Both pet owners soon realized they weren’t alone. After connecting with neighbors during a homeowners’ association meeting, they learned that since 2020, approximately 34 pets had fallen ill under similar circumstances throughout the Arrowood community. Eighteen of those animals later died, including Dommie, Maggie and two kittens. Read the entire article……………………………….
Giving Up Your Rights to Live in a Planned Community? Yes, It Started in Orange County (CA)
Before the 1960s, if a developer built a community amenity such as a swimming pool, golf course or park, they usually turned it over to a municipal government to administer. In the early 1960s, when Black and Latinx people gained access to public swimming pools and public parks through the Civil Rights movement, developers designed […]
11 months after Surfside condo collapse, fight to pay and honor victims continues (FL)
It’s been almost a year since a condominium building collapsed in Surfside, Fla., killing 98 people. Legal wrangling continues about how to pay the victims and honor those who died in the accident. NPR audio……………………………….
Is that an outlaw lawn? Las Vegas has a new approach to saving water (NV)
It was a perfectly decent patch of lawn, several hundred square feet of grass in a condominium community on this city’s western edge. But Jaime Gonzalez, a worker with a local landscaping firm, had a job to do. Wrangling a heavy gas-powered sod cutter, Gonzalez sliced the turf away from the soil underneath, like peeling […]
Fundraiser launched for Hunterdon County condo community fire victims (NJ)
The community is rallying to support the victims of a fire early Sunday that destroyed six units in the Union Hill development and critically injured two residents. Almost 40 residents attended a town meeting Sunday evening to discuss ways to help the residents affected by the fire, which was reported at about 3:45 a.m. Sunday. […]
Volunteers work to revitalize Isle Dauphine Golf Club (AL)
It’s hard to beat the views Domenic Carlucci takes in everyday as he tends to Isle Dauphine Golf Club on Dauphin Island. He’s part of a group of retired volunteers with the Dauphin Island Property Owners Association that have been maintaining the sandy links since last May. The DIPOA owns the course. Read the entire […]
Downtown condo owners would pay $120 a year under proposed Grand Rapids special assessment (MI)
Condominium owners in the Grand Rapids Downtown Improvement District would be charged $120 under a proposed one-year special assessment to keep the city’s urban core clean and attractive. Read the entire article……………………………….
Association documents must outline how to pay for window repairs (IL)
Q:?The windows in our condominium association are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be replaced. One of the board members contends the windows are limited common elements and that owners, not the association, are responsible for the replacement cost. Our declaration is completely silent on this. The board member claims this […]
HOA needs to find a way to maintain elevators in condo community (NV)
Q: I do enjoy reading your weekly column. I live in a condominium complex that was built around 1984. There are three separate sections or buildings, with each having three stories and its own elevators to access each floor. The units are also accessible by outside stairs and walkways. Read the Q&A……………………………….
N.J. condo fire leaves 5 people hurt, including 2 burn victims, 2 firefighters
Five people were injured, including two with burns, when a fire swept through a condominium complex in Hunterdon County early Sunday morning, officials said. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condominium may restrict guest use of common elements (FL)
Q: Our condominium has several recreational/common areas – swimming pools, saunas, tennis courts, a small gym/workout room, a billiard room, etc. Our board limits usage to some of the areas to owners only. I was under the impression that tenants have the right to use all common/recreational areas that owners enjoy. Read the Q&A……………………………….
HOA Homefront – Is this manager qualified? (CA)
After selecting the desired type of management services, how can one evaluate a manager’s qualifications? California HOA managers are unregulated, with no required license or minimum education. Rental managers must have real estate broker licenses, but not HOA managers. There is a wide range of qualification and experience in the field, and industry credentials indicate […]
Private York County community fighting to find solution to pay for lake repairs (PA)
Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection notified the Silver Lake Community Association in 2013 that the lake’s earthen dam is deficient and requires rehabilitation and upgrades. According to DEP, the reservoir created by the dam “has very little freeboard above the normal operating level of the reservoir.” Read the entire article……………………………….
When do Condominium Associations need to get competitive bids? (FL)
The Snow Birds are returning North so now begins the time, when less residents are around, for many Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations to perform needed building repairs and/or do that exciting lobby, social room or clubhouse renovation. Read the entire article……………………………….
Scammers allegedly pilfered $500,000 from The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club (FL)
A residential development in Fort Myers, Florida, lost half a million dollars in the second alleged fraud scheme to surface among Southwest Florida community associations this year. A scammer gained access to The Landings Yacht, Golf and Tennis Club’s money through its payroll services company Paychex, according to the community’s attorney, documents from its board […]
Creekside in Erie alleges shoddy work from developer (CO)
The homeowners association that represents residents at Creekside in Erie Townhomes is suing the community’s developer, Meritage Homes of Colorado Inc., claiming that the builder failed to meet certain construction quality standards. Read the entire article……………………………….
Yes, owners can be evicted from units (IL)
Q. I recently moved to Illinois and, because of my prior experience on an association board, was persuaded to fill a vacancy on our condominium board. We had a discussion at our last board meeting about collection of unpaid assessments. Board members kept referring to “eviction proceedings.” Read the Q&A……………………………….
