Compliance with local laws is a crucial part of every co-op and condo board’s duty to maintain building safety and avoid costly fines and penalties. But with the tsunami of city regulations, rules and inspections constantly pouring in, it can be challenging to stay on top of it all. The good news: competent management companies […]
Understanding Management Fees: Minding the Bottom Line
Among the many factors necessary for multifamily residential buildings to achieve financial stability, proper budget planning, compliance, and trust among shareholders, effective fee management is one of the most important. Understanding the billing structures property management companies use with different client communities can help determine which one is the best fit for your particular building […]
Michigan Court Rules in Favor of Right to Hire Property Manager (MI)
In a notable decision issued on October 10, 2024, the Michigan Court of Appeals in Neuman v Long Lake Shores Ass’n, No 368648 (Mich Ct App Oct 10, 2024) upheld a trial court ruling in favor of MAGWV’s association client in a contractual dispute brought by a group of residents. The plaintiffs had challenged the […]
Handling Mismanagement: Clear Expectations Are Key
The right property management team can make or break a building. While basic day-to-day maintenance and financial oversight often take priority when managing a multifamily property, comprehensive property management also includes building security, legal compliance, and resident satisfaction. Read the article…………………………….
CMCA Exam Updates: What Candidates Need to Know
Significant updates to the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) exam went into effect on Dec. 9. These changes stem from CAMICB’s 2021-2022 job analysis study that assessed the key tasks and knowledge areas required of community managers to ensure the exam content aligns with current professional standards. Read the article…………………………….
Ultimately, HOA board is responsible for association (NV)
Q: Almost by definition, homeowners association board members are amateurs, dependent on the community association manager to handle maintenance, accounting and rule compliance. But how deeply must the board be involved to verify contractor work and HOA finances? Who is responsible for making sure the gate was correctly repaired, street lights working, irrigation not running […]
10 Things to Look for When Hiring an HOA Management Company
Managing a homeowner’s association (HOA) is a complex task that requires expertise, organization, and excellent communication skills. For board members, finding the right HOA management company can make the difference between a well-run community and one riddled with conflict, inefficiencies, and financial challenges. To ensure your HOA partners with the best fit, it’s important to […]
Using AI Note-Takers During Association Management Meetings
Between board meetings, discussions with residents, or collaborations with your team, maintaining detailed meeting notes is imperative to managing tasks and ensuring smooth operations in your community. AI-powered note-taking tools empower modern managers so they can be present and lead meetings and rest assured all ideas, action items and next steps are documented. Read the […]
What’s Your Exit Strategy? Why Every Owner Needs One
People start and sell management companies for many reasons. Regardless of the reason for exiting, having a strategy in place allows owners to maximize the value of their business, make it attractive to potential buyers, minimize taxes, and achieve their personal and financial goals. It also allows owners to leave the legacy they desire and […]
Four Signs It’s Time to Look for a New HOA Management Company
Does managing your community feel like a never-ending cycle of paperwork, budgetary surprises, and vendor headaches? Managing a community is demanding enough, but when operational tasks pile up, communication stalls or financial clarity is lacking, the negative impacts create a domino effect through the entire board and community. Watch the video………………………….
