Q: Our condominium has been running with an operating surplus for a few months. The surplus is because we have experienced fewer operating expenses for amenities that have been closed due to COVID-19. That being said, we also expect insurance increases in 2021. Can we apply the 2020 surplus to 2021? Read the Q&A……………………………..
Homeowners feel closer to victory over judge’s Westover decision (PA)
An eight-year battle between West Norriton homeowners and VRJ Associates, owners of Westover Country Club, has resulted in at least a temporary victory for the homeowners. On Sept. 18, Judge Garrett Page denied VRJ’s motion for summary judgment in their battle to develop a portion of the Westover golf course, which is surrounded by single-family […]
Western Shores homeowners say they won’t drop suit asking county to ensure roads are completed (KY)
It’s been two years since homeowners in the Western Shores subdivision filed a lawsuit against a developer and Calloway County elected officials regarding unfinished roads in their neighborhood, and they say they will not give up no matter how long it takes to resolve. Read the article……………………………..
Littleton man faces lawsuit from HOA over garden mulch (CO)
A Littleton man’s battle over mulch in his yard is headed to court. Isaac Puckett wanted to take a patch in front of his townhome and improve it. So, he said he put in an application to his homeowners’ association to do the work. But when he didn’t hear back, he started the work. Read […]
Neighborhood starts Operation Goat Chomp to control kudzu (NC)
Lisa Kenerait has lived in the Windsong Village development in Hickory for 17 years and has seen the kudzu creeping ever closer to the roads and homes. “It has gotten worse year after year,” she says. Kudzu can grow 18 inches a day and cover trees and anything that gets in its way. The HOA […]
Federal Judge Slaps Delray’s Seven Bridges, Litigants LaGrasso and Tannenholz (FL)
Sometimes you don’t have to make a federal case out of a federal case. That’s more or less the loud message sent today by U.S. District Judge Donald Middlebrooks who denied a joint request by the Seven Bridges Homeowners Association, Deborah LaGrasso and Rachel Tannenholz to delay their three-way over claims of anti-semitism, harassment and […]
Condo Q&A: Amending Documents, Bylaws and Boards (FL)
Question: 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 […]
Heroic firefight spares Santa Rosa’s Oakmont retirement community from devastation (CA)
It had all the elements of an impending disaster. Wind-whipped flames bearing down from the east were joined by blazes in Annadel-Trione State Park to the southwest and fires burning on Melita Road to the north. Together, the fire and the smoke and the chaos threatened to hem in the nearly 5,000 residents of the […]
Homeowners’ Association Documents Should Discuss Amendment (FL)
Q: My homeowners’ association is considering amendments to its governing documents. A question has come up concerning what membership vote is required to amend the documents. Can you please advise? Read the Q&A……………………………..
New lawsuit roils Val Vista HOA (AZ)
Brewing beneath the idyllic surface of a sought-after community in Gilbert with waterfront homes, an ongoing tug-of-war between free speech and defamation could end up in court. Nearly three dozen residents who have criticized the HOA board overseeing the 900-acre Val Vista Lakes Community are now facing a lawsuit from three former directors. Read the […]
750 farm boxes distributed to community (HI)
Plantation Estates Lot Owners Association in conjunction with Hua Momona Farms held a “Community Giveback” on Saturday, Aug. 15 the Kapalua Village Center distributing over 750 farm boxes to the Maui community. Read the article………………………………..
Disputed Cape St. Claire pier must go, lawsuit over erosion and property rights settled (MD)
A lawsuit between property owners and the Cape St. Claire Improvement Association was settled this month with the agreement that a pier built this spring would come down, but no easements would be granted for public access on the private land. Alan Hyatt, an attorney representing three property owners, said he doesn’t think developers anticipated some […]
Association may amend bylaws to provide that only owners may serve on board (FL)
Q: Our governing documents say that anyone can be on the board — we would like to amend that, but the management company says it would cost thousands of dollars. Are they right? Read the Q&A………………………………
Mystery: Hundreds of dead fish are floating on this lake in Agoura Hills. Here are some theories behind why (CA)
The homeowners association has hired a company to test the water to find out why the fish are dying off. An educated guess from the HOA board – an algae outbreak or the devices that create oxygen for the fish are not working or both. Read the article……………………………….
One person seriously injured in fire at Windsor Green condo complex (SC)
Crews are responding to reports of a structure fire in the Carolina Forest area Friday afternoon. Firefighters were called to the 4900 block of Windor Green Way around 12:45 p.m., according to Horry County Fire Rescue spokesperson Tony Casey. Read the article……………………………….
Condo living has its own challenges when it comes to fire safety. Here is a prevention checklist. (VA)
October is Fire Safety Month, with Fire Prevention Week beginning Sunday, Oct. 4, and ending on Saturday, Oct.10. Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has run an annual campaign to help educate the public on fire safety in effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by fire. Read the article…………………………..
HOA Homefront – Fair Housing violations? Restrictions on hard floors and outside play (CA)
Q: I recently bought a condo and was in the process of replacing the carpet with laminate flooring because of allergies. The HOA informed me that there is a rule prohibiting hard flooring to be installed in condominiums above another condominium. I asked the management company for the definition of “hard flooring” but have been […]
Trump or Biden: Dallas-area neighbors face off over political signs (TX)
Here among the manicured lawns and scenes of suburban serenity, two Farmers Branch neighbors wage a war of words. They have barely spoken to each other. They’re letting their signs do the talking. Read the article…………………………………
South Florida condo owners can’t get roof fixed due to cellular service antennas
It was a deal meant to bring in much-needed money to a Miami-Dade condo building, so why are homeowners now furious? Kevin Ozebek has tonight’s 7 Investigates. Summer in South Florida can bring intense storms, and for some owners in this condo building, when it rains, water can come right into their homes. Read the […]
Political Flag Controversy in Camden Neighborhood (DE)
This is not a sign. It’s a garden flag.” That’s the argument that Bruce Watson is making, after his Homeowners Association made him remove a garden flag he bought two weeks. It says ‘Trump 2020 Make America Great Again.’ His HOA said that it violates their bylaws, and that it had to be removed or […]
A Gilbert battle over a flagpole resolves just in time for an important date (AZ)
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……………………
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 […]