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 […]
Understanding the Responsibilities of Your Property Manager (NY)
If you own or serve on the board of a cooperative or condominium in NYC, you might feel unsure about what each person’s roles and responsibilities are. This includes your staff, board members, and especially your property manager. Knowing who does what is really important for being a good neighbor and for boards to keep […]
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…………………………………
Reducing the stigma: Learning to talk about, prioritize community managers’ mental health
As rewarding as community association management can be, the career path also faces high rates of burnout, depression, and mental health issues. Those challenges are rarely discussed, but Bill Overton, PCAM, of Desert Resort Management in Palm Desert, Calif., has been trying to lower the stigma around mental health struggles in the industry. Read the […]
Lawmakers look to ban shadow noncompete agreements in property management contracts (MN)
Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Minneapolis, said she and Sen. Alice Mann, DFL-Edina, will write a bill prohibiting property management companies from forbidding homeowners associations from hiring their workers. Read the article………………………..
New Community Association Management Rule Takes Effect (IL)
New administrative Rules governing Community Association Managers and Community Association Management Firms (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1445) became effective June 2, 2023. The new Rule represents a major overhaul to the prior Rule, which was adopted in October 2011. Read the article………………………..
The Role of an HOA Management Company: A Comprehensive Guide
Many Americans live in common-interest communities, such as homeowner’s associations (HOAs) and condominium associations. In fact, in 2022, about 26% of Americans lived in HOAs alone. That means thousands of communities nationwide designed to govern themselves and enhance home value for their residents. Read the article………………………..
California Woman Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling More Than $1 Million from Employer
California woman was sentenced to 66 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,791,334.81 in restitution for embezzling more than $1 million from her employer, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. Read the article………………………..
Some condo workers released from shadow noncompetes by FirstService Residential (MN)
Residents of the River Towers condominiums in Minneapolis like their building’s staff. The building’s staff like the residents — many have worked in the building for years. But a provision in the contract between the condo association and the building’s property management company, FirstService Residential Minnesota, means neither the residents nor the workers have a […]
Minnesota banned noncompetes. A major property manager has a workaround.
When the property management company FirstService Residential Minnesota announced it was dropping noncompete clauses in employment contracts, it said the change aligned with the company’s values. But a provision persists in its management contracts with condominium associations that says FirstService workers (including desk attendants and caretakers) may not be employed — either directly or indirectly […]
The Myth Of Full Service Management
Many homeowners associations mistakenly believe that they require full-service management for smooth operations. However, this kind of mindset might cause associations to overspend on an expense they don’t even need. Read the article………………………..
Condo Management Giant’s License Is Reactivated By Hawaii Regulators (HI)
Following a regulatory compliance problem that rendered Associa Hawaii unable to practice in the state, the property management giant has come into compliance with state laws governing such firms, state records indicate. Read the article………………………..
Miami-Dade state attorney discusses property management cases, bill that would help prosecute crimes (FL)
Local 10 News has reported several stories from South Florida residents frustrated by their condo and homeowners associations and property management companies. “I have three complaints with case numbers,” said condo owner Jenny Trujillo. “They have done nothing.” Read the article………………………..
Bids vs. Contracts: Warnings and Legal Liability (CO)
We have previously addressed the importance of Associations having proper, legal contracts that protect the Association and how proposals are not to be signed in lieu of contracts, etc. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more issues with bids & contracts that produce liability for the Association and at times managers. Please note the following […]
Condo Adviser: Condo boards are not legally required to hire management companies (IL)
Q: I live in a sprawling, suburban condominium association that comprises 25 separate buildings with condominium units in each building. The association is self-managed because the board has refused retaining a professional management company to save money. Does Illinois law require a management company to be retained if there are a certain number of buildings […]
What Are the Responsibilities of an HOA Management Company? (TX)
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are organizations where homeowners work together to manage their properties and ensure a high standard of living for all residents. Managing an HOA might be a complex process because HOA’s volunteer board members often have jobs and other responsibilities. Read the article………………………..
Workers threaten second strike at Twin Cities’ largest condo management company (MN)
Desk attendants and caretakers at FirstService Residential, the largest property management company in North America, announced on Thursday they will launch a second unfair labor practices strike at condo buildings across the Twin Cities unless the company’s leaders come to the negotiating table. Read the article………………………..
Condo owners in complex confused after two different management companies demand fees, assessments (IL)
Q: I live in a condominium complex in suburban Chicago. There’s a problem with the managing company for the property. Recently, the board of directors of our association hired a new management company while the association was still under contract with our old management company. They’re using an attorney to try to get rid of the […]
B.C. facing a critical shortage of strata property managers, industry says
British Columbia is facing an acute shortage of property managers as a growing number of people make their homes in strata properties. More than 1.5 million people are estimated to live in B.C.’s 30,000 strata properties. But finding people to manage those properties is getting increasingly difficult, Read the article………………………..
