Following the North Carolina Utilities Commission’s decision late last month to delay a decision on a proposed transfer of wastewater systems, residents of both Briar Chapel and Fearrington Village are waiting on their sewage’s future. The Old North State Water Company, based in Raleigh, had filed for a transfer of Fearrington Village’s wastewater to the […]
HOA Board of Directors exercises corporate powers, not membership (FL)
Q: I have a townhome in an HOA community which is incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under Chapter 617. There are townhomes and individual lots where people have built their homes. There is a master association that was self-managed until about four years ago. Read the Q&A………………………….
Little Cumberland seeks remedy for erosion problem (GA)
Little Cumberland Island has a shoreline erosion problem along Shell Creek. The island’s homeowners association is seeking a permit to build a “living shoreline” to protect the coastal edge. Living shorelines are made of natural materials that will encourage the growth of plants over time. Read the article………………………
Budgets must contain reasonable reserves (IL)
Q: The last reserve study for our condominium was done about 20 years ago. Contributions to the reserve fund are based on this reserve study, and have not changed year to year, despite the fact that we continually draw down our reserves for various projects. Are there any regulations that would require an association board […]
Owners at affordable condo to appeal after seeing their property taxes skyrocket (HI)
Nearly 50 owners of affordable condos at an Ala Moana area highrise are appealing their city property tax assessments. The owners of the units at 1631 Kapiolani Blvd. said the city is incorrectly using sales of nearby high-end condos to value their studios, which unlike market-priced units, have strict restrictions on resale. Read the article……………………………..
Possibility exists that new board could reduce budget (FL)
Q: Our board spent a lot of time developing the 2020 budget. The budget went up to address actual expenses, and assessments also went up. With the election coming up, we are fearful that a newly elected board could re-open the budget and reduce assessments to the 2019 levels. Is this possible? Read the Q&A………………………………
Not a good idea for unescorted visitors to view property in community (NV)
Q: There’s a real estate company that is buying homes, doing rehabbing and then selling. The latest in our community is for this company to allow customers to access the residence and do a self-guided tour. Our homeowners association community is gated. We don’t even allow vendor codes to be posted on the Multiple Listing […]
How a Spring woman’s Facebook post got an HOA to re-evaluate its rules about signs (TX)
Sheila Rojas posted on Facebook when her HOA board members told her she could not have a sign in her yard remembering Harris Co. Sheriff’s Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal. Read the article…………………………….
Investigation finds some unsafe dams in Western Pennsylvania
He said Hull was named a high hazard dam just two years ago. Action News Investigates repeatedly contacted the president of the homeowners association that owns the dam, but got no response. Dams may look beautiful, but experts said if they are not maintained they can be dangerous. Read the article………………………….
Indy woman files class action lawsuit alleging condo association wrongly charged attorney’s fees (IN)
An Indianapolis woman has filed a class action lawsuit against a condominium owners’ association, alleging they erroneously charged her more than a thousand dollars in attorney’s fees. Nicole Ashburn filed the lawsuit Jan. 28 in Marion Superior Court against Heron Lake Condominium Owners’ Association. Read the article………………………..
Fire At River Park House Condos Forces Residents Out In Rain (PA)
A high-rise fire forced residents out in the rain in Wynnefield Heights overnight. The fire broke out in the 22-story River Park House on Conshohocken Avenue, around 12:30 a.m. Thursday. There were reports of an electrical fire on the 10th floor. Read the article………………………………
Ask a real estate pro: Can we put a candidate sign in front of our home? (FL)
Q: We want to put a lawn sign out in front of our home for our favorite candidate. Our homeowners association is saying no way. What about my First Amendment rights? Can they restrict this? Read the article………………………….
HOA board member claims defamation against neighbor who accused him, his brother of stealing funds (TX)
A Harris County area homeowners association director and his brother are claiming defamation against a neighbor who accused them of stealing HOA monies. Read the article…………………………..
