When Hunter’s Lake homeowner Susan Carson saw the agenda item for the homeowner’s association March 22, the bird lover knew she didn’t want to miss the meeting. Along with mundane items like dog waste bin installation and “Darlene Francis’ Customary Spring Cleaning,” the new business agenda included “Consideration of Additional Goose Deterrence.” Read the entire […]
Raleigh family considering lawsuit after toddler drowns in community pool (NC)
The family of a 2-year-old Raleigh boy who drowned in a pool last week says the community in charge was negligent and that’s what led to the death. Read the entire article……………………………….
Game Trail earns designation as Firewise USA community (CO)
The Game Trail Homeowners Association northwest of Buena Vista received national recognition from Firewise USA this year. HOA members are pictured with new signs and Chaffee Chips service partners during a fire mitigation event April 11. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo Column: The crypto mistake (NH)
There have been rumblings in Condo World about cryptocurrency, i.e. digital money with no physical presence like coins or bills. A lot of people have made a lot of money by investing in it and seeing it double, triple or more in worth in a very short period of time. Good for them. Read the […]
Ask the HOA Expert
Multiple questions and answers regarding HOA’s and condo associations Read the Q&A……………………………….
Oklahoma residents left without homes after condo complex fire
For several hours on Wednesday, firefighters were at the scene of a fire that left many residents without homes. One of those residents was a woman in a wheelchair who was able to escape on her own. Read the entire article……………………………….
Paradise Palms a Las Vegas gem, and Clark County moves to preserve it (NV)
It was the first master-planned community in Las Vegas, built between 1960 and 1965 with architecture that reflects its time: homes that ranged from 1,200 to 2,200 square feet (most were 1,800 or less) with “flat, folded plate, butterfly, pyramid and open gable rooflines, mixed with various decorative block accents.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Natural drainage area creates flooding concerns for Shelby County neighborhoods (AL)
An elderly Shelby County is concerned about drainage and water issues. It’s something they never suspected when they bought their home a few years ago. Now they question why the city of Alabaster won’t do more to offer relief for their property and the neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo questions: Can the board shut off elevators during emergency situations? (FL)
Q: My condominium’s Board of Directors recently started discussing hurricane preparations and steps the Association would take if a hurricane were to hit our area. The Board said they would shut down both the elevators and air conditioning 24 hours before the hurricane hits. Does the Board have the right to shut off the elevators […]
Strike by Building Service Employees Is Averted (NY)
With those four jubilant words on Tuesday afternoon, Kyle Bragg, president of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, caused more than a million New Yorkers to breathe a sigh of relief. Negotiators for the union and the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB), which represents building owners, including co-op and condo boards, […]
Waukesha Horizon West condo lawsuit, $17M sought after collapse threat (WI)
Waukesha Horizon West condo owners who had to be evacuated from their building after a threat of collapse are now suing the building’s insurer. The 27 homeowners have brought a $17 million lawsuit against Travelers Insurance for failing to pay claims. Read the entire article……………………………….
First responders stuck at gate as West Palm Beach pregnant wife goes into cardiac arrest (FL)
Many in South Florida enjoy living in a gated community for safety and security. However, a West Palm Beach couple whose desperate call to paramedics took a frightening turn when rescue crews were unable to open the neighborhood gate. Read the entire article……………………………….
Bayfield Marshal’s Office investigates possible theft of thousands of dollars from Clover Meadows HOA (CO)
The Bayfield Marshal’s Office is investigating an alleged theft of what could be thousands of dollars from an account for the Clover Meadows subdivision homeowners association. At an emergency HOA meeting Monday night, HOA members voted to remove all members of the board, replacing them with seven new members. Members approved opening a new bank […]
FGCU Water School promotes pond management through HOA project (FL)
When residents at Fairwinds, a small homeowner association (HOA) in Bonita Springs, noticed the only stormwater pond within the community starting to erode at the edges, there was concern for the safety of the houses built close to the water. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Palmetto Bluff Hoax’? Homeowners Suing Over Crowded Amenities, Plan To ‘Flip’ Resort (SC)
Homeowners at one of the state’s most exclusive resorts say they are victims of a “hoax,” which has left them with overcrowded amenities, ever-rising and “illegally” assessed club fees and a broken agreement over short-term rentals. Read the entire article……………………………….
Pitt commissioners keep Lake Glenwood dam options on the table (NC)
The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted 5-4 on Monday to keep open discussions about aiding a property owners association with repair of a defective dam. The motion to continue the discussions was a parliamentary procedure designed to block a proposal to end the county’s involvement with the Lake Glenwood dam, a structure that holds […]
Stonebridge County Club Sues Home Builder For More Than $100,000
The Stonebridge Golf and Country Club is suing a builder in the community for more than $100,000 because the builder is having a problem selling the house that it renovated. Read the entire article……………………………….
