House Committee advances bill requiring homebuilders to turn over HOA control to homeowners earlier (ID)

Homeowners could soon get more say in their homeowners association under a new bill. On Tuesday, the House Business Committee unanimously voted to send HB 361 from Rep. Jon Weber, R-Rexburg, to the floor, which would give homeowners in developments with HOAs earlier control over the boards governing their neighborhoods instead of leaving associations under […]

Florida House panel advances condo-safety bill with tougher compliance measures

A Florida House panel on Tuesday unanimously signed off on a proposal that would make further changes to condominium safety laws requiring inspections of older buildings and adequate reserves for repairs. Rep. Vicki Lopez, a Miami Republican who has shepherded the House’s condominium safety efforts in recent years, said the measure “promotes integrity and long-term […]

Trump Creates Headwinds to New York’s Green Electric Grid

When the Biden administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, its numerous green incentives encouraged many co-op and condo boards that compliance with the city’s building emissions law, Local Law 97, might be within reach after all.   Read the article…………………………….

Legislature holds off on curbing HOA power over chickens (ID)

If you were counting on a legislative loophole to help get around your HOA banning chickens, let’s hope you didn’t count them before they hatched.  The House Agricultural Affairs Committee voted 8-7 at the end of February to hold SB 1026 from Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, that would have blocked homeowners associations from enacting rules […]

Is Your Condo Association Compliant with Illinois’ New Accessible Parking Law?

On January 1, 2025, Section 18.12 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act went into effect. This new section, which applies only to condominium associations, requires all condominium associations that have parking to adopt a policy that addresses how to reasonably accommodate a unit owner who is disabled and requires an accessible parking space to ensure […]

Prima Luce condo tower faces $36.9M foreclosure (FL)

The Prima Luce twin condo towers and Towles Garden workforce housing development face foreclosure in Fort Myers.  Developer Bob MacFarlane, who had been spearheading both projects and had used the land at Towles Garden as collateral for Prima Luce, entered March 11 with less than 48 hours to secure $36.9 million in funding to avoid […]

Award in Santa Clara HOA lawsuit is largest ever in California after ‘extensive deception’ over abandoned well under condo

It’s been nearly seven years since water began accumulating in the crawlspace of Doug Ridley and Sherry Shen’s condo — an alarming discovery that led to the uncovering of an abandoned artesian well under their living room that would wreak havoc on the couple’s lives. What followed was a years-long legal battle between Ridley and […]

Legislators introduce bipartisan HOA, Common Interest Community reform package (MN)

Legislators from all four caucuses held a press conference on Feb. 26 introducing a Homeowners Association (HOA) and Common Interest Community (CIC) reform package. The House bill, HF1268, is authored by Representatives Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove), and Shane Mekeland (GOP-Clear Lake). The Senate bill, SF1750, is authored by Senators Eric Lucero (GOP-Saint Michael) and Susan […]

HOAs are creating barriers for home-based childcare providers, lawmakers told (NV)

Deetra Stewart provided home-based child care for more than two decades before her homeowners association decided they had a problem with it.  She recalled being “shocked and horrified” by what felt like an arbitrary decision: “My family lost income and the families I serve lost their childcare provider. (The HOA) had the power to shut […]

HB25-1043 – Yet Another Potential Roadblock for Community Associations (CO)

In 2022 (HB22-1137) and again in 2024 (HB24-1337), the General Assembly passed legislation that limited an association’s ability to seek recovery of unpaid assessments. HB25-1043 is the latest effort to further curtail an association’s ability to pursue legal remedies to collect legitimate owner delinquencies.    Read the article…………………………….

Legislators introduce bipartisan HOA, Common Interest Community reform package (MN)

Legislators from all four caucuses held a press conference on Feb. 26 introducing a Homeowners Association (HOA) and Common Interest Community (CIC) reform package. The House bill, HF1268, is authored by Representatives Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove), and Shane Mekeland (GOP-Clear Lake). The Senate bill, SF1750, is authored by Senators Eric Lucero (GOP-Saint Michael) and Susan […]

House lawmakers show support for legislation limiting reach of HOAs (MN)

More than 1 million Minnesotans live under a homeowners association, and 86% say they are very happy with the results.  But when association boards or the managers they hire are ineffective, a homeowner can find a $56 fine turn into a foreclosure notice.     Read the article…………………………….

