Residents of a downtown Rochester condominium complex were chased outside Saturday due to a carbon monoxide threat. Read the article……………………………..The Rochester Fire Dept. was called to 728 1st Ave SW just before 11:00 AM and detected CO in the building’s 5th floor area. The entire building was evacuated as a precaution until it was ventilated.
Genecov Group, Hollytree area homeowners reach agreement on nearby development (TX)
Genecov Group President Ray McKinney said in addition to tweaking plans as previously discussed, the developer also met with homeowners association leaders. McKinney said the homeowner groups brought a proposal that they felt would satisfy both sides, and presented the agreed-to changes to the P&Z committee. All matters approved by the committee must still be […]
Kailua woman who terrorized neighbors for years ordered to pay $1M (HI)
A jury has ordered a Kailua woman who terrorized her neighbors for years to pay nearly $1 million to the Windward Passage complex’s condo association. The condo board accused Sheree Heke of conducting a campaign of abuse against homeowners for several years. Read the article…………………………..
‘The worth of water’ and what conservation strategies are working
Benjamin Franklin, in the pages of Poor Richard’s Almanac, warned: “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” That truism of 273 years ago remains a go-to phrase among water managers today, especially in the arid Southwest embattled by drought. The American Water Resources Association’s national conference ended Wednesday in Salt Lake […]
Investigation underway after morning condo fire in Columbia (MO)
Authorities are investigating what caused a Columbia apartment building to catch fire on Saturday morning. The Columbia Fire Department responded to Smithton Condo Apartments around 8 a.m. for reports of a fire. Upon arrival, crews saw heavy smoke coming from the building, according to a news release. Read the article………………………
Statutory term limits do not apply unless governing documents contain Kaufman language (FL)
It’s election season again and the perfect time to revisit our prior columns regarding condominium term limits. You may recall that the Condominium Act, as amended in 2018, provides that “a board member may not serve more than eight consecutive years unless approved by an affirmative vote of unit owners representing two-thirds of all votes […]
The deteriorating condition of the New Harbor Condos (MI)
A resident of New Harbor Condominiums in Benton Harbor is breathing easier today thanks to Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski. Read the article………………………..
Looking to combat crime, H.B. gated community turns to license plate reading cameras (CA)
In the increasingly high-tech world of home security, one Huntington Beach gated community is pushing the envelope on a neighborhood scale. Seabridge Villas, located near the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Adams Avenue, has installed license plate reading cameras to document the comings and goings at the condominium complex, which is home to 344 residents. […]
Should closed meeting of board be noticed? (FL)
Q: I’m familiar with what the Florida Condominium and Homeowners Association statutes say on the subject of owners’ rights to attend board meetings. However, while both laws cite two exceptions to meetings being open to the association members (pending litigation and personnel matters), the Statute doesn’t address specifically whether or not a closed meeting of […]
Owners not entitled to compensation for balcony work (IL)
Q: We own and live in an old condominium building. The association is performing major tuckpointing work on the exterior of the building. It is a project with a 10-month duration. As a result of all this work, unit owners have been unable to use their balconies for this entire period of time. Do owners […]
Condo owner thought cable was included in HOA dues (NV)
Q: I recently bought a condo and the management company provided me with a list of what was included in my monthly assessment before the sale. They said that water, sewer, cable TV signal, trash collection, property insurance, contributions to the reserve account and maintenance of the common areas were all included. Read the Q&A…………………………..
Should your HOA use drones to catch violators in the act? (CA)
Serial dog poop litterers, unauthorized parking of vehicles, architectural violations, smoking nuisance — the list goes on and on when it comes to common “repeat violations” that a homeowners’ association encounters on a day-to-day basis. https://www.vcstar.com/story/money/business/2019/11/08/should-your-hoa-use-drones-catch-violators-act/2512306001/
Condo questions: Can HOA deny prospective tenant because of a felony? (FL)
Q: If a prospective tenant of mine has questionable credit, an old felony conviction, or a roommate that does, what right does the HOA have in refusing occupancy to my prospective tenant? Read the Q&A…………………..
Half their community burned in the Woolsey fire. Recovery is wreaking its own misery (CA)
For victims of the Woolsey fire, recovery has been agonizingly slow. The blaze charred 151 square miles and 1,600 structures when it ripped through Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains and eastern Ventura County a year ago, consuming mobile homes and movie star mansions in what would become one of the most destructive wildfires in California […]
Stuck in limbo after condo fire (NJ)
More than two years later, Shan and her husband, Gerald Fornwald, are still waiting to get back into their home. They’ve been spending part of their retirement in various apartments and hotel rooms, most recently at the Candlewood Suites in Bensalem. Last week, their insurance ran out. Now, they’re paying $154 a day for the […]
Changing your laundry room vendor may be more difficult than you think—here’s why (NY)
If the washing machines in your building’s laundry room are not maintained well, or worse, break down all the time, wouldn’t it make sense to change vendors? You would think so, but unfortunately switching companies is not that easy. Read the article………………………….