Developers Rush to Buy Out Owners in Aging Miami Buildings After Area Condo Collapse
Miami developers are scrambling to acquire aging waterfront condominium buildings, demolish them and build luxury residential towers in their place, a strategy that has been gaining attention since a 12-story building in Surfside partially collapsed last summer, killing 98 people. (Note: if you don’t have WSJ subscription you can listen to an audio version on […]
Condo deconversion offer for $96M shakes up Chicago Loop community (IL)
An unknown investor’s $95.8 million offer to purchase an entire condo building in Chicago’s Loop is rattling its residents, some of whom are resisting the attempt to turn their homes back into apartments. 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……………………………….
N4T Investigators: Misdemeanor charges filed against Tucson HOA President for missing political signs (AZ)
Disappearing political signs have led to misdemeanor criminal damage charges against a local attorney and Homeowner’s Association President. The Catalina Foothills Estates No. 9 HOA is part of a beautiful high-end neighborhood. However, a battle has been brewing between some homeowners and the HOA that has reached a boiling point; the News 4 Tucson Investigators […]
1 Firefighter Taken To Hospital From 3-Alarm Fire In Fair Oaks (VA)
Fairfax County fire crews were still hitting hot spots more than an hour after being called to the Cedar Lake Condominiums on Monday for the report of a fire, according to a 12:25 p.m. post on the department’s official Twitter account. Read the entire article……………………………….
Who’s responsible for the swales and culverts in Sebastian? (FL)
Almost two decades ago, the City Council spoke about the maintenance for homeowners to keep up with the culverts and swales. I remember it very well, and now it’s becoming a bigger problem due to growth. The same topic was heard again during last Wednesday’s City Council meeting when Councilman Chris Nunn emphasized the same […]
Fire damages west Nashville condominiums (TN)
Nine families were displaced after a fire at a condominium complex on Basswood Avenue in west Nashville early Sunday morning. One resident was rescued by first responders from Building R and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment. Building R, which contains 10 units, was evacuated and no other injuries were reported. Read […]
HOA unsure how to deal with “Let’s go Brandon” sign (NV)
Q: I am the president of a very small homeowners association community (27 homes). We have a resident who has placed a “Let’s go Brandon” sign in their front window. This has been up since January 2022. Read the Q&A……………………………….
Owners allowed to videotape board meetings (FL)
Q: Our new president, at his first monthly meeting, decided to videotape the meeting (without consulting the rest of the board). What bothers us is that he posted the video on YouTube for the world to see. Is this legal? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Woman critical after E. Shreveport condo fire (LA)
Prior to the SFD’s arrival, condos on both sides of the smoke-filled condo were evacuated by neighbors, who were unable to force their way into the condo on fire. Read the entire article……………………………….
Pitt commissioners weigh two solutions for Lake Glenwood dam repairs (NC)
There are grants available to make repairs, but initially officials believed a dam had to be owned by a local government to qualify. The report to the board of commissioners states that one grant allows local governments to apply on behalf of a dam’s owner. However, the local government must be responsible for the design, […]
Right to see HOA records process questioned (FL)
Q: I understand that the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act states that if a request to inspect records is sent by certified mail and the association fails to make their records available within 10 business days, the statute imposes a rebuttable presumption that the association willfully failed to comply with the owner’s right to inspect. Read […]
Glen Cove Community Association donates supplies to local elementary school (CA)
The Glen Cove Community Association donated $900 of equipment to Glen Cove Elementary School on Tuesday afternoon as part of its yearly donation to its local neighborhood school. Read the entire article……………………………….
Director Compensation: Do I Get Paid for This? (FL)
Q: I am considering running for the board of my condominium association. However, there is a lot of work involved in being on the Board. It can be a thankless position, which discourages many owners from volunteering. Can we compensate the members of the board as a way to encourage people to serve? Read the Q&A……………………………….
HOA plans to file damage claim against Florida Forest Service after Oyster Bay fire (FL)
It’s been a week since a prescribed burn got out of hand near Garcon Point in Milton, burning about 200 acres while narrowly avoiding homes. An email dated April 10 obtained by WKRG News 5 shows the Sea Pines neighborhood homeowners association plans to file damage claims against the Florida Forest Service’s insurance company. Read […]
HOA Homefront: Which type of management Is best for your community? (CA)
Determining which type of management service is best for the HOA is a very important HOA board decision. Even the smallest associations need some form of professional management. Read the entire article……………………………….
Developer alleges ‘improper conduct’ by Stamford Board of Reps members in Life Time Fitness lawsuit (CT)
A real estate developer is claiming city representatives decided how they would vote on a contentious 2018 zoning petition before ever hearing their arguments, and the company is pointing to newly unveiled emails as evidence. Read the entire article……………………………….