4 Essential Things Finance Leaders at Community Management Companies Must Know to Prepare for 2025
The finance landscape for community management companies is evolving rapidly, and 2025 is set to bring new challenges and opportunities that finance leaders must be ready to tackle. With increasing demands to drive efficiency, adopt emerging technologies, and safeguard against rising fraud risks, finance professionals in this sector are being asked to do more than […]
Community Association Management Contracts Considerations: Terms and Notice Provisions (VA)
Community association management contracts play a crucial role in defining the relationship between community associations and their management companies. This is the second installment of the series focusing on some key provisions of community association management contracts. In the first post, we discussed the concept of indemnification and indemnification provisions in such contracts. Read the […]
5 Signs You Need A New HOA Management Company
Your Homeowners Association (HOA) management company plays a critical role in maintaining the value and appeal of your community. They handle everything from financial management and administrative tasks to property maintenance and homeowner communication. But what happens when your HOA management company isn’t meeting your needs? How do you know when it’s time to make […]
Management Company Duties Checklist
The management company must give a written statement to the board, no earlier than 90 days before entering a contract, containing the following: (a) Names and business address of the owners or partners of the management company. If the management company is a corporation, it must include the names and business addresses of the directors […]
State revokes condo property manager’s license after years of complaints (FL)
People living in several South Florida condo communities say they have been fighting for years to take back control of where they live. All telling NBC6 their property manager, hired by their boards, has been abusing his power and their money. “The biggest issue is that the owners have no rights in there,” said Julian […]
HOA Searches for New Manager
Dear Monty: I am the president of our homeowners association. We hired an outside company to act as a liaison between our board of directors and the general membership population. We don’t want to argue with our neighbors or enforce the rules when a member violates the rules. Our current outside company is local. What […]
HOA board hires management company (NJ)
Q: Is it not up to the residents to change management companies and decide who they want; not the board? We finally fired our community manager, and the board decided on a new one. But us residents thought we should be involved. I know you are usually behind the management companies but as a homeowner […]
The Role of Technology in Community Management
In today’s technology-driven world, the management of community associations has evolved significantly. Technology is not only reshaping personal and professional interactions but also revolutionizing how communities are managed. While modern technology offers innovative solutions that streamline processes and foster better connections among your residents, it is important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Read the […]
How to Create an RFP for HOA Management Services
Do you want to know how to choose the right management company for your HOA? Keep on reading, then. You know – I don’t think there’s any point in sugarcoating this – Having to select a new management company is hardly a task you’d welcome with excitement. In fact, unless you’ve done it before, you […]
Switching Your Homeowners Association Management Company
Managing a homeowner’s association (HOA) involves numerous responsibilities, from enforcing rules and collecting dues to maintaining common areas and handling disputes. Often, these tasks are handled by a professional HOA management company. However, there may come a time when your association might consider switching to a different management company. Read the article…………………………….
FTC Non-Complete Clauses CAT
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made a defining decision regarding non-compete clauses, marking a momentous shift in labor market regulations. This unprecedent decision aims to eliminate the widespread use of non-compete clauses in employment agreements effective September 4, 2024. Even with the FTC’s decision, there is still uncertainty how individual states, […]
Minnesota Workers Strike Down Shady Provision That Restricts Their Freedom of Employment
Michael Rubke, a desk attendant at La Rive condo complex in Minneapolis, is fighting for a union against a behemoth building management company, FirstService Residential of Minnesota, that has a near-monopoly on high-rise condos in the Twin Cities. It’s been a difficult battle so far. The unionization campaign is “at square one,” the 41-year-old explained […]
Understanding the Role of a Community Manager: A Day in the Life (MO)
As community management companies become more popular, your likelihood of running into a community manager increases. But, if you are new to the work of community property management, you may need to fully understand the role of the manager and the value they can bring to your community. Read the article…………………………….