Woman pronounced dead at the scene of a Waterbury condo fire (CT)
Police say a woman was found dead inside a Waterbury condo this morning while crews battled a fire. First responders were called to 32 Manville Street around 7 a.m. for a reported structure fire. The fire was at the condominiums found at the address. Read the article………………………….
Woman’s car booted after parking in her own driveway (FL)
Cristina Trabada said she and her family were on vacation when neighbors started bombarding them with calls and messages. “Sending us pictures that my car has been booted in the driveway,” Trabada said. Wait. What? Read the article…………………………
Loudoun County homeowners seek to elevate voice: HOAs banding together for new coalition (VA)
At public hearings, town halls and community meetings, Loudoun County homeowners over the years have shown up in small packs to ask questions and make their voices heard. Now, a group of Loudoun County citizens are forming a coalition of homeowner and condominium associations across the county to improve communication between the organizations, their elected […]
City of Marco Island reaches agreements with Madeira, contractors and realtor on probation (FL)
City of Marco Island reached an agreement with Madeira’s condominium association and a contractor following a beach code violation late last year. On Oct. 21, code compliance officer Andy Lindenmuth observed workers from Greenscapes of Southwest Florida trimming sea grapes on a dune area by 350 S. Collier Blvd. Read the article…………………………
SCDCA: 2020 HOA Complaint Report available now (SC)
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has released the 2020 Homeowners Association (HOA) Complaint Report. The report covers complaints received from January 2019 through December 31, 2019, according to the SCDCA. Complaints are categorized within the report, which is available in a “filterable and searchable format” on the agency website. Read the article……………………………
What a new Illinois law about service animals means for condo associations (IL)
Effective Jan. 1, the “Assistance Animal Integrity Act” took effect in Illinois, supplementing existing federal law regarding reasonable accommodation requests for assistance animals (i.e., service animals and emotional support animals). Read the Q&A…………………………
Why you may have to foot the bill to repair damage to your condo caused by a contractor hired by the association
Q: Last year, my condo association had a company replace the roof on many of our buildings. I live on the top floor of my building. When the new roof was installed, it created a leak that came down and damaged my kitchen ceiling. My association is stating that it is responsible only for the […]
Rosie on the House: Home projects in HOA communities (AZ)
When pulling into your driveway, do you often think “this house needs a fresh coat of paint” or “I’d like a front lawn?” If you live in a homeowners association community, there are steps and considerations you need to take before picking up the paintbrush or laying sod. Read the Q&A……………………………
Dunwoody Homeowners Association president warns of community ‘tension and hostility’ (GA)
Before handing out the organization’s annual awards on Jan. 26, Dunwoody Homeowners Association President Adrienne Duncan warned that the city’s quality of life is worsening in a climate of community “tension and hostility.” Read the article……………………..
As SC island homes fall into ocean, owners behind them wonder if they’re next
Their owners are locked in legal battles, both with their insurance companies and the island’s Owners’ Association, which says the houses need to be removed. Beaufort County declared it’s unsafe to be inside any of them. Many on the island are hesitant to discuss them at all so as not to upset friends in the […]
Briar Chapel, Fearrington continue to wait for wastewater decision (NC)
The North Carolina Utilities Commission has postponed a second public hearing on a proposed transfer of Fearrington Village wastewater operations to Briar Chapel. The decision was made after the Commission’s Public Staff filed a motion Jan. 21 asking for the delay, stating investigators needed to see Old North State Water Company, the firm behind the […]
Man dies after 2-alarm condo fire in Walnut Creek, officials say (CA)
A man died and a dog was injured in an early-morning condo fire in Walnut Creek Saturday morning, officials said. The two-alarm blaze was reported about 5:30 a.m. at a third-level unit of The Keys condominiums, 410 N. Civic Drive, according to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Read the article…………………………
Federal law protects satellite dishes, but not HAM radio antennas, in deed-restricted communities (FL)
Q: I live in an association in San Antonio. I am a licensed HAM radio operator. Our HOA management company keeps sending me notices and assessing fines for a temporary antenna that fits on a PVC mast. Our HOA rules do not specifically ban antennas, but they mention that dish receivers must be attached to […]
Neighbors, homeless question jagged rock placement on right-of-way near condos in Five Points (CO)
Is it an eyesore, an environmentally-friendly, water-saving move, or just an attempt to keep homeless people from setting up tents? The Glen Arm Place Condo Association has installed large, jagged rocks in the right of way between the sidewalk and curb, next to their condos at 24th & Glenarm Place. Read the article…………………………..
