The horrific building collapse in Florida is leaving local communities on edge about where their own homes stand. In the hours, days, and weeks after the deadly incident, Alexandria, Va. Mayor Justin Wilson said residents reached out voicing concerns. Read the entire article……………………………….
Alabama beach visitors’ condo reservations canceled days, hours before check-in
Sanspree said it’s a reoccurring problem as insurance contractors continue to inspect condos impacted by Hurricane Sally in September of 2020. He says most condos meet their reopen date, but some don’t. Read the entire article……………………………….
2-alarm fire at condo complex on Bonanza Road near Rancho displaces 150 people (NV)
irefighters were busy Friday morning, putting out a 2-alarm fire at a 3-story condo building on Bonanza Road near Rancho Drive. A building at Bonanza Park Studios, a condominium complex in the 2200 block of West Bonanza Road, has been evacuated as crews continue to work at the scene, according to information from Las Vegas […]
Clearwater condo management praised for life-saving action (FL)
As details continue emerging about what went wrong leading up to the Surfside condo building collapse, a general contractor is praising one Tampa Bay area property management group for doing everything right. Read the entire article……………………………….
Calistoga Ranch sued by homeowners over $100M insurance breach (CA)
Homeowners at Calistoga Ranch resort have filed a $100 million lawsuit against Auberge Resorts for failing to provide adequate insurance coverage for losses sustained in the Glass Fire. Read the entire article……………………………….
After Florida condo collapse, DMV leaders want inspection rules changed (VA)
7News On Your Side, tracking safety concerns in the D.C. area weeks after a Florida condo collapse claimed dozens of lives. The mayor of Alexandria says his city has a higher concentration of older high-rise buildings than anywhere else in the Commonwealth, including 57 buildings that are at least 40 years old. Read the entire […]
Special taxing districts explained (FL)
Q: What is an “MSTU”? My neighborhood association, which is voluntary, is considering getting one set up to maintain our roads. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Law does not support HOA ‘holding water bill hostage’ (NV)
Q: My homeowners association has taken over the water billing. I am behind in my HOA dues. The collection agency will not allow me to just pay my water bill alone. They are holding my water bill “hostage” for payment in full of the total bill, including past HOA dues. Is this legal? Aren’t we […]
HOA official worried about urns of ashes of dead Villagers in abandoned home (FL)
An official with a homeowners association in The Villages is worried about urns of ashes of the dead owners of a home found in violation of deed compliance. The abandoned home at 611 Enconto St. in the San Antonio Villas was the subject of a public hearing Friday morning before the Community Development District 1 […]
HOA Homefront: How to avoid the overuse of closed sessions (CA)
Perhaps the most frequently abused HOA governance tool is the closed session. Boards justify the overuse of closed sessions for various reasons, such as their open meetings are too raucous and closed sessions are more productive. Read the entire article……………………………….
Six Vernon communities sue for ‘egregious’ underfunding of snow removal (NJ)
Six homeowners’ associations in the largest and most populous municipality in Sussex County are suing a host of township officials, claiming for over a dozen years they “egregiously” underfunded what could be up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs for the removal of snow and other obstructions from roadways. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ramsey Lake Property Owners Association donates to local non-profits (MN)
The Ramsey Lake Property Owner’s Association (RLPOA) hosted its annual meeting on Saturday, June 26 at the home of RLPOA President, Scott Dumphy. Many topics were discussed including which organizations the lake association should donate to. Board members voted to donate, and equally distribute $2,500, to the following four non-profit organizations ($625 to each). Read […]
Florida Condo Collapse Raises Local Concerns About Damage From a Major Earthquake (CA)
The incident has left some wondering if California buildings would sustain similarly severe damage following a major earthquake. “California building codes are considered one of the strictest sets of regulations in the country,” said Pasadena Planning Director David Reyes. “This includes building standards related to architecture, structure, fire, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy, and green building […]
Nevada HOA legal questions: Can homeowners sue board members for mismanagement?
Q. Many of the owners in our community keep bringing up a hot topic for the board to address only to have our concerns fall on deaf ears. What can we do? Read the Q&A…………………………………….
Miami tragedy offers Ocean City lessons (MD)
As the tragedy of the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida continues, we’ve learned that the owners of Champlain Towers South knew their building needed extensive repairs. Various sources report they were stymied by the $15 million price tag, along with the magnitude of the project. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Every Step Is A Nightmare’: Miami Beach Condo Board Makes Plea For Help Maintaining Its Property (FL)
Most unpaid, volunteer condo board members are not engineers or architects. Yet, they are charged with keeping fellow residents safe and navigating the red tape of local government. Now some are asking for help. Read the entire article……………………………….
