising the ceiling of the apartment, enclosing an unfinished common area […]
Architectural Control Committees Serve a Need
Q. We live in a homeowner association and I have just been appointed to the architectural control committee. Some of the homeowners do not want such a committee, and many owners just ignore the process when they make exterior changes. Our declaration of covenants requires advance approval before any such changes or additions can be […]
Are there delinquencies your board of directors does not want to address?
If you have an “elephant” in the board room of your condo or HOA, it’s most likely that the elephant is delinquencies by other owners in the association. Let’s be honest; sometimes it’s just easier to let your neighbors get away with not paying their fair share, than it is to bring these issues to […]
Minimizing Bear Incidents In Residential Subdivisions (FL)
Residential developments in Florida increasingly encroach into black bear habitat. While not typically aggressive, bears can cause problems, including property damage and personal injury. There are ways that a developer, homebuilder or manager of a homeowners’ association (HOA) can minimize bear incidents in communities. If a bear attack occurs in your subdivision, you could face […]
HOA insurance mistake #2: Thinking small (CA)
Small Homeowners Association (HOA) insurance coverage can be cheaper. But that can cost high assessments later. The easiest mistake to make when reviewing your HOA insurance policy is to think too small. After all, many of the condo and homeowners associations in Napa, Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, American Canyon and Sonoma are small. And small […]
Regulation of Noisy Vehicles within the Community (CA)
Asked – We have several vehicles that are “extremely loud” due to their exhaust systems. Even with all windows and doors closed and these vehicles 1/2 way across the complex, there is NO PROBLEM hearing them when they start them. They even set off car alarms near them. Can we ask them to address the […]
3 HOA Insurance Terms You Need to Know
With all the carriers, agents and policy options and terminology, HOA insurance can be a confusing subject for many people. Knowing these HOA insurance terms will help you better understand some aspects of the insurance process your association goes through to protect your community’s assets. Read the article………………
Transparency vs. Privacy: A Balancing Act for Boards (NY)
Last week we revealed ways co-op and condo boards can conduct their monthly meetings in a way that will satisfy residents’ rising demands for transparency – while protecting sensitive personal information. Today we look at three other areas where boards must balance demands for transparency against the right to privacy. Read the article………………
5 Traits of a Problem Board Member
HOA board members are usually fulfilling their positions on a volunteer basis, which means they’re using some of their free time outside of work and family obligations to better their communities. Because of that, it’s important that board meetings are both efficient and productive to be considerate of everyone’s time. Read the article………………
14 Things Your Reserve Analysts Might Not Tell You – And It’s Not Their Fault (Part 3)
Two weeks ago,, we shared five focus points to help you analyze property components. Last week, we offered another five, which were practical considerations to discuss with your reserve analysts in order to estimate project expenses as accurately as possible. To recap, we’ve covered: Read the article………………
Budget Season (MD)
This is a busy time of year for Board Members and Property Managers, as many are working n their budgets for next year. We have a few tips to guide you through this process. Maryland Clients – Please do not forget to comply with the laws regarding the adoption of your budget. As such, your […]
Preparing for a Productive Annual Meeting
The mantra “Always be prepared” is especially critical in environments that could quickly devolve into chaos. Have your homeowners association’s annual meetings become a forum where the most critical homeowners regale your neighbors with an endless list of complaints? Annual meetings serve a specific purpose—primarily to receive financial reports and elect board members—but are often […]
A 58-story luxury condo skyscraper in San Francisco is tilting and sinking — here’s everything that’s gone wrong in the last decade
San Francisco’s Millennium Tower has been shrouded in controversy for years — but its fate has never looked bleaker than it does today. Since its opening in 2009, the 58-story skyscraper has sunk 17 inches and tilted another 14 inches to the northwest, causing many residents to speculate about issues with the building’s foundation that […]
Lax Oversight Leads to a Facade Fiasco (NY)
That’s what the co-op board at 60 West Broad Street in Mt. Vernon learned when it tried to fix the building’s leaky facade. They’d long been aware of their water-infiltration problems, so in 2008, they forked over $758,000 for an overhaul of the front of their six-story building, says board member Maria Duarte. They hired […]
Political Signs and Free Speech (OH)
With election season upon us, the topic of political signs is bound to come up at your association. This time of year, political signs start popping up in the yards on individual lots and on common and limited common elements as well as in owner’s windows. Many homeowner and condominium associations have deed restrictions on […]
Boost Property Values with HOA Money Management
Research has confirmed it: smart HOA money management is important to property values. For example, recent study on the “Impact of Reserve Fund Strength on Home Values” was particularly revealing. It found that among comparable condo associations in demographically similar neighborhoods, the sale price of units in communities with a strong reserve fund averaged 12.6% […]
Rule Development and Enforcement for Community Associations– Part II
Continuing on with our series on Rule Development and Enforcement for Communication Associations, this week we delve into the board’s authority to make and enforce rules, define rules and guidelines, as well as their scope. Read the article………………
8 common HOA violations that can land you in hot water
Plenty of people love living in a community with a homeowners association, or HOA. HOA rules are designed to prevent neighborhoods from turning into eyesores and keep the peace. Sometimes, though, the rules can catch homeowners by surprise and result in costly consequences. Read the article………………
What to Include On An HOA Board Meeting Agenda
