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 […]
Nevada Senate bill seeks to protect religious expression
Senate Bill 201 would prevent HOAs or landlords from restricting a person from displaying religious items on their door or door frame. Video news report……………………..
South Florida condo owners keep close eye on bills in new legislative session
House Bill 913 sponsored by Rep. Vicki Lopez seeks to protect condo owners and clarify association accountability. The bill would block Citizens Property Insurance from insuring condos if the association hasn’t complied with inspection requirements Read the article…………………………….
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 […]
Bill that requires solar panel installers to return land to natural state clears committee (GA)
…..While Dickey’s bill won the committee’s support, a second measure to prohibit homeowners’ associations from preventing property owners from installing solar panels drew concerns from members of the panel. … . . Read the article…………………………….
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 […]
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. Read the article…………………………….
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…………………………….
Florida’s Condo Crisis: Lawmakers to consider potential reforms during regular session
During his State of the State Address Tuesday at the start of the regular session in Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he does not want to see anybody forced out of their condominium because of a state law. “I have every bit of confidence that the legislature is gonna fully address the needs of our […]
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 […]
Condominium hurricane hardening pilot could become more accessible (FL)
Condominium associations would no longer need unanimous approval from unit owners to qualify for a pilot grant program intended to make the buildings more resistant against hurricanes under a bill from St. Augustine Republican Sen. Tom Leek. Read the article…………………………….
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 […]
‘A very big victory.’ Riviera Golf Estates homeowners win lawsuit to protect golf course (FL)
Neighbors are celebrating a victory in their battle to protect the Riviera Golf Course from development. A circuit court judge has ruled the property in East Naples must remain a golf course until 2030. While the effect of the ruling may only be to delay development, the neighbors will continue fighting it on other fronts, […]
FinCEN Not Issuing Fines or Penalties in Connection with Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Deadlines
Today, FinCEN announced that it will not issue any fines or penalties or take any other enforcement actions against any companies based on any failure to file or update beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act by the current deadlines. No fines or penalties will be issued, and no enforcement actions […]
House Passes Bill to Protect HOA Homeowner Equity, Keep Coloradans Safely Housed (CO)
The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representative Naquetta Ricks and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would strengthen safeguards for HOA homeowners to help them retain the equity they built in their property and keep them safely housed. HB25-1043 passed by a vote of 38-24. Read the article…………………………….
Illinois Court Rules Cumulative Late Fees in Condo Associations Are Unenforceable
Assessments are a community association’s lifeblood, and community associations should ensure that they are timely receiving assessments from owners. Generally, community associations will levy late fees on owners who fail to timely pay their assessments. However, Hidden Grove Condo. Ass’n v. Crooks, 318 Ill. App. 3d 945, 744 N.E.2d 305 (3d Dist. 2001), is an […]
Working Sessions – What the Heck Are These and Are They Legal?? (CO)
I have recently encountered lots of questions about “working sessions” and whether they are legal. However, before discussing the legality of these mysterious little culprits, we must first figure out what they are. For most boards, working sessions are nothing more than informal gatherings during which they discuss various projects and other association-related issues in […]
Texas POA Law: The Cliff Notes Version
The Texas POA industry is full of knowledgeable groups of professionals, including community managers, board members and others who need a working knowledge of the laws governing the industry. This can be a daunting task for many first coming into the industry as to where to begin. Therefore, we have compiled the following list of […]
Federal Legislation Introduced to Support Community Associations in Disaster Recovery
As communities across the country face the devastating impacts of hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, Community Associations Institute is working to ensure that homeowners in community associations have access to critical federal disaster assistance. We are pleased to announce the introduction of bipartisan legislation– H.R. 834 and S. 352 to amend the […]
Florida bill seeks to deny Citizens coverage to noncompliant condos
A new legislative proposal in Florida aims to bar state-run insurer Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from covering condominium associations that fail to comply with recently enacted building safety requirements. The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Vicki Lopez (pictured above), is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen condominium regulations following the 2021 Surfside building collapse. […]
Wyden, Colleagues Urge Federal Courts to Affirm That Congress Holds the Power to Crack Down on Money Laundering
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., joined his colleagues in filing amicus briefs that called on two federal courts to affirm that Congress holds the power to crack down on anonymous money laundering under the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act passed in 2021. Read the article…………………………….
