HOA installs license plate readers at Riverview neighborhood entrance (FL)

A Riverview neighborhood is using new technology they say will prevent crime, but some say it’s an invasion of their privacy.  Cameras were installed in April to capture the license plates of vehicles coming and going from the Paddock Oaks neighborhood.   Read the article………………………..

Homeowner feels ‘singled out’ by HOA (NV)

Q: Love your column in the RJ. I’m in a 135-home homeowners association community and I need help.  First was my missing front yard tree. So I planted something. Now, it’s about my trim paint. After getting the notice, I asked three other neighbors that did not have a tree if they got a notice? […]

License Plate Surveillance Expands to Escondido Neighborhood (CA)

An advanced surveillance system is expanding in San Diego County, with its latest home in the Kent Ranch neighborhood of Escondido.  The system, Flock Safety, uses cameras atop light poles to collect images and data from the license plates of cars driving by, including plate number, vehicle type, color, and the time the information was […]

Sacramento homeowners demand HOA stop using Roundup (CA)

Some Sacramento residents want their homeowner’s association to stop using a controversial weed killer on the grounds surrounding their homes because they fear it could make them sick.  Read the article………………………….

Leyden man arraigned for larceny at condo association (MA)

A Leyden man was arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court Monday afternoon for allegedly stealing more than $1,200 from a condo association.  Shane Parker, 33, pleaded not guilty to a single charge of larceny over $1,200 and was released on his own recognizance. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 15.   Read the article……………………….

Residents leery over condo complex construction in Villebois neighborhood after fire (OR)

Investigators still don’t know who started the fire in the Villebois neighborhood in Wilsonville nearly seven months ago.  It burned down an unfinished condo complex, about 20 homes and several cars.  Most people have started fresh, but as construction begins, neighbors are leery something will go wrong again.    Read the article……………………….

What is the purpose of a homeowners association? (WI)

For issues such as the fate of the neighborhood pond in the Auburn Hills subdivision, Caledonia Trustee Dale Stillman said that homeowners should use their neighborhood homeowners association (HOA) to address the issue, not local government.   Read the article……………………………

How an obscure rule could cost Worcester County residents thousands in fines (MD)

In an emailed statement, Harold Higgins, chief administrative officer for Worcester County, stated the county’s goal is not to issue any fines, but to “elicit voluntary compliance.”  “Ultimately, the White Horse Park Board of Directors is responsible for enforcing the declarations and covenants regarding seasonal occupancy,” Higgins wrote in an email.  To enforce the zoning […]

Crews battle fire at condo building in Oldsmar (FL)

Firefighters from multiple agencies are at the scene of a fire in a condominimum complex in Oldsmar.  Crews responded to the fire on Hunter Lake Drive around 10 a.m. Heavy smoke and flames were visible when fire crews arrived.    Read the article……………………….

State Law page back

Sometime in the recent past, the page with all of the various state laws regarding condo’s and HOA’s diappeared off the site.  I probably deleted it accidentally, but I like to blame outside forces beyond my control for it going away.  However, the page is back and updated.

Notice of annual meeting requirement (FL)

Q: The manager of my condominium association sent out the first notice of annual meeting and election late. Instead of sending out the first notice 60 days in advance of the annual meeting he sent the first notice out 55 days before. When I raised my concern he said there likely won’t be enough candidates […]

Rules violation hearings not a court of law (IL)

Q. Your recent article quotes the term “due process” regarding hearings for violations and fines. I would like to know why boards are not required to hold these hearings with a swearing in, a court reporter and hearing officer to attend. Without this formal requirement or process both the owner or the complainer may tell […]

HOA Meetings are for More Than Board Members (NC)

If you live in a community with a homeowner’s association (HOA), you no doubt have seen signs, received emails, or even had people knocking on your door to alert you about HOA meetings. There are many of different types of meetings — annual membership meetings, board meetings, committee meetings, executive sessions and special meetings — […]

HOA Meetings are for More Than Board Members (NC)

If you live in a community with a homeowner’s association (HOA), you no doubt have seen signs, received emails, or even had people knocking on your door to alert you about HOA meetings. There are many of different types of meetings — annual membership meetings, board meetings, committee meetings, executive sessions and special meetings — […]

Clearwood Community Association Members to Vote on $300K Embezzlement Repayment (WA)

Members of the Clearwood Community Association could be footing the bill temporarily after it was discovered last year that a bookkeeper embezzled upward of $300,000.  The Clearwood Community Association Board of Directors will discuss allowing members to vote on a one-time fee at their next meeting this Saturday. If there’s a consensus among the board, […]

Condo complex fire in west Toledo closes road (OH)

Toledo Fire crews are fighting a two-alarm at a condo community in west Toledo.  The fire is happening at Northington Condominiums on W. Alexis Rd.  One neighbor told WTOL she heard someone scream, “Your house is on fire!” causing her to run out of the building and call 911.   Read the article……………………..