Residents effected by Oyster Bay Wildfire seek accountability for damages (FL)
Homeowners are reacting to the state’s response to their concerns following the Oyster Bay Wildfire. The prescribed burn on Garcon Point last Friday grew out of control, threatening homes and burning almost 200 acres. Read the entire article……………………………….
Daycare that caught fire operating against HOA policy (VA)
10 On Your Side first told you about the children who were rescued from a second-floor window to escape a fire that broke out at their daycare Wednesday afternoon. Now, we’ve learned the Portsmouth business isn’t supposed to be there. Read the entire article……………………………….
Raleigh 2-year-old rushed to hospital after being found in swimming pool has died (NC)
Raleigh Police said Wednesday night that a mother reported her 2-year-old son as missing in the 3500 block of Pritchard Court. A search was set up and the child was found in the community pool several minutes later. Read the entire article……………………………….
Real estate Q&A: If an owner bought a condo at auction, can they rent it without the HOA’s approval?
Q: Our condominium has a foreclosed unit that was sold at auction. The new owner has ignored our condo’s requirement to have tenants apply with the association before leasing the unit. If an apartment is bought through a foreclosure, can the purchaser rent the unit without the association’s screening of the tenants? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Valencia Reserve Homeowners Association Sued (FL)
The Homeowners Association at Valencia Reserve is facing a lawsuit from a man who says the HOA was negligent in the care of its clubhouse. The man fell and claims critical injuries. Read the entire article……………………………….
Southwest line construction wasn’t a major factor in condo damage, board told (MN)
Construction of the Southwest light-rail line in the Kenilworth corridor of Minneapolis had little to do with the cracking that surfaced this winter in floors and walls of the nearby Cedar Isles condominium towers, according to a forensic engineering firm. Read the entire article……………………………….
Tequesta building evacuated after columns show ‘significant deterioration and cracking’ (FL)
People who live at a building in Tequesta are out of their homes and trying to make arrangements about where to live after their building was evacuated, Wednesday. The village deemed it “unsafe for occupancy” after columns showed “significant deterioration and cracking.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Temperature Rising as Service Workers’ Strike Deadline Looms (NY)
With a strike deadline looming on April 20, negotiators for building owners and the union representing building service employees are turning up the temperature. The Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB), which represents co-op and condo boards and rental landlords, has circulated a memo to members urging them not to sign a so-called Me […]
Township officials work on solution to stormwater woes (OH)
Trustee Rick Patz said on March 15 the lake on Beechwood Drive filled up and a deluge of water gushed into the stormwater system. He and Interim Service Director Frank Buehner determined plugged catch basins were causing the problem. Patz said the system, including catch basins and lake drains, was installed by the subdivision’s developer, […]
Some people living in Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick County say they haven’t gotten mail in 2 years (SC)
Organizers of a grassroots movement from Savannah Lakes held a rally near the chamber meeting in order to bring the issue front and center to their representative in hopes of getting it resolved. “To try to put some pressure on the upper echelon post office people to talk to our CEO of our POA and […]
Downtown residents fear short-term rentals are causing deadly issues (MO)
News 4 has learned the Ely Walker Lofts has units owned by individual condominium owners and some property companies, one includes STL City Wide. Smith Management Group does on-site management for the property as well. However, the building is governed by the Ely Walker Lofts Condominium Association. A member of that board reached out to […]
Fines may be applied for single intermittent violations
Q: In Florida, is it possible to levy a fine (assume all procedures followed per law) for a non-continuing violation? For example, assume that a car parked in the street is a violation as per HOA adopted policy, and that policy includes first providing the owner with a note that a fine may be imposed. Read […]
Larkspur Creek neighbors closer to easing backyard buffer (CA)
Homeowners in a creekside neighborhood in Larkspur could soon get relief from an environmental constraint they say prevents them from enjoying their backyards. The restriction, a 50-yard creek setback, governs eight properties on Rose Lane. It was adopted to minimize storm runoff and erosion in Larkspur Creek, which runs behind the houses. Read the entire […]
Short-term rental guests accidentally set fire to Lafayette condo with discarded cigarette (LA)
A short-term rental on Lee Avenue suffered fire damage after occupants tossed a cigarette in a plastic planter outside the unit’s front door, the Lafayette Fire Department said. Read the entire article……………………………….
San Lorenzo Valley Water Districts move closer to consolidation with fire-damaged systems (CA)
While Big Basin as a whole could consolidate with the district, that hinges upon a formal annexation and consolidation. The communities of Bracken Brae and Forest Springs — which accounts for approximately 150 Big Basin customers — is merging with the district through a homeowners association group. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hollister Ranch: Will the Public Ever Have Access? (CA)
It was questions about the residents, their holdings, their guests, their water wells, their livestock, and other inquiries from coastal commissioners that led to the CEQA environmental report gambit and the missed deadline. The commissioners wanted information on present conditions at the ranch, but the residents — through the Hollister Ranch Owners Association attorney — […]