Determining what to talk about during every board meeting can feel a bit overwhelming. Since each HOA is different, the items discussed at every meeting will vary. Add to that the fact that state law requires that meeting agendas be posted four days in advance in a public place designated by the association’s annual disclosure, […]
What should our Condominium Association Insurance Cover? Part II – Condominium Instruments & Association Insurance
Though not legally required, most condominium instruments provide that the association must carry hazard and liability insurance in order to protect the membership from disaster and the financial strain of litigation. The instruments may also specify the amount of the deductibles that the association’s various types of coverage will have; if not, the deductibles may […]
5 Tips for Presenting HOA Budgets
As a board member, preparing an annual budget and establishing assessments for your association falls squarely within your fiduciary duty. The budgeting process can be long and involved, but it is the board’s responsibility to make sure that sufficient funds are readily available to maintain common areas, pay bills and keep things running smoothly. […]
Trademarks and Community Associations: Maintaining Your Community’s Brand
Your community association (“Association”) probably invests substantial resources in protecting and maintaining its green spaces, facilities, and other common elements. But what about its good name? Read the article………………
Achieving an HOA Meeting Quorum
It’s five minutes until the Annual Meeting starts. The governing documents require the presence in person or by proxy of at least 25% of the eligible voters to establish a legal quorum. With only 21% of the members so represented, the meeting has to be canceled and rescheduled. Read the article………………
14 Things Your Reserve Analysts Might Not Tell You – and It’s Not Their Fault (Part 1)
Reserve studies are invaluable tools for condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowners associations. Used properly, they assist boards and managers to make good decisions for reserve funding with long range planning in view. They also help to plan for near term capital projects. The reserve study provides a basis for a systematic and disciplined approach to reserve […]
14 Things Your Reserve Analysts Might Not Tell You – and It’s Not Their Fault (Part 2)
Last week’s blog offered five focus points to improve the accuracy of your reserve plan. Nuggets 1 through 5 help you analyze property components. This week, we share nuggets 6 through 10. These are practical considerations to discuss with your reserve analysts in order to estimate project expenses as accurately as possible. Read the article………………
HOA Board Team Building Ideas
Team building activities are a great way to make your HOA board of directors function in a more cohesive and harmonious way. Before we take a look at some activities that your board can try, let’s look at some of the benefits. Read the article………………
HOA Insurance Mistake #1: Not understanding the CC&Rs
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the documents that govern your shared neighborhood, such as a condominium association, a townhome association, a mobile home park and even some neighborhoods with single-family detached homes. Read the article………………
Your Condo Unit Owner’s Insurance: Do You Know What’s Really Covered?
Your condo is more than a roof over your head: It’s your home. So make sure you understand insurance basics and coverage options for your unit. Read the article………………
Can Your HOA Regulate Your Holiday Decor?
Fall and winter holidays are perfect for creating an elaborate outdoor scene — whether you’re planning to recreate “Frankenstein” in your front yard, light up the walkways for Diwali or feature Santa Claus and his reindeer on your roof. Regardless of which holiday you prefer to go all out for, the potential to spread extra […]
Learn Condo Insurance 101
Condo insurance provides coverage for the inside of your condominium; the external areas fall under the jurisdiction of your condo association and must be covered under the association’s insurance policy. Depending upon the specifics of your condominium association’s master policy, your condo insurance may include coverage for: Read the article………………
Pacifying Problem Homeowners
In the day-to-day life of the HOA manager, few things are more reliable than complaints. And if you have complaints, chances are you have at least one devoted complainer (hey, we all need a hobby). Maybe they’ve already caused your HOA nightmares by ardently complaining about one big thing. Maybe they nit-pick you on 17 […]
Common HOA Lawsuits & How to Dodge (err…) Avoid Them
Covenant enforcement issues, rule violations, board member battles, and homeowner litigation against the Association are some of the most common HOA lawsuits. Contentious, continued litigation can and does ensue in some of these situations. However, as an HOA leader, you can learn how to make the courthouse a last resort, instead of a starting point. […]
Bringing HOAs into the Future: 5 Ways Technology Can Improve your Community
Emerging technologies like the internet and cell phones have shifted how we function in most aspects of our lives and created heightened expectations towards effectiveness and efficiency. And although the impact of technological advancement can be felt in pretty much every industry, many community associations are reluctant to leverage it to improve the way they […]
Rule Development and Enforcement for Community Associations Part 1
Over the course of the next few blogs, we will be providing a brief overview of rules and architectural guidelines in community associations, including: • Scope of Rules and Architectural Guidelines • Developing valid and enforceable Rules using formal rule making procedures • Four Types of Resolutions for Community Associations • Developing and implementing a due process procedure for […]
Five Reasons for Joining a Co-op or Condo Board
Co-op and condo board service has its drawbacks. The pay is non-existent. The hours are long. It is almost guaranteed to stoke the ire of someone in the building. And, oh yes, it can get you sued and it rarely generates so much as a word of thanks. Yet sane people continue to volunteer to […]
Things an HOA Board Should Consider When Planning Next Year’s Budget
Preparing next year’s budget for your homeowners is one of the most important undertakings for the HOA board. Fiduciary responsibility is something you pledged to look after for your community and this is an area where that really comes into play. There are a few things the Board should consider for next year’s Association budget. […]