How HOAs Can Make a Clean Break From Their Management Company
When a board tells me that they wish to terminate their management agreement, I ask: What happened in the past 30 days to make you want to take that direction? I am then told that service has deteriorated over the course of months or years. My follow-up question is: How often did you meet with […]
How To Transition Smoothly To A New HOA Management Company
Switching Homeowners Association (HOA) management companies can be a big change for any board member or community. Whether you’re looking for better service or fresh ideas, the transition process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful planning and clear communication, you can make the switch as smooth as possible. This article will walk you through […]
Time Management Tips for HOA Executives
Juggling the responsibilities of an HOA executive can be a time-consuming challenge. Between board meetings, resident concerns, and managing team members, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide offers time management tips specifically designed to help HOA executives conquer their workload and reclaim their sanity. From the power of time blocking to leveraging technology, discover […]
Workplace Violence Prevention Plans – Community Associations With Employees Need to Comply
California has long required employers to establish, implement and maintain an injury prevention program. With the passage of Senate Bill No. 553 (SB 553) last year, California has imposed now upon employers the additional obligation to establish, implement and maintain in all work areas, an effective workplace violence prevention plan (“WP Violence Plan”) which contains […]
Community Association Management Contracts Considerations: Indemnification (VA)
Community associations are engaged in multi-faceted and dynamic operations, often handling a wide assortment of items from handling reserve funds to arranging for swimming pool operations. There are also considerable administrative burdens in the operation of a community association such as handling communications with owners, payment of insurance premiums, collection of assessments, and preparing Virginia […]
‘Economic mismatch’: A shortage of Ontario condo managers is driving up fees
As the Ford government pins its hopes of solving Ontario’s housing crisis by building 1.5 million new homes by 2031, a chronic shortage of qualified people to run new condo buildings threatens to drive up costs for homeowners even as new units finally come online. Read the article…………………………….
2024 Florida Legislative Recap: SB 382 Modifies Continuing Education Requirements for CAMs
This summer, Governor Ron DeSantis signed several Bills that directly affect condominium, homeowners’, and cooperative associations. On May 17, 2024, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 382 (“SB 382” or the “Bill”), which modifies continuing education requirements for Florida-licensed community association managers (“CAMs”). The Bill is effective July 1, 2024; thus, all CAMs and associations should […]
To Give or Receive: A Guide to Crafting a Gifting Policy for Managers, Management Companies, and Boards
Gift-giving in the workplace amongst managers, management companies and vendors can be a thoughtful gesture, but it can also be complicated by the untrue perceptions or lack of understanding where “the line” is. To ensure a positive and ethical environment, management companies need clear gifting policies that managers and our vendor partners understand and abide […]
Understanding Roles: The Board vs. Management Company in HOAs
Homeowners’ Associations play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of residential communities. Ideally, at the heart of every HOA’s operations are two essential entities: the Board of Directors and the Management Company. While both entities work towards the common goal of enhancing community living, their roles and responsibilities are distinct. Read the […]
How to Choose a Property Management Company
No two communities are identical; each community has various factors which influence what type of management will most effectively help them accomplish their goals. Some of these factors include the availability of resources and the complexity of the community itself. Read the article…………………………….
Guarding your Association’s Finances: Best Practices to Combat Payment Fraud
Community Association Management companies are under siege from high-tech conmen determined to rip them off. From check fraud and Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks to account takeovers and vendor impersonation, fraudsters have become more brazen and more sophisticated. Mailbox keys purchased on the Dark Web or stolen from postal carriers have made it easy for […]
FTC’s Final Rule: Understanding the Ban on Non-Compete Clauses
On April 23, 2024, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its final rule on non-competition clauses, voting 3-2 to adopt the final regulations, known as the “Non-Compete Clause Rule.” This rule marks a significant milestone, establishing a comprehensive ban on non-compete agreements. The decision comes fifteen months after the FTC released its proposed […]
The FTC Announces Non-Compete Ban: A Seismic Shift for Worker Mobility with Legal Challenges (MN)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) creates uncertainty in the U.S. labor market with its recent announcement of a near-blanket ban on non-compete agreements. This bold move, intended to increase worker mobility and competition. The new rule is set to take effect in approximately 120 days, or around August 20, 2024. However, the FTC is expected […]
FTC Votes to bar Most Noncompetition Agreements, But Don’t Throw Out Your Noncompete Yet!
The Federal Trade Commission (often referred to as the “FTC”) voted today to bar non-competition agreements or “noncompetes,” both retroactively (for all but top corporate officials and senior executives holding a policy-making position and making not less than $151,164 annually) and in the future. Read the article…………………………….
