A Gilbert couple went back and forth with the Seville Homeowner’s Association to erect a flagpole and memorial in honor of their son who died in combat. Read the article……………………
Dakota Dunes woman fighting Homeowner’s Association flag rules (SD)
A Dakota Dunes resident is speaking up about a dispute she has with that community’s homeowner’s association, over her flying of a flag supporting the military. The resident said she was told she cannot fly the American Flag and military flag on the same pole. Read the article………………………..
Erie HOA Homeowners Upset Over Sign Orders (CO)
Homeowners in the Erie Village subdivision say they are appalled and outraged that their management company ordered them to immediately remove their social activism yard signs or face financial penalties. Read the article…………………………….
Littleton townhome owners say HOA is raising rates amid rat infestation (CO)
The troubles at the Dakota Station II townhomes are still going on. First it was the issue of rats, now homeowners say they are facing an increase in HOA fees that some say comes at a “suspicious” time. Read the article……………………………….
Another community raises similar allegations of theft against former Turnberry Reserve property manager (FL)
9 Investigates uncovered similar allegations of theft from a different community against a former property manager now facing fraud charges. Channel 9 investigative reporter Karla Ray has taken you every step of the way through the turmoil at Turnberry Reserve in Kissimmee that led to property manager Sherry Raposo being arrested for allegedly stealing HOA […]
Condo and HOA questions: Is the one pet rule overridden when it’s an emotional support pet? (FL)
Q: We recently received a request for two emotional support animals. Our documents only allow one pet per unit and the potential purchaser is threatening to file a discrimination complaint if we do not allow the dogs. When we asked for documentation, the owner only provided a registration certificate with a national support animal registration. […]
Retreat at Love Creek HOA sues Tidewater (DE)
The Retreat at Love Creek Homeowners Association filed a lawsuit Aug. 28 in Delaware’s Court of Chancery to halt plans by Tidewater Environmental Services Inc. to pump wastewater and sewage from the new Kindleton development into the existing wastewater treatment plant and disposal fields on Retreat property. Read the article……………………………..
Austin-area neighborhood could be violating federal law by not allowing census workers to visit homes, legal expert says (TX)
A gated community in the Austin area informed residents it would not allow census workers to visit uncounted homes, a potential violation of federal law according to legal experts. An email sent to residents by the management of the Spanish Oaks neighborhood in Bee Cave said: “Per the Association’s solicitation policy in the Governing Documents, […]
Homeowners association sued over guards’ actions (PA)
A resident of the Indian Mountain Lake development has sued the homeowners association alleging his privacy was invaded when two “large security guards” came to his home in a threatening manner over a dispute at an entrance area of the development. Read the article………………………..
An ex-police officer fought with his next-door neighbor over trash and dog poop. It ended in an alleged ‘execution.’ (VA)
The feud between next-door neighbors in Northern Virginia began over issues as common as cul-de-sacs in the suburbs — unscooped dog poop, loud music and messy garbage cans. But over years the ordinary neighborhood dispute spiraled out of control, building to the moment this spring when Javon Prather rang Michael Hetle’s doorbell. Hetle, a 52-year-old […]
Local Homeowners Associations remind residents of regulations on political signage ahead of November election (GA)
Some residents recently raised concerns about strict Homeowners Association rules and restrictions on political signage in local subdivisions as many look to show support for candidates in the upcoming general election. Read the article…………………………….
1 found dead after South Austin condo fire, officials say (TX)
A woman was found dead inside of a South Austin condominium Monday morning after a fire, Austin fire officials said. Firefighters responded around 8:12 a.m. to 1304 Mariposa Drive, just west of Interstate 35, after receiving calls from neighbors who reported smoke coming from a two-story condo building, said Austin Fire Battalion Chief David Brietzke. […]
Improper disposal of smoking material sets Merrifield condo alight (VA)
Units arrived to find fire showing from a third-floor deck of a four-story condominium building. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and contained it to the condo’s exterior. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, officials said. Read the article…………………………….