What Proposed Legislation Means for Georgia Community Associations and Homeowners

Over one-third of Georgians—2.3 million people—live in approximately 873,600 homes in 11,200+ community associations. According to the Foundation for Community Association Research and its Community Association Fact Book, these Georgia homes are generally valued at least 4% more than other homes. However, proposed legislation in the Georgia House and Senate, including SB 107, SB 108, […]

Florida Lawmaker seeks to bring more transparency and accountability to HOAs

A South Florida lawmaker is proposing a new plan to increase transparency and oversight for homeowners’ associations (HOAs), with the goal of enforcing new laws more effectively and reducing fraud.  Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) is concerned that many HOAs have either failed to comply with recently passed rules or have been involved in fraud […]

Gov. DeSantis addresses condo law concerns (FL)

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he does not want to see residents forced out of their condominiums because of a Florida state law passed after the deadly 2021 Surfside condo collapse. The law requires structural integrity assessments, known as “milestone inspections,” for condominium or cooperative buildings that are 25 to 30 years old or older, […]

Nevada bill seeks to ease child care facility restrictions in HOAs

Proposed legislation to would ease restrictions on the operation of licensed child care facilities within homeowners associations and various zoning districts is slated to be heard for the first time Monday morning.  Assembly Bill 185, sponsored by Northern Nevada Assemblywoman Natha Anderson, seeks to prohibit HOAs or unit-owners’ associations from banning licensed child care facilities,  […]

Thinking of Filing a New Lawsuit? (FL)

The Florida Supreme Court approved multiple substantial amendments to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure that went into effect on January 1, 2025. While these changes are significant, they do not appear to be terribly overwhelming. This article is not intended to provide a comprehensive review of these changes but rather to point out some […]

WUCIOA For All—A Proactive Approach to a Massive Change in Community Association Law (WA)

In 2018, the Washington legislature took a major step toward standardizing the law that applies to condominium associations, homeowners’ associations, and other common interest communities. The Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (“WUCIOA”) became effective on July 1, 2018, and applied in full to all common interest communities created on or after that date. In […]

Beyond Electronic Voting; Key 2025 Legislation Every HOA Manager Should Know (CA)

While the primary focus of the residential community association management industry is AB 2159, which permits electronic voting, several other bills were signed into law in 2024 that managers should be aware of.  SB 900, which went into effect January 1, 2025, significantly amends Civil Code (“CC”) § 4775 to address the maintenance and repair […]

Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session Kicks Off: What’s Next for Community Associations?

The 2025 Florida Legislative Session begins today, March 4th, and once again, lawmakers are considering a slate of bills that could significantly impact the millions of Floridians living in shared ownership communities. The effects of the sweeping statutory changes enacted in response to the Champlain Towers South tragedy in 2021 are still unfolding, with media […]

LEWIS D. THOMAS v. PATRIOT SQUARE HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.

This case is about some modern-day descendants of the dinosaurs, i.e., chickens, and the U.S. mail. Lewis D. Thomas, appellant, owns a home on real property that is subject to a recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, the enforcement of which is committed to the Patriot Square Homeowners’ Association, Inc., appellee (“Patriot Square”).   Read […]

Plaintiff Alleges Negligence Against Condominium Association Over Unsafe Premises (FL)

Kathleen Bailey has taken legal action against a condominium association after suffering significant injuries due to an alleged unsafe condition on their property. The complaint was filed by Bailey in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on February 21, 2025, naming Vantage Point Condominium Owners’ Association, Inc. as the […]

Arizona bill would make changes to HOA requirements, housing development

The Arizona Senate has passed legislation that would stop cities from interfering with a homeowner’s right to choose the features, structure and design of their home.  Senate Bill 1229 proposes overhauling how Arizona’s cities can regulate home designs and development standards. One of the bill’s provisions would prohibit municipalities from requiring a shared amenity that […]

House Bill 361 — Homeowner’s associations, boards (ID)

Bill Description: House Bill 361 would clarify the process by which the responsibilities of a homeowner’s association get turned over to the property owners.  Does it violate the spirit or the letter of either the United States Constitution or the Idaho Constitution? Examples include restrictions on speech, public assembly, the press, privacy, private property, or […]

Florida lawmakers say they have a plan to fix the ongoing condo crisis

Florida lawmakers are looking for ways to ease the financial burden many condo owners are facing after the legislative body passed laws requiring condo associations to make routine inspections and keep reserve funds for repairs.  The rules were a response to the 2021 Surfside condo collapse, that left 98 people dead.   Read the article…………………………….