Preferences on Remote Work Revealed in New Survey
The traditional office model is a thing of the past. A recent survey conducted by the Foundation for Community Association Research reveals new insights into employee and management preferences. The findings could help ensure a balance and a smooth transition into evolving workplace models. As we navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the traditional 9-to-5 office model […]
HOA and Condo Association Management Software Market Insights Discussed Regarding Impressive Gains
A new study report by Infinity Business Insights, with a focus on HOA and Condo Association Management Software Market Insights through 2031, has been launched. This comprehensive product, which is over 150 pages long, is enhanced by visually appealing tables and charts that are simple to read. This thorough study on the HOA and Condo […]
Understanding the Role of Community Managers and Dispelling Common Misconceptions
Homeowners’ Association (HOA) community managers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning and upkeep of residential communities. Often misunderstood, their duties encompass various responsibilities, ranging from administrative tasks to facilitating communication between residents and the board of directors. Let’s delve into the intricacies of their job description and dispel some common misunderstandings surrounding […]
Unveiling the Evolution of the CMCA Exam Blueprint: Changes Go into Effect December 2024
The Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) is poised to usher in a new era for the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) exam, offering a revamped blueprint that mirrors the dynamic landscape of association management across the globe. These changes, stemming from a thorough job analysis study conducted between 2021 and 2022, reflect […]
Elevating the Homeowner Experience in Community Association Management
Many factors contribute to how community association management companies can enhance the quality of life for their homeowners and boards. To ensure a positive relationship with their associations, management companies must be mindful of their homeowners’ needs, the role of technology in the relationship, transparent communications strategies, understanding how to solicit and incorporate homeowner feedback, […]
Hiring an HOA Company: How to Reduce Conflict and Improve Community Services
It’s no secret that homeowners associations have proliferated in the United States. We’ve gone from 10,000 in 1970 to an estimated 365,000 associations in 2023. It’s virtually impossible to find a home for sale these days that isn’t part of an association. Homeowners associations provide huge benefits to their residents, but they also have no […]
Ask the HOA Expert: Professional Management Perks
All too often a homeowner association board of directors approaches problems as would a renter looking after the apartment building…reacting by crisis rather than by a long range plan. Guess what? Many HOAs are in constant turmoil because of this approach. A professional HOA manager can smooth out the bumps in this rocky road by […]
Unlocking Hidden Revenue: Innovative Strategies for HOA Management Companies
…..you’ll discover the secrets to transforming your HOA management business by identifying untapped revenue sources and implementing innovative strategies. Learn how to maximize profitability, enhance client satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition in the ever-evolving world of HOA management. Listen to the vlog………………………….
The management company answers to the HOA (NV)
Q: We live in an older homeowners association of 385 single-family homes. We’ve lived here 14 years and in the last few years have had several community management companies, each seemingly worse than the last. These big national companies increasingly despise committee and volunteer involvement. Read the Q&A……………………………
Recruit, train, retain: Attracting young professionals to community management
If you talk to community association managers these days, they seem to agree on a few key things about the state of the profession. Business and career prospects are booming. Job candidates are not. The future of the industry depends on hiring young professionals—soon. Read the article………………………………..
HOA Homefront: Readers want to know who watches the managers? (CA)
Q: What state agency oversees management companies? The management company manager refuses to speak to any of the other board members except the president. Read the Q&A…………………………….
The Property Management Contract (NY)
Retaining a new management company is not unlike getting married, but instead of romance, there’s a management contract. Each company has different clauses in their standard contract, and it’s important to understand the scope and limits of these terms. You should also know that you can negotiate a property management contract. Read the article………………………………..
Preserve HOA sues Hammersmith Management (CO)
On August 28, the Preserve at Greenwood Village Homeowners’ Association filed suit in Arapahoe County District Court against its former management company, HDM2 d/b/a Hammersmith Management, Inc. (HMI), which provided management services to the Preserve neighborhood for X years until August 2022, when the HOA terminated its relationship with Hammersmith. Read the article…………………………………