No Power to Condo (FL)
The association hired a plumber to repair a problem. Instead, they cut the power line to a condo — and when the condo owner wanted it repaired, he says the association wouldn’t do it the way he needed. So he asked Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser: Does an association have to repair a problem […]
“Officially out of money”: Upper East Side condo in disarray (NY)
It’s a New York condo buyer’s worst nightmare. Three of them put down $11 million apiece for an “exclusive residence” in an elegant pre-war building with a landmarked facade in one of “the world’s finest neighborhoods,” only to see the condominium become nearly insolvent because of the developers’ bizarre family feud. Read the article………………………..
Denver condo residents say trash hasn’t been picked up in weeks and it’s attracting raccoons (CO)
Residents living in a condominium complex say their trash hasn’t been picked up in weeks and it’s attracting animals. “We’re really scared, our dogs are scared, they chase our cars. The raccoons are aggressive with our cars even,” a resident wishing to remain anonymous for this story told Contact7. Read the article………………………
Polich sentenced to 7 years in prison in embezzlement case (CO)
Robert Polich, a Frisco man convicted of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Hamilton Creek Metropolitan District, was sentenced to seven years in prison during a hearing at the Summit County Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon……In 2014, Polich was arrested on a similar embezzlement case, in which he stole about $160,000 while working […]
Some say gates blocking beach access in a private Kailua community isn’t fair (HI)
The public has a right to access all beaches in Hawaii, which is why newly locked gates have people upset in Kailua. But the neighbors who voted to keep people out say they have a right to protect their private property. Read the article…………………………
Neighborhood requests permanent memorial honoring deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal (TX)
Neighbors in the Copperbrook subdivision in northwest Harris County are asking for donations to help fund a permanent memorial dedicated to fallen Harris County Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal. Read the article……………………….
Residents challenging town’s findings on private roads (CT)
Residents of four roads are disputing the town’s position that they should no longer receive services such as plowing and paving. The town has said the roads are private, but the residents argue that they should be considered public. Read the article…………………………..
La Bota Homeowners protest auction and fees at Justice Center (TX)
A group of local homeowners are saying “Enough is enough!” Video shows a protest led by La Bota homeowners known as Homeowners Voices United have gathered in front of the Justice Center. Read the article……………………….
1948 neighborhood covenant banning people of color still in effect (NC)
Today there is a Homeowners Association (HOAs), but decades ago residents relied on neighborhood covenants to govern subdivisions. Eyewitness News found two such covenants still on the books at the Wake County Register of Deeds and, unbeknownst to most residents, they contain language that today is widely considered offensive. Read the article……………………..
Row of trees solves Whitehall Township property dispute (PA)
A 55-and-up condominium community in Whitehall Township has settled a dispute with the township by extending an olive branch — or in this case a row of trees. The condominium association of The Cottages at Belmont Glen, appearing before the township board of commissioners Monday, proposed a solution to its struggle with the township over […]
Residents return home after sinkhole opens outside Altamonte Springs condo complex (FL)
Residents evacuated after a sinkhole opened outside their condo building last week were allowed to return to their homes Monday. According to Altamonte Springs police, a structural engineer checked the building at the Royal Arms Condominiums early Monday and determined it’s safe for all units to be occupied. Read the article……………………
Barrington’s Fox Point subdivision ‘nicest place’ in Illinois, Readers Digest says
Barrington’s Fox Point subdivision is the nicest place in Illinois, according to a national publication which, as an example of the community’s generosity, cites a time when residents rushed to help neighbors whose belongings were placed on the front lawn during an eviction. Read the article……………………….
Chicago’s condos are turning into rentals. Here’s what’s driving the deconversion trend, and what it means for condo owners (IL)
Chicago apartment buildings can have many lives. “It used to be you bought an apartment building and converted it into condominiums,” said Susan Tjarksen, a managing director in the Chicago office of Cushman & Wakefield, “and now we’re seeing the reverse of that.” Read the article………………………….
Corridor man heading to prison for defrauding homeowners association (IA)
A Marion man has been imprisoned for defrauding a homeowners association out of nearly $125,000. The Gazette reports that 55-year-old Wayne Jones Jr. was given 18 months at his sentencing Thursday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids. He’d pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Read the article…………………….
Massanutten residents working to incorporate area into town (VA)
Some in the Valley are hoping to create a new town, right in Rockingham County. Gene Hauze and other residents of Massanutten have been working since September to gather signatures and educate their neighbors about a plan to incorporate Massanutten into a town. Read the article……………………….
With Lake Forrest Dam repairs to come, residents sue over lost view (GA)
After nearly a decade of repairs being ordered by the state for the Lake Forrest Dam, Sandy Springs approved a contract for the repair design at an Oct. 1 meeting. The design could restore the lake, but the process could take as long as two-and-a-half years and involve a 12-month closure of Lake Forrest Drive. […]
No injuries in Palatine condo fire (IL)
No injuries were reported after a fire damaged a three-story condo building Friday in northwest suburban Palatine. Crews were called about 4:57 p.m. to the building in the 500 block of East Spruce Drive for reports of smoke, the Palatine fire department said. Upon arrival, authorities found smoke coming from the roof and discovered the […]
Family unharmed in condominium fire in Union, Kentucky
A family came home to their condominium on fire in Union, Kentucky Saturday evening. Several fire agencies responded to the fire in the 9600 block of Soaring Breezes. Read the article……………………..