Can proxy vote be changed? (FL)
Q: My homeowners association recently conducted a vote of the owners concerning a design change for the clubhouse, along with a proposed special assessment to pay for the change? I initially voted “in favor” of the proposal and submitted my proxy. I later had a change of heart and submitted another proxy and voted “opposed” […]
How 3 Glendale Heights officers saved 6-year-old, evacuated building during condo fire (IL)
The sound of an explosion. Windows shattering. And moments later, thick, black smoke billowing out of a condominium building. Other than those split-second observations, Glendale Heights police officers Bradley Lautner, Grzegorz Kapusciak and Robin Lambert had no context of the situation at hand or the dangers ahead as they ran into the Waters Edge condo […]
Housing for older persons community may amend declaration to further restrict residents (FL)
Q: I am a unit owner in a 26-unit, over-55 condominium. A notice was posted for a board meeting six days before it was to take place. On the agenda was a proposed amendment to the bylaws, and transfer of some of board member duties to owners. Read the Q&A……………………………………
HOA president accused of using community funds to bail out boyfriend (FL)
An HOA president and manager used community funds to bail her boyfriend out of jail in North Carolina, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they arrested Sherry Maycumber Raposo, 42, on Thursday after financial crimes unit detectives discovered that she used money from the Turnberry Reserve HOA fund to post her boyfriend’s […]
Questions over El Cajon condo repairs following police pursuit (CA)
An El Cajon property owner said a police pursuit in March that ended at her property has led to questions over repairs. Jenny Wu has owned the property in the Villa Madera condominium complex on Mollison Avenue for more than a decade. On March 19, a vehicle crashed into her home, causing extensive damage. Read […]
Former Turnberry Reserve property manager arrested on fraud-related charges (FL)
The former property manager of a troubled homeowners association was arrested for the second time on Thursday following a series of 9 Investigates reports. Sherry Raposo was arrested earlier this year on charges related to running an unlicensed security firm and hiring her ex-cop-turned-felon boyfriend to patrol the Turnberry Reserve community. Read the article……………………………..
Inadequate Internet Service Rouses Ire of Captain’s Cove Residents (VA)
A crowd of around 70 — socially distanced and wearing masks — filled the Greenbackville fire hall Thursday, Sept. 10, to voice concerns about inadequate internet service in Captain’s Cove. Read the article………………………………..
Opera Tower condo association sues Airbnb amid short-term rental crackdown (FL)
Opera Tower’s status as a short-term rental hotspot appears to be coming to an end. Amid a crackdown on tenants making money off subletting units on a nightly basis, the Miami tower’s condo association is suing Airbnb and two individuals who allegedly refused to stop renting to out-of-town guests. Read the article……………………………..
Ask a real estate pro: Who should fix water line to a townhouse?
Q: I live in a townhouse where the water meters are near the parking lot. Who is responsible for repairing the water line from the meter to the individual townhouse unit? Is it the townhouse unit owner, or is it the association because the water line is in the common area? Read the Q&A………………………………….
At least 1 injured in fire at Valley Glen condominiums in Maple Shade, New Jersey
The fire quickly spread to two alarms and a wall collapsed. The roof and a good portion of the second floor of the building is now is gone, with just the outer shell left. Read the article………………………………Officials said one person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Harris County homeowner at odds with HOA over yard signs (TX)
There’s a battle brewing over yard signs in the Hearthstone neighborhood in northwest Harris County. About two months ago, Gloria Bernardino and her husband put up banners to make their message clear – Black lives matter, so do LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, science, and humanity as a whole. Read the article…………………………….