Bipartisan coalition aims to add new regulations to HOA laws (MN)
A newly proposed bill at the Minnesota Capitol—one that’s back by both parties in both chambers—would put new regulations on Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) and Common Interest Communities (CIC). The bill takes dozens of recommendations from a recent legislative working group to help improve state statute on HOAs. Members of the group said they heard from […]
Condo Owner Breaking Rules by Feeding Wildlife (FL)
There are several very good reasons why community associations prohibit residents and their guests from feeding the wildlife. Alligators, crocodiles, birds, iguanas, snakes, raccoons, possums, stray cats and other animals present more than just a nuisance and inconvenience; they can create dangerous, unsanitary and destructive conditions resulting in costly repercussions. Read the article…………………………….
Bill would unleash dog training volunteers from some HOA restrictions (MN)
Under the proposed legislation, someone training a service dog supervised by an accredited program could not be charged extra to have the dog but would be responsible for any damage the dog may cause. Landlords and homeowner association boards could require a written statement from the organization supervising the training and the accommodation would end […]
Newsmakers: Rep. Bahner Talks HOA Reforms (MN)
Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove) will continue working on homeowners association reform in the new legislative session. Bahner says Minnesota homeowners have long faced challenges with homeowners associations (HOAs), but a lack of state statutes has left consumers without protections. Read the article…………………………….
HOA foreclosure bill back in front of Colorado lawmakers
A new bill being considered by Colorado lawmakers would protect homeowners from losing everything should they end up in foreclosure with their HOA. Video news report……………………..
HOA bills range from displaying religious items to charging EVs (NV)
State lawmakers in Carson City are proposing a number of changes to laws governing the rights of homeowners in common-interest communities. Unlike the 2023 session, which featured measures designed to limit the rights of homeowners, the majority of bills this session seek to expand homeowners’ rights. Read the article…………………………….
Bipartisan bill targets HOA authority (MN)
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is introducing a bill to limit the power of homeowners associations (HOA) in Minnesota. FOX 9’s Bill Keller has more on the story. Video news report……………………..
Miami lawmaker proposes revoking Citizens coverage for non-compliant condos (FL)
A Miami lawmaker is proposing to end state-run property insurance for condo associations that shirk compliance with new building-safety laws passed after a 12-story residential tower in Surfside collapsed in 2021, a move that would largely impact South Florida. Most condominium buildings three stories and higher must have had a building-safety inspection and study outlining […]
Solar Panel Request Shines a Bright Light on HOA Email Communication in Lieu of “Meetings” (GA)
Two emerging trends collided to create confusion when one owner family sought to install solar panels on their home. Michael and Katherine Sander requested approval from their HOA to add solar panels to their roof. As new sustainable energy options increase, boards are working hard to balance their governing documents and community aesthetics with owner […]
Federal court urged to allow sale of Snowmass condo (CO)
A condominium in Snowmass Village is at the center of a dispute between the federal government and a Castle Rock couple alleged to have bought real estate in the Roaring Fork Valley using pandemic relief money they obtained through fraudulent means. Read the article…………………………….
How Colorado lawmakers and the governor want to incentivize the construction of affordable condos
State lawmakers are taking another crack at boosting condominium development in Colorado after years of stagnation by trying to reduce the chance of lawsuits filed against builders by homeowners over alleged construction errors. “Our state isn’t building homes that people can afford to buy any more,” said state Rep. Shannon Bird, a Westminster Democrat. […]
5 ways condo and condo boards can prevent fake construction accident lawsuits
An accident during a renovation at your New York City condo or co-op building is every board’s nightmare. But buildings should also be wary of another threat: falsified accident claims. Fraudulent construction accident claims have garnered headlines and a recent protest over the past year. Three property managers Brick Underground spoke with had seen suspicious […]
Vaughn v. Windfield Homeowners Association, Inc. (2025)
Homeowners Gregory and Jodie Vaughn appeal from the trial court’s denial of their motion for summary judgment and the grant of summary judgment to the Windfield Homeowners Association in this dispute over amendments to the neighborhood covenants that prevent them from using their home as a short-term rental property. For the reasons that follow, we […]
Texas lawmakers want to make it easier to convert office space into apartments and condos
As Texas’ major urban areas grapple with a glut of vacant offices, state lawmakers may make it easier to transform empty office and commercial space into dwellings. A bill by state Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Mineola Republican, would effectively allow owners of struggling office properties in the state’s largest cities to convert that space into […]
Michigan Court Rules that Delayed Enforcement of Condo Bylaws for Unauthorized Deck May Create Laches Defense
Failing to enforce the condominium bylaws promptly and consistently can negatively affect condominium associations. In Powers v Bone, unpublished opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued February 11, 2025 (Docket No. 367748), 2025 WL 466349, the Michigan Court of Appeals highlighted the importance of timely and consistent bylaw enforcement. Specifically, the Michigan Court of Appeals […]