Residents Cannot Return to Evacuated Miami Beach Condo Until Structural Issues Addressed (FL)
Residents of the North Miami Beach condo will be unable to return until the structural and electrical issues have been addressed, the Associated Press reported. The building, about five miles from Surfside, where Champlain Towers South collapsed on June 24, must resubmit a new 40-year recertification report that addresses all structural and electrical issues. Read […]
Board affirms decision to protect neighborhood’s oaks (SC)
A homeowners association will have to find an alternative to cutting down trees that is says are damaging the community. The Reunion Hall Homeowners Association at Willbrook wants to cut down 30 live oaks because the trees’ roots have damaged sidewalks and roads and could eventually damage the stormwater system and houses. The trees were […]
In Florida, condo residents have little choice but to sue over building maintenance, other issues
When Linda Melton ran into a fence dispute with the homeowners association of her Lakeland mobile home community, she found out the hard way how little the state can do for people in her predicament. When she filed a formal complaint with the DBPR’s Division of Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes, she was told they […]
Liability lessons learned from the tragic collapse of Florida’s Champlain Towers
Over the years I have driven through many cities and towns in Florida, vacationing in condos just like the Champlain Towers in Surfside. Most of the multi-story structures in Florida are made of concrete; block buildings held together with fortress-like strength with mortar, rebar, poured concrete lintels, pillars, and fasteners of every type. Read […]
Waving the flag: Condo associations have to tread firmly, fairly (NH)
Now that the July 4th holiday is behind us a bit, I thought it might be safer to wade into the issue of flag flying at condominium associations. Many owners believe they have the right to fly the American flag at their condominium association and that the association cannot put any restrictions on them doing […]
After The Surfside Tragedy, Pittsburgh-Area Condominiums Take Stock (PA)
Since half of a Surfside, Florida condo collapsed in late June, condominium and homeowners associations across the country have begun to look to their own homes. Attorneys in Pittsburgh say their clients have not expressed fears for their safety, but focused on questions concerning maintenance and management. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Fractional’ home co-ownership: How Pacaso works (CA)
As some Sonoma residents continue to oppose the “fractional” home-ownership model of startup real-estate company Pacaso, confusion persists as to how the company’s shared-ownership template actually works. The company closed escrow on its first Sonoma Valley property – 1405 Old Winery Court – on May 17 and quickly relisted the $4 million home on its […]
Man in racist viral video was repeat offender at Mount Laurel condos, court documents show (NJ)
An ugly incident that prompted an anti-racism protest was nothing new at a local condominium complex, court records say. Mount Laurel police responded at least twice Friday to separate complaints about Edward Cagney Mathews, a resident with a menacing reputation at the Essex Place development. Read the entire article……………………………….
After Florida Collapse, a Look at Condo Building Safety in Chicago
Crews are still working to locate residents who aren’t accounted for following the deadly collapse of a condo building in Surfside, Florida. The tragedy has prompted quick action in nearby cities, including the evacuation of a building in North Miami Beach, where the city manager says inspectors are working diligently to protect residents. Read […]
Florida condo catastrophe raises concerns about San Francisco’s sinking Millennium Tower
San Francisco’s lavish Millennium Tower, with soaring panoramic views and world-class amenities, opened to great fanfare in 2009. A dozen years later, it’s still promoted “Your city within the city,” a 58-story monolith with more than 400 multimillion-dollar units in San Francisco’s tallest residential building. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ask The HOA Expert: Q&A
Question: What is the difference between the CC&R’s and the rules and regulations? Even if the rules and regulations were never filed on the public record, would they hold up in a court of law? Read the Q&A………………………………
Warren condo explosion causes more than $1M in damage to at least 15 homes and condos (MI)
A massive explosion of a condo in Warren sent smoke flames and debris in the air, causing significant damage throughout the neighborhood. Investigators have not yet determined whether it was accidental or intentional, but Warren Fire Commissioner Wilburt Skip McAdams confirms there were no issues with the gas lines or gas meters. Read the […]
Residents angry after geese removed from West Ashley neighborhood, euthanized (SC)
Residents in a West Ashley neighborhood are upset after they say a large flock of geese was removed from the neighborhood and euthanized. Village Green’s homeowner’s association said about 70 geese were removed at the end of June after years of issues with the growing flock. HOA officials say the non-migrating geese have been a […]
New issues found at Osceola condo complex buildings (FL)
Issues were found at other buildings at the Images Condominium complex in Osceola County, but no other buildings have been deemed unsafe yet. Read the entire article……………………………….
Tips for successful homeowners association board meetings (VA)
Board meetings are an important part of any homeowners association. Discussions include homeowners’ concerns, budgets, important topics, and current and upcoming events happening in the community. It is important that board members run a successful meeting. Read the entire article……………………………….