Spring Creek residents give input on home-based occupation rules (NV)
How will home-based businesses be regulated in the Spring Creek Association to benefit both neighbors and potential entrepreneurs? That was the purpose of a community meeting Tuesday night, gathering input from 20 residents in attendance who had questions about the proposed regulations, including how the rules could affect them and suggestions to clarify and simplify […]
‘Stupid…useless’: Ukrainian woman asked to take down ‘Pray for Ukraine’ sign (KY)
A Ukrainian woman said she is “offended” by a letter from her homeowner’s association that advised her to remove from her front yard a sign reading “Pray for Ukraine.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Two years after Flying Heart ruling, public-access battle continues (ID)
Actress Demi Moore is fighting a settlement agreement intended to put to rest a years-long dispute between Blaine County and a private homeowner’s association over public access to the Big Wood River, according to a complaint to intervene and demand for jury trial filed in Fifth District Court on Monday. Read the entire article……………………………….
9-story Highland Beach condo evacuated after electrical room fire (FL)
Residents evacuated a Highland Beach condo Thursday morning after a fire occurred in an electrical room. The fire occurred at the nine-story Villa Costa condominiums, located at 3210 S. Ocean Blvd., at about 10:15 a.m. Read the entire article……………………………….
Real estate Q&A: Do I need individual condo insurance to get a home equity loan? (FL)
Q: Is it necessary to have a homeowners’ insurance policy for a condo if applying for a home equity loan? Unlike an individual house policy, don’t these policies only cover the owner’s personal property — what is “between the walls”? The general policy held by the HOA covers the building itself. Shouldn’t that be enough […]
Vista Nueva residents asking for more security in neighborhood (TX)
A subdivision in east Laredo is seeing its fair share of crime. The Vista Nueva Homeowner’s Association is speaking out about recent cases of vandalism and property damage happening around the neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
Homeowners accuse Palmetto Bluff of ‘deceptive and costly hoax’ in lawsuit (SC)
A group of homeowners is suing Palmetto Bluff, accusing its developers of “a deceptive and costly hoax” and a plan to flip the luxury community “at a high profit.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Beloved Carolina Beach condos return to action after battle with ‘salt, rain and wind’ (NC)
One longtime Carolina Beach condo complex is wrapping up repairs after a routine inspection last summer revealed “dangerous” corrosion in the building’s stairwells. Read the entire article……………………………….While the Pelican Watch condo complex was deemed structurally sound last August, engineers also found substantial corrosion where the stairs attached to the main structure, said Ron Hagner, president […]
Another big HOA fraud case in SW Florida: Scammers allegedly pilfer $500,000 from The Landings (FL)
Fraudsters gained access to the Fort Myers HOA’s money through its payroll services company Paychex, according to a sheriff deputy’s report. (Link is to a subscription only news item) Subscribers to the News Press only)………………………….
Private funding will fix a city street (NE)
Perhaps the most efficient way to get something done is to do it yourself. The Northridge Homeowners Association appears to think so. Representatives of the group appeared before Tekamah City Council April 14, requesting permission to pay for repairs to Lake View Drive themselves. Read the entire article……………………………….
Blackbuck Ridge road issue returns to Burnet County commissioners (TX)
Members of The Ranches at Blackbuck Ridge Homeowners Association in the northern part of Burnet County returned yet again to the Commissioners Court seeking redress for the state of their roads. At the Tuesday, April 26, meeting, Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Luther and county Development Director Herb Darling agreed to meet with a group of […]
Panel to hear first appeal of $20,000 VHR fine (NV)
The home at 1262 Lincoln Circle was up for a Tier 3 permit, which would have allowed the owner to rent to a dozen people. Kvancz has had a permit since 2018. According to the county, it wasn’t until then they were notified that covenants, codes and restrictions in the Lakeridge neighborhood specifically exclude anyone […]
Thief in stolen U-Haul robs multiple cars inside parking garage of Sunny Isles Beach condo (FL)
Local 10 News has covered several stories of what is becoming a disturbing trend of late in which stolen rental vehicles are being used in burglaries across South Florida. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo Insurers Flee Florida
Condo insurers are exiting Florida or hiking prices in the wake of the Surfside collapse, while state lawmakers have yet to address the issue. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to call a May special legislative session to address problems in the property insurance system. Read the entire article……………………………….
Charbonneau resident disbands noise abatement organization, citing lack of board support (OR)
Charbonneau resident Peter Shikli, who recently started the Aurora Airport Noise Abatement Organization designed to find solutions to noise issues related to planes flying over the planned community in Wilsonville, announced that he is disbanding the organization due to a lack of support from the Charbonneau Country Club homeowners association. Read the entire article……………………………….
Dozens of residents at downtown lofts come forward blaming management and the building’s condo association for lack of safety (MO)
Ely Walker Lofts is one of the many condominium buildings that sits on downtown St. Louis’ main corridor, Washington Avenue. It’s also been the site of a murder, multiple car break-ins, and suspected illegal parties. Now, dozens of residents who have contacted News 4 want answers. Read the entire article……………………………….