Neighborhood Watch: Becoming an HOA watchdog (SC)

Homeowners associations can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, they give structure to a community and help set and monitor community standards to protect property values, as well as the safety and security of everyone. On the other hand, they can be overreaching in exercising authority like what color your […]

Scouts who care help local homeowners beautify (MI)

A local homeowner’s association reports they are the recipients of the generous hearts and hard-working hands of Boy Scout Troop 106 (out of Kirkridge Presbyterian Church).  Lilah Butler, Treasurer of the Hillcrest Homeowners Association said she appreciates their work very much and wanted to see the cub scouts recognized for their ongoing efforts in doing […]

Do you need to move your fence? Argument over servitude coming to close (LA)

A letter will soon be coming in the mail, and it might mean that some residents will have to tear down and move their fences.  Last week, 2 On Your Side reported from Arbor Walk in Denham Springs. Residents there have been in limbo between the HOA, Livingston Parish, and neighborhood developer DSLD about what […]

Meeting between homeowners, developers gets heated (GA)

Tensions ran high on Tuesday night between homeowners and developers of a west Forsyth neighborhood.  On Tuesday, a meeting was held at Vickery Middle School between homeowners in the Lakes of Franklin Goldmine subdivision and officials with homebuilder Paran Homes and developer American Homes 4 Rent, which is developing the third phase of the neighborhood […]

Can Co-op Boards Limit the Size of Support Animals? (NY)

A Bronx co-op board prohibits dogs larger than 30 pounds. When a shareholder asked if her brother could visit with his 70-pound emotional support dog, the board said no. Can a co-op board ban a support animal from visiting a shareholder because it exceeds the weight limit?    Read the article…………………………

Residents evacuated after roof catches fire at Steamboat condominium complex (CO)

A fire at a condominium complex near Steamboat Resort sparked the evacuation of about 30 people on Tuesday afternoon.  Just after 2 p.m., Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue firefighters received a report of flames on the roof at the Bear Claw II condominium complex in the 2400 block of Ski Trail Lane.   Read the article………………………

No easement? No problem. Condos rise in a backyard (MA)

When Nashira Baril moved to Taylor Terrace just three years ago, she and her husband were drawn to the quiet dead-end row of single-family homes off of River Street in Mattapan.  A single-family and a duplex lay just beyond her back yard.  Then, in a scenario that’s playing out in neighborhoods throughout Boston, the single-family […]

Homeowners upset over UTEP students parking in their neighborhood (TX)

Homeowners in the area say the Rim Road Homeowners Association is working on getting no parking signs for the area due to a large number of students parking in the area.  “The UTEP students used to park over in the Kern area. The Kern association was very effective in getting parking permits and enforcement in […]

Aspen Mountain Lodge fight over HOA board, money goes to district court (CO)

A dispute at Aspen Mountain Lodge has spawned dueling court actions regarding who has control of its funds and homeowners’ association.  On one side are developers and brothers Aaron and Michael Brown and their business associate Harris Berlinsky, who are behind three limited liability companies that own 20 of the lodge’s 38 units.   Read the […]

Not always necessary for HOA to obtain three bids (NV)

Q: Is there ever a time when it isn’t necessary to get sealed bids for the cost of a service from vendors? In other words, if the cost of the service is below a certain amount, can the bids be presented to the board unsealed?    Read the Q&A………………………….

HOA horrified at neighbor’s Halloween decoration (GA)

One man’s Halloween decoration is stirring up controversy in a local neighborhood – and it’s not because it’s scary.  The display features a scarecrow/pumpkin man with its pants partially pulled down, “mooning” people as they pass by the man’s North Fulton County house.  “We get a lot of chuckles out of it,” said homeowner Mike […]

Ex-prothontary clerk gets probation after paying back money he stole from homeowners association (PA)

A former clerk in the Lycoming County prothonotary’s office has admitted stealing $41,000 from a suburban Williamsport homeowners association.  Ryan A. Workman, 28, Friday pleaded guilty to a theft charge and immediately was sentenced by county Judge Nancy L. Butts to three years’ probation. He also must perform 100 hours of community service.    Read the […]

Suit targets short-term rentals at Capitol Beach (NE)

A lawsuit filed last week alleges several homeowners at Capitol Beach are renting out their homes on a short-term basis, in violation of neighborhood covenants.  The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Lancaster County District Court by the Capitol Beach Community Association, which is the homeowners association for people who live around Capitol Beach lake in […]

North Star water rates could soar in the coming months in the Valley (MT)

On Thursday, Helena Valley residents in the North Star Valley subdivision neighborhood expressed concerns at the Big Sky Fellowship church, about their fears over proposed water and sewage rate changes.  If the proposed changes are made and approved by the Public Service Commission, that would increase their monthly bill by more than $400 each month.  […]