Q: The new board at my condominium removed the carpet in the clubhouse and had luxury vinyl flooring installed in its place. Weren’t they required to get owner approval before making this type of change? Read the Q&A……………………………….
HOA responsible for erosion caused by negligent maintenance of lake vegetation (FL)
Q: About 60% of the homes in our HOA-governed community have property on the shore of lakes located entirely within the community. The HOA has long stressed controlling vegetation along the lake edge, with monthly spraying of emergent vegetation to keep the lawns looking very manicured. They’ve also been sold a bucket of fish – […]
‘It would be wildflowers’: Couple questions HOA’s rules governing lawncare, solar energy (PA)
Crouched in a grassy area outside her backyard fence, Hilari Hinnant proudly pointed out each individual plant in her two small gardens: black-eyed Susans, wild violets, yarrow, lamb’s ear, sedum and garlic. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hope for the best; prepare for the worst: preparing for the 2022 hurricane season (FL)
Q. My condominium association just sent all owners a copy of a hurricane plan that lists the actions the association will take if our area is impacted by a hurricane watch or warning. If the association is responsible for protecting the condominium building, what should I do to prepare my Unit for a possible storm? […]
Highlands Ranch group says it’s received hateful messages for hosting drag comedy show (CO)
community group in Highlands Ranch said they’re getting threats because of a drag comedy show they’re putting on Friday night. As some conservatives ramp up targeting of the LGBTQ community nationwide, it’s led Highlands Ranch Community Association in Douglas County to hire more security for the event. Read the entire article……………………………….
Town of Surfside sued after approving project next to aging condo building (FL)
The town of Surfside is facing a lawsuit over its approval of a luxury oceanfront development next to the aging Carlisle on the Ocean condos, reflecting fears of construction near old buildings that have rippled through the community in the year since the deadly collapse of Champlain Towers South. Read the entire article……………………………….
Residents told to evacuate for 3 days after fire in mechanical room of Hallandale Beach condo (FL)
The Hemispheres Condominium has ordered their residents to evacuate the buildings for the next three days. There are four buildings that have been impacted and a heavy presence of Hallandale Beach Police officers surrounding the area, Friday afternoon. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ask the HOA Expert
Question: A homeowner is demanding to see the HOA books and records. Our policy has always been homeowner may examine the books and records during normal business hours. He is demanding copies of everything. What should we do? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Condo Q&A: Unit Owner Tells Vendors What to Do (FL)
Question: We have an owner in our HOA that regularly interferes with our landscaping vendor. She provides them with direction that is contrary to the direction provided by the board. She has no authority to give them any direction. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Condo owners meet to figure out how to comply with new law for reserves (FL)
The anniversary of the Champlain Towers South building collapse in Surfside is approaching. The federal investigation into what caused the tragedy is ongoing. Condominium communities are trying to understand a new state law that requires a reserve fund for repairs. Read the entire article……………………………….
Aurora HOA considers armed security at pool (CO)
An email says Southshore Master HOA is “contracting an armed security service contractor to help promote safe and enjoyable environment for our neighbors.” Watch the news report………………..
How seniors of this Warminster condo complex are preparing for life with no elevators (PA)
Centennial Station resident Estelle Samburg is stocking up, as much as she can manage, on canned food, dry groceries and other household goods, as if preparing for an incoming mega-storm or some other nature-induced calamity. Read the entire article……………………………….
Providence Village HOA clarifies Section 8 fines, while Denton Housing Authority girds for fight (TX)
When word spread about the Providence Homeowners Association’s attempt to displace 81 families who use Section 8 vouchers in Providence Village, the reaction was swift and vicious, leading the HOA to close its offices over threats they were receiving, according to an email sent to residents. Read the entire article……………………………….
In Seven Bridges, Another Attempt To Oust The Board, Led By 78-Year-Old (FL)
A small but vocal group of homeowners in the 701-house community of Seven Bridges is again fighting to oust the Board of Directors. The drama this time: the seemingly incomprehensible surprise that when GL Homes turned over the community of million dollar homes to the homeowners association, the builder stopped subsidizing life behind the Lyons […]
WMBF Investigates: Horry County neighborhood road closure causing concerns (SC)
“If only the 240 people who pay for that road use that road, we would have no problem,” said Couture. “But the problem is now we have these other 50 homeowners’ associations driving over the top of that road, yet not paying a nickel towards it, and now our life expectancy [of the road] has […]
Federal Surfside condo collapse investigation enters new phase (FL)
The federal investigation into the deadly Surfside condo collapse is entering a new phase that involves cutting and drilling into concrete and steel to determine what role they played in the disaster, officials said Wednesday. Read the entire article……………………………….