American Beauty homeowners seek answers to ‘emergency special assessment’ (CA)
Homeowners of nearly 450 units at a Canyon Country condominium complex are demanding answers and transparency from their property management company after receiving notice to pay $5,500 each for an “emergency special assessment” residents believe could have been prevented. Read the article……………………….
Keeping drones from being a nuisance in your community (FL)
Q: We keep hearing that delivery companies will soon be delivering packages to our doorsteps by drones. Developers and realtors are using drone footage as marketing tools. Hobbyist and kids are flying them around in their spare time. How should your Condominium or Homeowners’ Association handle the growing number of drone use from becoming a […]
HOAs should equally enforce its regulations (NV)
Q: Our homeowners association has design guidelines that cover wall maintenance. Essentially it is the homeowners’ responsibility to remove chemical efflorescence that is created by the leaching of salts and minerals from irrigation stations. These rules are enforced (as well as others) through the community standards office of the management company. I was recently cited […]
HOA Homefront: The Open Meeting Act (CA)
Q: Our HOA has a rule that only homeowners listed on the title can attend a board meeting as meetings are not open to the public. My husband and I recently married, and he is not listed as an owner since it is only in my name. He would like to attend the meetings. Can […]
Horry County ranks top in the state for HOA complaints (SC)
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs released its 2020 HOA Complaint Report on Friday. The department received more than 200 complaints in 2019 against 143 homeowners associations across the state. Read the article…………………….
$400K reportedly embezzled from PCB Condominium (FL)
A Panama City Beach woman is facing multiple charges after deputies say she embezzled more than $400,000 dollars from a Horizon South Condominiums Homeowners Association. Cynthia Hayes, 55, reportedly stole the money while working as a bookkeeper for the resort. Read the article……………………….
HOA Homefront: Can the board deny us solar panels? (CA)
Q: Can an HOA prevent us from placing solar panels on the roof of our condominium townhome? If we agree to be responsible for the repairs needed due to our solar panels, do we have the right to place solar panels on our roof? Read the Q&A…………………….
South Fulton officials open shelter after 60 residents displaced by condo fire (GA)
Several families lost everything they had after a fire destroyed a large section of a condo building in South Fulton on Wednesday. The Red Cross of Georgia, who responded to help out, said 60 residents were displaced from the fire at the Camelot Condominiums on Old National Highway. On Thursday, South Fulton city officials said […]
Gilbert HOA board backtracks on social media fines, after using HOA fees to fund legal costs (AZ)
A Gilbert HOA is accused of trying to restrict its residents’ first amendment rights on Facebook by threatening fines and penalties if residents post comments that frame the board in a negative light. “Considering you’re talking of a fine up to $250 a day and revoking your privileges at our clubhouse here, suing us with […]
Facade Inspections to Get Stricter – and More Expensive (NY)
Just in time for the start of the city’s 9th cycle of the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) on February 21, 2020, the Department of Buildings (DOB) has published a new amended rule aimed at increasing safety and holding negligent building owners accountable, RAND Engineering & Architecture reports. In the wake of architect Erica Tishman’s […]
2 rescued after being trapped during fire at condo building (GA)
Two people had to be rescued after a fire broke out at a condo building on Wednesday in South Fulton. When the fire was still raging, people jumped in to action to help rescue two small children from a balcony. Video shows one person running with a ladder to aid them. A resident dropped them to […]
Ask a real estate pro: Community’s been waiting years for new mailboxes. Can I just install my own?