Facade of Gulf Shores Condo Ripped Off by Hurricane Sally (AL)
Video from Gulf Shores, Alabama, shows building damage after Hurricane Sally swept through early Wednesday morning, September 16. The National Hurricane Center said Sally made landfall as a Category 2 storm near Gulf Shores, just west of Orange Beach, at 4:45 am local time and would bring “historic and catastrophic flooding in parts of northwest […]
Miami Beach condo residents pay more than $900K per year for pool they can’t currently use — under lease that lasts until 2070 (FL)
Residents of a South Florida condo building have a pool problem, and it could take 50 years — yes, 50 years — to fix. Karen Hensel explains in tonight’s 7 Investigates. The pool at the Maison Grande Condominium on Miami Beach is currently closed for repairs. It may even have to be replaced, but once […]
Millcreek killing leads lawmakers to debate a homeowners association’s ban on security cameras (UT)
Linda Nemelka, 57, was shot and killed while sitting in the driveway of a Millcreek home in March. Police are still looking for the person responsible for her death, a task that has been made more difficult as the homeowners association in that neighborhood bans outdoor security cameras, even those on homes. Read the article…………………………………..
Aurora man disputes HOA fines for flying flags celebrating Black culture (CO)
Shandon Toliver walks his husky “King” around the block of the Copperleaf neighborhood in Aurora, and comes home to a black flag hanging outside his door. The flag depicts two sheathed swords with gold handles and a red star between them, saying “Buffalo Soldiers” in gold on the top and bottom. This isn’t the first […]
Assessment ledgers are available for inspection (FL)
Q: I am an owner in a condominium. I have made a request to see the individual unit owner assessment ledgers for owners who are delinquent in the payment of assessments. The board has denied my request and they claim I am not allowed to see this information. Is this true? Read the Q&A……………………………
6 injured in high-rise fire in Loop (IL)
At least six people were injured, two of them critically, in a high-rise fire in the Loop. Officials say the fire broke out just before 1 a.m. Tuesday on the 32nd floor of a building at 400 East Randolph. Read the article……………………………
Fines, fees and fear: Minneapolis neighbors speak out against ‘harassing’ homeowners association (MN)
Jolene Johnson, seen Sept. 10, is frustrated that her homeowners association is forcing her to remove large sections of her garden, a garden she planted 12 years ago and takes great pride in. The homes in the Heritage Park neighborhood in north Minneapolis are impeccable, the lawns kept short and green, the trash cans lined […]
Proposed VOC Hilton now faces HOA (AZ)
…..But the county’s rezoning of the parcel did not clear all obstructions for the Hilton. Among other hurdles, the parcel is part of the Village of Oakcreek Association and is subject to the HOA’s covenants, conditions and restrictions for the Pine Creek II subdivision. Read the article……………………………..
Former HOA president accused of creating havoc (NV)
Q: This letter concerns our “persistent resident” who only wants to cause havoc for anyone on the board. She berates people and minimizes their contributions and persistently criticizes anything done to better our property. Not only is she verbal, but she sends emails and letters to “her team of residents.” One of our board members […]
Woman fears missing out on HOA meeting (MT)
A woman reportedly wanted the Kalispell Police Department to come over and check with her neighbors to see if they were having a homeowner’s association meeting without her. When she was advised that would be a civil issue, she claimed the neighbor’s were videotaping her from across the street and wanted to pursue stalking charges. […]
Here’s a switch: West Boca golf club won’t be bulldozed for homes (FL)
As golf courses in South Florida become obituary listings, their land turned into housing, one community in West Boca has bucked the trend. The 18-hole Boca Greens Country Club will remain a golf course after a fight of more than a decade. Read the article………………………..