It May Be Time to Review Your Management Contract (FL)
Last week I blogged about the possibility of Board members walking off with your association bank accounts. Bank accounts that are about to explode with mandatory reserves and huge construction contracts that are on the way. Today, let’s talk about what you need to know about your management company. Read the article………………………..
Frustrated South Florida community teams up, fights back against property management company
Residents of one South Florida community are describing how they fought back and got rid of their property management company. “We got rid of BDM thank God,” said Fairways of Sunrise owner Claire Knight. “It was hard work, but a group effort.” Read the article………………………..
Managers wanted: Solving the talent shortage
Anyone working in community association management is likely aware that the industry is facing a talent shortage. At CAI’s event for management company executives in October, attendees were questioned about the scarcity, with 85% of respondents reporting current openings. In a time of high turnover and the so-called “great resignation,” how do we attract and […]
FirstService caretaker says he and wife were fired for union activity, wage theft lawsuit (MN)
Kevin Borowske and his wife were fired recently by FirstService Residential after a history of organizing workers for fair pay and a union. He led a class-action lawsuit on behalf of Minnesota caretakers at FirstService — the largest property management company in North America —for wage theft and won a $225,000 settlement (before attorney fees) […]
Florida Professional Service LLC Personal Liability Protections: Perks and Pitfalls
Managers and members who provide professional services in Florida often choose to organize their businesses into Limited Liability Companies (“LLCs”) because LLCs generally provide freedom from personal liability for the obligations of the LLC. This blog post discusses exceptions to the general prohibition on holding LLC members or managers personally liable for the LLC’s obligations […]
HOA Homefront: Managers’ New Year’s resolutions
Previous columns proposed resolutions for directors and HOA members, so today I share my ideas for managers. Next week, I’ll dig into resolutions for service providers. Read the article………………………..
Condo development in Greenacres fires property management group (FL)
Changes may be coming for people who live at a condominium community in Greenacres where one of the buildings lost electricity for two weeks recently. Read the article………………………..
‘Service became so bad that we actually had shouting matches’ (MA)
Forget the needle in the haystack — a good property management company is hard to find, condo owners say. Read the article………………………..
6 Essential Tips for HOA Directors to Consider When Selecting a Management Company (AZ)
Finding the right HOA management company is one of the most important things the Board of directors can do to make sure their community is well run. An HOA management company takes on many of the day-to-day responsibilities of running the association. Directors serving on the Board are volunteers, and often have their own careers. […]
2-day strike underway for First Service Residential apartment, condo workers (MN)
Workers at some Twin Cities apartments and condominiums are on the picket line Friday morning for a two-day strike. The employees are pushing to join the SEIU Local 26 union, as well as for better working conditions and pay from First Service Residential. Read the article………………………..
Australia: Why Strata Managers should STOP doing night meetings routinely?
The strata industry can be an amazing area to work and be a part of, however being a strata manager is a lot of work and the role can be somewhat like a stage play. A lot of work happens behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. One of the down sides and difficult […]
How Community Association Management Companies Can Implement Metrics to Measure Performance
Best estimates suggest that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are generated every day. That’s 2,500,000,000,000,000,000 pieces of information created and stored in a server to be collated and used. For comparison, you would need one billion iPhone 13x with upgraded storage to hold that data. Yet, with all that data, many of us in the […]
Ask The HOA Expert: Changing The Management Company
Question: Our management company seems too busy to handle our HOA business. The board wants to evaluate other management options. Is there some form or checklist we can use? There are many management companies. How do we determine which one is best for our needs? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Workers seek union at Twin Cities’ largest property management company (MN)
Desk attendants and caretakers working for the Twin Cities’ largest residential property management company announced their intent to unionize on Wednesday, joining the groundswell of labor organizing that’s rippling through the service sector. Read the entire article……………………………….
What you need to know before hiring a property management company
The good news is that selecting the right property management company will make your job as an HOA Board Member a lot easier. On the other hand, there are a lot of property management companies to choose from, so finding the ideal fit for your community association will take some time. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ask The HOA Expert: Manager Fees & Services, Quorum
Question: Our professional manager charges a 5% oversight fee for renovation and insurance repair projects that the homeowner association enters into. Is this common? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Real Estate Matters: Is fee for leasing condo creating separate ownership ‘class’?
Q: I own a condo that I rent out. The association charges me $100 per year as an “annual administration lease fee.” Isn’t this creating two “classes” of owners in the association? Read the Q&A……………………………….