Rep. Porras Announces Filing of Bill Strengthening HOA Regulations (FL)

Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) announced the filing of HB 983, a legislation designed to reform Florida’s Homeowners Association (HOA) by enhancing enforcement, improving transparency, and empowering residents with stronger rights.  “As Florida continues to grow, it is critical that our HOA system is fair, transparent, and accessible to all residents,” Porra said in a […]

Bill that requires solar panel installers to return land to natural state clears committee (GA)

Legislation that would require installers of solar panels on property leased from a landowner to return the land to its natural state cleared a Georgia House committee Wednesday.  But a second bill pertaining to solar panels installed in communities governed by homeowners’ associations ran into pushback from members of the House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications […]

New York State Amends 2024 Bed Bug Disclosure Law

The law does not require boards or managing agents of condominiums to provide notice of a bed bug infestation to unit owners, since the disclosure obligation is limited to “tenants and lessees” and condominium unit owners are not considered tenants or lessees.    Read the article…………………………….

D.C. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Law (“Right to Charge”)

On March 6, 2025, DC Act 25-625, “Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Amendment Act of 2024” goes into effect. The law amends several existing statutes, including the Green Building Act of 2006. The amendments to the Green Building Act create obligations for community associations and owners relative to the installation of EV […]

House lawmakers show support for legislation limiting reach of HOAs (MN)

More than 1 million Minnesotans live under a homeowners association, and 86% say they are very happy with the results.  But when association boards or the managers they hire are ineffective, a homeowner can find a $56 fine turn into a foreclosure notice.   Read the article…………………………….

DOB Launches Compliance Portal for Local Law 97 (NY)

For co-op and condo boards struggling to meet the May 1 filing deadline for their buildings’ 2024 carbon emissions, help is on the way. On Monday, March 3, the city’s Department of Buildings (DOB) launched the compliance reporting portal for Local Law 97. This online portal, known as the Building Energy Analysis Manager, allows owners […]

Slip and Fall: Community Associations and Liability Claims

Condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations have a responsibility to maintain common areas according to their governing documents. However, accidents can happen. Slip, trip, and fall claims are among the most common liability issues associations face. These claims can lead to costly litigation, increased insurance premiums, and potential financial strain on the community.    Read […]

HOA Lawsuit Disclosure: Does the Board Have a Duty to Inform Owners? (GA)

The homeowner is seeking $8 million against the HOA claiming that the HOA’s  architectural review committee improperly denied their request to build a large home on the grounds that it would block the views to Lake Mead. The problem is that the HOA board hasn’t notified the community owners about the lawsuit and they heard […]

8 Florida condo bills aim to ease, relax burden of inspections. Here are the details

Across the state, Florida condo owners have been struggling with new special assessment fees and hiked up HOA dues.  That’s largely because the state passed laws requiring inspections and mandating that condo associations must maintain reserve funds to cover maintenance, repair or replacement of any damaged or worn areas those inspections turn up. Many condo […]

Treasury Department Announces Suspension of Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Against U.S. Citizens and Domestic Reporting Companies

The Treasury Department is announcing today that, with respect to the Corporate Transparency Act, not only will it not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies or […]

Lawmakers discuss home owners associations reform (MN)

Minnesota DFL and GOP lawmakers are discussing ways to reform Home Owners Associations in the state. Representatives from both sides of the aisle sat down with FOX 9’s Leah Beno to talk more about the proposals.   Video news report……………………..

Florida Legislature returns Tuesday

Florida lawmakers will return to the capitol on Tuesday for their annual legislative session, with plenty of issues on tap including immigration, property insurance, condominium reforms and crime. HB393 would create the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to help harden condominium buildings against storm damage and reduce insurance costs. HB675 would create a grant […]

Santa Monica Beach Prop. Owners Ass’n v. Acord 219 So.3d 111 (Fla. 1d DCA 2017)

The question in THIS CASE was whether short-term vacation rentals were prohibited by the restrictive covenants. In 2015, the Association sent letters to homeowners, alleging that their properties were being used primarily as vacation rentals and requested that they stop this activity. When the owners continued to do so, the Association filed a declaratory judgment […]