Resident Escapes Injury In Easton’s Condominium Fire (MA)
At least one resident escaped injury in a condominium fire on Foundry Street in Easton on Wednesday. The fire broke out around 2:50 p.m. at Fox Run Condominiums. Two homes were affected, and each home had one resident living there, fire officials say. At least one of those residents was home at the time, but […]
HOA Homefront: Protection for ADUs and doorway icons coming in 2020 (CA)
Two new laws are coming in 2020 which provide protection for HOA owners in regard to accessory dwelling units and religious decorations on doorways. One of the most basic elements of residential CC&Rs is the requirement that residences are limited to “single-family” use. However, at least in California planned developments, that requirement is partially overridden […]
Unit and lot owners may inspect their ledgers upon written request (FL)
My HOA switched managing agents and during that process changed out the accounting firms and bank accounts, as well. As a result, the quarterly bill no longer shows a total amount due. Instead, it shows the standard quarterly amount that would be due assuming no advance credits or additional debits. Read the Q&A……………………..
Boards need to define the terms “seasonal decorations” and “holiday” (IL)
Q: The rules for our association permit residents to display “seasonal decorations” on their balconies and patios for a certain period of time before and after a “holiday.” However, these terms are not defined in the rules, and there is some debate among the board as to what this all means. Can you provide any […]
Multiple fire agencies respond to fire at North Myrtle Beach condos (SC)
North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue and Horry County Fire Rescue responded to a fire at a condo complex in North Myrtle Beach. Read the article…………………………..
New Canaan Man’s Company Sues Heritage Hill Road Condo Association (CT)
During a secret meeting last month, the board of a condo association in New Canaan adopted overly restrictive leasing rules in a way that violates state law as well as the organization’s own governing documents, according to a new lawsuit. Read the article………………………….
Housing lawsuit: Family size is a civil right (MI)
A West Michigan family found themselves locked out of a prospective home, told they have too many kids to live there. Now they are suing. The Iacopellis are four kids strong, with two boys and two girls between 1 and 9 years old and another boy coming at the end of February. In April, Matt […]
Ex-cop-turned-felon found in violation of state law following Channel 9 investigation (FL)
A state investigation has just determined the ex-cop-turned felon who 9 Investigates exposed working as a security officer inside a Kissimmee community was violating state law. Investigative reporter Karla Ray has been covering the issues at Turnberry Reserve since September. She learned the property management company that hired Joseph Conover is also now accused of […]
‘It’s a peace of mind’: Ortega homeowner pleased with license plate readers (FL)
For two years, one Ortega neighborhood has used license plate readers to track who has been going in and out of the area bringing some residents a peace of mind. “Prior to the cameras, we had nothing at all other than you know your eyeballs, we just wanted to have something on film that would […]
Family finally allowed to keep modified driveway after year long battle with HOA (FL)
A Pasco County family is now getting answers after a fight with their HOA over changes to their driveway dragged on for more than a year. “A lot of people do not like the HOA which now I can see why, before I defended them — I no longer will,” said Amy Ford. Read the […]
Condo column: What can we do? Pool contractor has abandoned job site, unresponsive (FL)
Q: Our contractor was supposed to enlarge the pool area, refinish the pool, and renovate the pool deck. The work is about half complete and the contractor has effectively abandoned the job site and is unresponsive. We do not want to wait for this contractor but also want to handle this correctly. What can we […]
Ask a real estate pro: Do I really have to fix long pipe behind the wall in my condo?
Q: Is our condominium association responsible for what is behind the walls? We have a pipe running from our air handler to the condenser that they say I am responsible for replacing due to a leak. It is a four-story building, and I’m on the ground floor, so it is a very long line. Read the […]
Lakes of Windermere residents ponder annexation possibility (FL)
Lakes of Windermere residents are at a crossroads: Should a new 81-home neighborhood be annexed into their community? Residents and homeowners association board members discussed how to move forward at an emergency meeting Tuesday, Oct. 29. Read the article……………………….
Condo owners looking for relief from fees (RI)
What if you had to pay for a municipal service that you weren’t receiving? That’s the question condo owners in both Woonsocket and North Smithfield are raising as it relates to their trash pickup, or rather, lack of it. Read the article………………………….
‘Everybody’s having fun’ at Dove Mountain’s golf courses, thanks to fast, forward-thinking approach (AZ)
The magic number in Tucson golf isn’t 59 or 69 or anything that has to do with red figures on a scorecard. It is 4 — as in 4 hours to play a round of golf………………The Highlands is a unique golf compound because it has 1,298 homes in a manicured gated community. The homeowners’ association […]
Man accused of stealing $700k from HOA funds in Greenville Co., deputies say (SC)
A former Upstate property manager turned himself in Wednesday after being accused of stealing more $700,000 from various homeowners associations. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office started an investigation on October 1 after the Stonehaven housing community reported money was missing from HOA funds, according to the sheriff’s office. Read the article………………………