Workers seek union at Twin Cities’ largest property management company (MN)
Desk attendants and caretakers working for the Twin Cities’ largest residential property management company announced their intent to unionize on Wednesday, joining the groundswell of labor organizing that’s rippling through the service sector. Read the entire article……………………………….
Police Say NY Man Threatened to Bulldoze HOA President’s Home (PA)
WYOU says that when the man’s gate card at the Reflection Lakes Owners Association was deactivated over unpaid dues, he allegedly threatened the president of the association. And by threatened, we’re talking about bulldozing the person’s home to the ground, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Read the entire article……………………………….
Intense Natomas Condo Complex Fire Damages 8 Condos, Nearby Buildings Melt (CA)
An intense and early Wednesday morning fire has left eight condos damaged in the Natomas area. Just after 12:30 a.m., Sacramento firefighters arrived at the Artisan Square Condo Complex on the 5300 block of East Commerce Way, where they discovered several condos on fire. Read the entire article……………………………….
Bucks County 55+ Condo Residents ‘Having To Live Like Shut-Ins’ As Only Elevator Shut Down For Repairs (PA)
Residents in a Bucks County 55+ condo community say some have been left stranded. It happened after management announced their one elevator would be shut down for weeks due to some major upgrades. Read the entire article……………………………….
Woman scammed Fort Wayne homeowners associations out of $180,000 (IN)
A woman whose business handled funds for several homeowners associations is now accused of bilking three of those out of more than $180,000, according to U.S. District Court documents. Read the entire article……………………………….
Section 8 landlords to be fined $300 weekly until tenants ousted, HOA says (TX)
Landlords in the town of Providence Village can expect to start receiving weekly fines of $300 for housing Section 8 tenants following a vote last week to implement new rental rules made by the Providence Homeowners Association. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA lodges ethics complaint against Milton official (GA)
The White Columns Homeowners Association has filed an ethics complaint against Milton City Councilman Paul Moore for casting a recent vote on a matter could be a conflict of interest. Read the entire article……………………………….
Housing for older person restrictions should be enforced through legal action (FL)
Q: A friend lives in a 55+ deed-restricted community. The HOA there is not mandatory – so if you choose not to join the HOA, you cannot use the community pool or clubhouse, tennis courts, etc. Lately it is apparent they are not enforcing the 55+ status of the community, and several homes are being […]
Will higher natural gas bills sink condo’s budget? (IL)
Q: The 2022 budget for our association includes a line item for natural gas. It looks like the actual cost for the year is going to be substantially higher than the amount budgeted. Does the board have to obtain owner approval for this increase in expense? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Large tree sheds leaves into neighbor’s yard, pool (NV)
Q: The neighbors large tree behind us overhangs our back wall and is constantly dropping leaves into our backyard and pool. We believe it is a willow acacia. It is every green and drops these very long, slender leaves that are difficult to remove. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Can board decide on new roofs? (FL)
Q: My condominium association board voted to replace the roofs on the condominium buildings, which are 20 years old. I am not aware of any major issue with the roofs. Our condominium documents say that any capital improvement must be approved by a majority of the unit owners. Can the board do this? Read the […]
HOA Homefront: Can the board ban solar panels? (CA)
Q: Can a HOA prevent us from placing solar panels on the roof of our townhome? We are in an older condominium association and the roofs are hard, flat shingles that were just replaced. If we agree to be responsible for the repairs needed due to our solar panels (not the ultimate roof replacement in […]
Neighborhood board reverses decision to roundup, kill geese after homeowners speak out (TN)
After outraged residents of the Hunter’s Lake neighborhood spoke out against their homeowner’s association board voting to remove and exterminate its goose population, they feel their voices have been heard. Read the entire article……………………………….
Trump name dropped from White Plains condo complex (NY)
Residents in White Plains are cutting ties with the Trump name. The Trump Tower City Center will now be called the Tower at City Place….”People want to live their life without being associated as a Democrat, a Republican or whatever…this is your home,” says Price. Read the entire article……………………………….
Tenants at Las Vegas condominiums must move after management change (NV)
People living at the Desert Garden condominiums in Las Vegas received a notice on April 23 saying that new management is taking over the property and they must move out, giving people just 30 days to pack up and find a new place to live. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hive mind: Birds and bees become haute amenities at NYC condo buildings (NY)
The latest spin on green amenities is landscaped areas with beehives that produce honey for residents and spaces that attract migratory birds. Read the entire article……………………………….