Q: We need to install a new mailbox in front of our house because ours is falling apart. Our homeowners association approved a budget item to install new mailboxes three years ago, but the work was never done. Can we install a new mailbox without being penalized? Read the Q&A………………………..
Neighbors take proposed seawall battle to court (MI)
A legal battle is brewing along the lakeshore among a group of neighbors who disagree about a project aimed at protecting some cottages from erosion. The neighbors, who are part of the Dunes Homeowners Association in West Olive, want a judge to block the construction of a rock revetment wall that could protect some homes from […]
Kakaako condo residents outraged at sudden surge in maintenance fees (HI)
The affordable housing condo Ke Kilohana is raising maintenance fees by 50 percent just eight months after the building opened in the first place. Watch the video news report…………………….
Dumpsters at Arlington condo complex not emptied for weeks (FL)
Read the article………………………Trash at Les Chateau Condominiums continued to pile up Wednesday and residents of the complex say their calls and questions about why the dumpsters are not being emptied go unanswered. Several dumpsters of the property along the Arlington Expressway east of Arlington Road are overflowing with piles of trash.
Condos: Is it legal for one board member to act on a major project without bringing it to the full board? (FL)
Q: I am a resident of an association that is governed under Florida Statutes 718 and we are about to have our annual election. We were given a limited proxy with only the board secretary with the rights as the proxy holder. If I read it correctly, the home owner has the right to designate […]
Lake association aims to restore the shore (MN)
The Bald Eagle Lake Association is offering a matching fund program in 2020 for shoreline restoration projects around the lake. The association will provide matching grants to help finance projects that the Rice Creek Watershed District RCWD approves for Bald Eagle Lake residents in 2020. RCWD created a grant program to provide homeowners with technical […]
Don’t hire members for work on homeowner association projects (MI)
Q: We hired a maintenance person for our homeowners association who was also an owner in our subdivision. We had to terminate him, and he is creating all kinds of problems for us. How do we deal with it? Read the Q&A……………………………
San Rafael Tree Trimmer Killed By Falling Tree In Mill Valley (CA)
Martinez was removing trees on behalf of a homeowners’ association between Blue Jay Way and Chamberlain Court when he was struck by a falling tree and suffered traumatic head and body injuries, Chief Deputy Coroner Roger Fielding said. Read the article…………………………
Sinkhole buy-out deal “stinks,” say Hudson residents (FL)
The barricades are 103 paces apart. The area inside contains more than 70 sinkholes and ground anomalies, six houses and immeasurable stress. This is Willow Brook Court in the Lakeside Woodlands neighborhood in Hudson. It gained notoriety in August when large holes opened within the drainage retention area on the street’s south side. Almost six […]
El Dorado Hills homeowners could face rising fees (CA)
Residents could be facing steep fee increases in Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts due to a lack of mechanisms built in to account for inflation. Formed between the late 1980s and mid-1990s, LLADs were created to assist the El Dorado Hills Community Services District in funding improvements, operations and maintenance of assets throughout El Dorado […]
For some, Massanutten town incorporation is not best option (VA)
Massanutten is not going to incorporate into a town this year, but it could happen next year. The recent push was a response to community concerns about money and other issues and incorporation was seen by some as a possible solution. However, not everyone who lives in the area supports incorporation. Read the article………………………….
Sun City, other homeowners have recourse: Ways to avoid bad contractors, fix errors
Renovating a home is a major project for homeowners and there is a lot to handle even when contractors do the work. The burden becomes worse when contractors do a poor job. Homeowners have some recourse when dealing with a contractor that does not live up to expectations. All Arizona residents can access the Registrar […]