Retirement community files lawsuit against home builder (SC)
The homeowners association of a Berkeley County retirement community is suing a home builder for what it called “substandard common areas.” The Dell Web at Cane Bay Association filed a lawsuit Friday against Pulte Home Company, according to court documents. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘The big gate key:’ Homeowners associations a top barrier to rooftop solar in North Carolina
But Jordt has one complaint: His homeowners association. It would only let him install solar panels on the back of his house, instead of the south-facing front where they would get the most rays and produce the most energy. The placement would cost him $10,000 extra, a financial no-go. For now, solar panels are off […]
Neighborhood groups engage in fire mitigation projects (CO)
As wildfires continue to plague the county and state, area homeowners association groups are taking on fire fuels mitigation projects to protect their neighborhoods. Work continues this week, for example, in the Sanctuary neighborhood, situated adjacent to a key area of potential fire danger on the east side of Steamboat Springs. The Sanctuary is located […]
West El Paso homeowner deals with flood damage caused by neighboring property (TX)
A west El Paso homeowner is frustrated after her home flooded last week. Jessica Mendoza has lived in her west El Paso neighborhood for more than 2 years. Mendoza lives next to a property that she says hasn’t been maintained. Plants and trees have grown out of control, making it look almost like a forest […]
Florida law lets condo owners off the hook on repairs
Condo owners around Florida face tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected bills to fix deteriorating buildings and avoid the type of catastrophe that struck Champlain Towers South in Surfside. Read the entire article……………………………….
NW Oklahoma City homeowner frustrated with eroding backyard following heavy rainfall Thursday
A Northwest Oklahoma City homeowner is fed up with her eroding backyard that she said keeps getting worse every time the area receives heavy rainfall. “I paid to have all of that fixed and then it fell again,” Marquis Hurst told KFOR. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ask the Builder: Condo collapse, rusty rebar and your home
Early reports indicate that the cause of the collapse may have been weakened concrete, as well as unstable soil under the structure. It’s going to take many months to complete a forensic study of this catastrophe, so keep in mind that much of what you see now in the news is speculation. Read the entire […]
Community saddled with median costs (FL)
With the Suncoast Parkway coming through and more people moving to Citrus County, what better way to showcase the Sugarmill Woods community than by beautifying the U.S. 98 highway leading there? So in 2019, community leaders approached the county with an offer: The state has landscape grants available. If the county applied for one, received […]
Top RI Realtor Says Condo Owners and Associations Need Vigilance – New Focus After Miami Tragedy
Sarah Huard, one of the top realtors in Rhode Island, says the condo industry should expect to see far more scrutiny in light of the recent tragedy in Florida. “I think now, just watching Florida, how now that within forty days now, condo associations have to be looked at and inspected. You can’t help but […]
Ask Mary: How to Keep Problems Manageable, Not Monstrous (NY)
Dear Mary: Problems in my co-op seem to come in only one size: XXL. It seems that our board is always dealing with the latest crisis instead of staying ahead of the curve and working on problems before they grow from manageable to monstrous. How can we shift to attacking problems head-on instead of pretending […]
HOA Homefront: Some specifics about closed sessions (CA)
Q: When will it be legal for HOA boards to handle any business they want in closed sessions? Read the Q&A………………………………
Yes, Your HOA Can Fine You For Fireworks On July 4th In Florida
If your homeowner’s association prohibits fireworks — and if that language is in the official governing documents filed with the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts — you can be fined (or more) if you set them off on Sunday. Read the entire article……………………………….
Know your rights: how condo owners can get action for safety problems (OH)
It has been just over a week since a condo building collapsed in Surfside, Florida. You may be wondering, what are your rights if you own a condominium or you are part of a homeowners association? If you have structural issues and leaks in your building and you’re a condominium owner, you can’t make those […]
The laws every Florida condo owner needs to know
There are many statutes and regulations surrounding condominium ownership in the state of Florida. Often, you’re at the mercy of your association. Read the entire article……………………………….
Florida Condo Collapse Could Prompt Awareness Effort For Local Buildings (HI)
As engineers in Surfside, Florida, try to figure out what caused half of a luxury condo tower to collapse there, officials in Honolulu said it is far too early to say what risks Hawaii’s condos might face. Read the entire article……………………………….
Brandon neighborhood’s planned fireworks show under scrutiny by FWC due to nesting bird regulations (FL)
A neighborhood’s plans for the Fourth of July aren’t going over well with bird advocates. Residents of Twin Lakes in Brandon are planning to shoot off fireworks by Lake Michaela, but the area is a nesting site for birds and, therefore, protected by federal law. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘We were ambushed:’ Coyotes kill several pets in SJ senior community, residents demand action (CA)
A coyote problem at a 55+ community in San Jose’s Evergreen Foothills is getting out of control. Residents at The Villages tell ABC7 News, the aggressive animals are attacking, and in some cases, killing dogs. Read the entire article……………………………….
Following Florida condo collapse, inspectors focus on Marina del Rey complex
Responding to safety concerns that have gained heightened attention following last week’s deadly building collapse in Florida, Los Angeles County building inspectors were taking a close look Thursday at the Marina City Club condominium complex, which consultants estimate is in need of millions of dollars in repairs. Read the entire article……………………………….
Miami River condo owners paying nearly $1 mil to fix concrete erosion (FL)
The work to shore up support beams will take about a year at the River Run South six-story condominium complex, which sits on the Miami River. Unit owners have been hit with a nearly $1 million special assessment. “Everybody knew there was something wrong and we fixed it right away,” said Bruce Aquila, a resident […]