Woman steals nearly $500K from metro Atlanta HOA to go on vacation, GBI says (GA)
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Alabama woman they say stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Georgia homeowners association. The GBI says that 66-year-old Shirley Brown, of Calhoun County, Alabama, has been the property manager for the Mirror Lakes Homeowners Association in Villa Rica, Georgia. Read the entire article……………………………….
Gilbert homeowners learn they’re now responsible for repairing sidewalks (AZ)
A Gilbert homeowner reached out to Arizona’s Family after learning they’re suddenly responsible for repairing the sidewalk in front of their home. It’s something the town had previously done. Unfortunately, the change impacts the entire Cooley Station Phase 1 subdivision, meaning hundreds of families are on the hook. Read the entire article……………………………….
Federal investigators talk about Surfside condo collapse probe (FL)
Investigators with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) said the point of the probe is to not only find out what happened and who may be responsible for this deadly collapse, but it’s also to prevent similar tragedies at other high-rises. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ask The HOA Expert
Question: A newly elected board is taking over for directors that have been in charge for years. Is it time to audit the books? Read the Q&A……………………………….
‘Matter of life and death:’ How will senior navigate four-story Warminster condo complex with no elevator? (PA)
Two years ago, Pat Boyle sold her home and downsized into a condo at Centennial Station, a 55-plus community in Warminster, in part because it promised to be easier for her to get around. Read the entire article……………………………….
Insurance is driving up costs for condo associations (FL)
Experts say based on the carrier, condo associations could see anywhere between 20 to a 100 percent increase on their insurance premiums. Read the entire article……………………………….
$1B Surfside settlement signals condo association, construction insurance premium hikes (FL)
The $1 billion-plus Surfside settlement marks a milestone in the lawsuit over the deadly condominium collapse. It also reveals the role of real estate insurance — and is a harbinger of premium hikes that could reverberate across the industry. Read the entire article……………………………….
Waukesha condo owners out thousands as city orders building to be torn down (WI)
“It’s all on the building insurance,” Nieskes said. “We can’t cover your unit because everything technically in your unit is fine. There was no water damage, no fire damage. It’s the building that is the cause of why you have to be out, so you have to take it up with the building insurance company.” Read […]
Plainville 4-alarm fire displaces 29 at condo complex (MA)
The Plainville Fire Department extinguished a mulch fire that spread to two units in a condo complex Tuesday night that displaced 29 people, including eight children. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo questions: May be time for associations to allow certain types of video doorbells (FL)
Q: Can an owner install a security camera to monitor his or her Unit front door entrance area in a condo complex and can the board approve this as an agenda item? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Power shut off at historically plagued South Fulton condo complex (GA)
One of the most crime-ridden and dilapidated housing units in metro Atlanta now has an issue over a basic need. Power has been out since last week for several residents at the Camelot Condos, located off Old National Highway in South Fulton. Read the entire article……………………………….
Mangonia Park condo community fearing they’ll lose their homes (FL)
Some homeowners in a condo community are fearing they could lose their homes due to a special assessment that will cost each homeowner $10,000. Read the entire article……………………………….
Creekside HOA board backs away from golf course funding plan (OR)
The Creekside Homeowners Association Board is distancing itself from a proposal to assess each homeowner $90 per month to support a neighboring private golf club. Read the entire article……………………………….
Restaurant workers helped fight condo fire (FL)
The folks at Magnolias on the Bay didn’t need to be asked twice to face a fire at the neighboring Turtle Bay condominium. On Saturday morning, first-floor tenants of a two-story, Turtle Bay condominium ran next door to the neighboring restaurant, looking for help. Read the entire article……………………………….
Battles over Airbnb and other short-term rentals dividing North Texans
In February, residents of Providence Village received an email asking them to give the Providence Homeowners Association authority to make rules regarding rental properties. Read the entire article……………………………….
Association Trying to Evict Mother and Son? (FL)
It was a strange call to Help Me Howard, an 87-year-old woman said she was being evicted from her home because the association wanted to evict her son and then her story got even more bizarre. Which is why she needed Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser. Read the entire article……………………………….
Keauhou HOA Fines Condo Owner $26K (and Counting) for Feeding Cats (HI)
A Keauhou condo owner is facing upwards of $26,000 in fines from her homeowner’s association for feeding two wild cats who have lived in the condo complex for years. Read the entire article……………………………….