More water restrictions are coming to Southern California. How to conserve (CA)
With the news that Southern California officials are imposing tough water-use restrictions on about 6 million people, many of us are looking for practical ways to conserve. We’ve all been through this drill so many times, as some of the obvious water-saving steps have become almost second nature. Less lawn-watering. Shorter showers. Fewer flushes. Read the […]
City of San Diego apologizes to Rancho Penasquitos residents over controversial bike lanes (CA)
he City of San Diego’s director of transportation apologized to Rancho Penasquitos residents during a Zoom meeting Tuesday morning. The focus of the meeting was recently installed bike lanes on Azuaga Street. Some residents are upset because they said the city did not communicate with them about the bike lanes, they just suddenly appeared. Read […]
Fed up with paying hundreds, Hampton community sues over high cable and internet (NC)
A local Hampton community is suing its developer over claims that homeowners are being overcharged for cable and internet services. The homeowners of H2O by Chesapeake Homes, near the Hampton Coliseum, say they are within their legal rights to terminate the existing communications agreement, which is forcing them to pay more than double. Read the […]
Condo insurers exit market and hike rates after lawmakers fail to pass safety reform (FL)
Insurers have become increasingly averse to issuing policies for aging condominiums in Florida following the state legislature’s failure to pass safety reforms, despite the deadly Surfside collapse last year. Read the entire article……………………………….
2 fires at abandoned Whitehall condos generates attention from police, fire departments (OH)
The Woodcliff condos are slated to be demolished soon. The city is hoping to secure the money needed for demolition in the next 30 to 45 days. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA looks to shut down backyard pitching lessons in Ballwin neighborhood (MO)
A former college softball player says her backyard field of dreams has turned into an unexpected nightmare. Christie Boen Mirikitani gives pitching lessons in the backyard where she once played catch with her father. Read the entire article……………………………….
A long road: Homeowners celebrate dirt road’s paving (NC)
Steven Bryant was president of the Homeowners Association a couple of decades back when the effort to get the road paved began in earnest. Bryant said he was glad to see the project finally come to fruition. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Like Lord of the Flies’: Road troubles continue in Pender neighborhood (NC)
In the neighborhood with more than 130 homes, the roads continue to get worse since the first ones were laid decades ago by a developer who allegedly made a promise the state would take over maintenance. That never happened. Read the entire article……………………………….
Beachgoers frequent a regional beach access in Walton County. An HOA wants to make it private (FL)
The Watercolor Community Association has filed a lawsuit that could result in a stranglehold being placed on the public’s ability to get to the beach via Walton County’s popular Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access. Read the entire article……………………………….
Communities can get reputation for being difficult, unstable (NV)
Q: Ms. Holland, I am an avid follower of your Sunday column and value your viewpoints. Our homeowners association is in dire straits. We have combating factions trying to control every aspect within our community. We have recalls for every member (five) of our executive board. Our management firm has submitted its 60-day notice resignation. […]
Turkey Creek resident hopes for decisive action after attack by aggressive dogs (FL)
Bj Wiesen is frustrated at the slow pace of the responses from her neighborhood homeowners’ association and Alachua County Animal Resources & Care following a vicious attack on her neighbor’s dog in the White Oaks section of the Turkey Creek neighborhood in the City of Alachua last December. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA board does not have duty to take enforcement action (NV)
Q: I would really appreciate a reply to the following issues as I feel I am out of options on what to do. I live in an HOA. We are seniors who have been constantly harassed by the HOA and the board — very nitpicky things. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Declaration can be revised to take advantage of new laws (FL)
Q: Our HOA wants to rewrite our declaration of restrictions. They want to do some minor things, like change the word “developer” to “association” throughout the document. They also want to change the fee schedule. They want to add restrictions for short-and-long term rental properties, and also restrictions on architectural/lawn elements. Read the Q&A……………………………….
New state law may allow artificial turf – finally – in Warner Ranch neighborhood, elsewhere (AZ)
A tiff over turf is about to be resolved in neighborhoods across the state, thanks in part to Warner Ranch residents, who for years have professed that, where grass is concerned, it is easy being green, even if not from nature. Read the entire article……………………………….
Community Law Q&A (FL)
Q: I participated in the “How to Run a Board Meeting Effectively” seminar several weeks ago, that you put on and I had a quick question. A statement was made that any time there is a quorum of the board, that the formalities of a board meeting must be adhered too. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Association documents must outline how to pay for window repairs (IL)
Q:?The windows in our condominium association are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be replaced. One of the board members contends the windows are limited common elements and that owners, not the association, are responsible for the replacement cost. Our declaration is completely silent on this. The board member claims this […]
HOA Homefront: Why selecting a management company based on price is a mistake (CA)
This column is the second in a two-part series on selecting HOA management. The previous column discussed the different types of association management services. After selecting the management service type and candidate firm, carefully consider the proposed management contract. Read the entire article……………………………….