Five HOAs join fight for Cypress Creek flood remediation (TX)
Adamek knows flooding and he knows transportation and isn’t fooled by the pat answers and chicanery he hears at meetings. A retired engineer from General Electric, he works part-time in Washington, D. C. for the Department of Transportation. One of his first orders of business was to put some more strength behind efforts he and […]
Change of exterior paint color requires HOA membership vote in condo (FL)
I am the president of our association. We are a community of 88 one-story townhouses, 26 duplexes and 12 triplexes. We are classified as a condominium. We will start to repaint all buildings starting Oct. 1 this year. For 30 years these homes have been painted several shades of beige. Our board would like to […]
Classified ads allowed on association website (IL)
Q: The board of our association created an elaborate association website. The website includes a “classified ad” page that allows owners to advertise items for sale. The association charges a fee for the ads, as a revenue generator. In some instances, the association charges a flat fee, in other situations the board wants to charge […]
Root of bizarre dueling residential lawsuits at west of Boca community – tennis court time (FL)
Things are downright catty these days at Seven Bridges, an upscale, gated west of Boca Raton development of 701 single-family homes. From last November through May, there have been a number of incidents, Read the article…………………………
No repair date set for neighborhood damaged by June tornado (LA)
On the morning of June 24, an EF-1 tornado hit parts of Baton Rouge along Essen Lane, near I-10. One neighborhood in the storm’s path is still trying to clean up the damage. Cypress Point, just north of the interstate, was damaged by that tornado. Blanche Williams has lived in her Cypress Point condo for […]
The Colony to require HOA approval before changing residential speed limits (TX)
If someone wants the speed limit on a residential street in The Colony to change they better hope the most of their neighbors feel the same way. During last week’s meeting The Colony City Council directed the staff to amend its process for changing speed limits on residential streets. Going forward a request for a […]
HOA Homefront: The reserve fund – how much is too much? (CA)
Q: Something has been bothering me for a while regarding the reserve funding level that is appropriate for a given association. Many associations strive (and set the dues) to achieve 100% funded. Do they really need to carry such high balances? Wouldn’t it be enough to carry only sufficient balances to meet the future projected […]
A matter of principle: Who runs the Bear’s Club, Jack Nicklaus or community residents? (FL)
Earlier this year, residents of the exclusive Bear’s Club community, built by golf great Jack Nicklaus, overwhelmingly approved a measure pitched as giving homeowners more control over their Jupiter community. The move came after two years of litigation between the club and two Bear’s Club residents who said the golf club had too much power […]
Orland Park residents urge village to reconsider plan of planting native grasses around detention pond (IL)
He and other residents that surround Eagle Ridge Pond have signed a petition in hopes Orland Park officials will reverse plans that call for planting native grasses around the pond’s perimeter. Residents say that would affect the aesthetics of their neighborhood. Read the article………………………………..
Firefighters rescue multiple people after fire in Springfield apartment building (OH)
A family who escaped from the Olympic Street condominium fire in Springfield is thankful for the firefighters, who rescued them by ladder and the family dog, who alerted them to the fire in a neighboring condo. Read the article………………………………
Neighbors rally for couple sued by the Dixie Springs Architectural Control Committee over wall height (UT)
In November 2019, the Dixie Springs Architectural Control Committee filed a lawsuit against retired police officer Andrea Kaz and retired firefighter Steve Kaz for the height of a wall they built around their home. The lawsuit was launched after Chris Howell, former president of the Dixie Springs Architectural Committee (ACC), approached the Kazes and told […]
Condo questions: Amending governing documents, bylaws and board member requirements (FL)
Q: My cooperative dock association board of directors is exploring the ability to “self-insure” by cancelling the wind coverage on the docks and increasing the reserves. The present windstorm insurance is almost half of the annual budget and is effectively useless due to the deductible. The board thinks they can do this by amending the […]
Will condo association documents expire after 40 years? (MI)
Q: I’ve heard that there may be some issue with community associations’ recorded governing documents expiring next March if they are over 40 years old, is that right? Read the Q&A…………………………….
Ask The HOA Expert: Policies, Statements, And Responsibilities
Question: Our collection policy states that if an owner is 30 days past due, the management company sends a pre-lien notice letter. Several board members think the board members should be notified when these letters are sent. Read the Q&A………………………………..