Perched on Maui’s westernmost edge, nine condominium towers at Kahana Bay offer owners and guests a sweeping oceanfront panorama with distant views of Molokai and Lanai and an up-close seat to the seasonal parade of breaching humpback whales. But the tradeoff of this water’s edge location is the anticipatory dread of watching the sea steadily erode […]
91-year-old woman amongst dozens slated to lose condos in forced sale to investors due to Arizona law
The Arizona Condominium Termination law ARS 33-1228 allows an investor to buy 80% of the units in a complex, take over the condo association, and force the remaining 20% of owners to sell at a market value determined by an appraiser who was chosen by the investor-run association. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hikers undeterred by HOA gates on public trail in Laguna Niguel (CA)
While Laguna Niguel officials continue a months-long effort to remove two homeowners-association gates blocking a popular oceanview trail, hikers and bikers have simply created makeshift detours. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘Ham ‘ it up for hurricane season (FL)
Southwest Floridians are all too familiar with power loss during hurricanes and storms, but who’s there to communicate for us in a state of emergency? On Saturday morning in Punta Gorda, the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society collaborated with the Burnt Store Lakes Homeowners Association Community Emergency Response Team to demonstrate how Ham Radio operators can […]
The Law Q&A | Opening the door for condominium evictions (IL)
Can a condominium board of directors legally kick you out of possession of your condo for your failure to pay dues owed under the condo association’s bylaws or rules? It sure can. Read the Q&A…………………………………
Affluent Buyers Agree to Be Hobby Farmers at This Unusual Hawaiian Development
When buyers purchase new homes within the private Hawaiian community of Hokuli’a, they transform themselves into lady and gentlemen farmers, embracing the environmentally friendly traditions of the Big Island’s specially zoned Kona Field System—the largest, rain-fed agricultural region on Earth. Read the entire article……………………………….
Marlboro blaze damages residential building at Millponds Condos (NJ)
A fire at the Millponds Condos in the Morganville section has caused extensive damage to one of the residential buildings. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA must respond to request to inspect records (FL)
Q: I live within a neighborhood governed by both a homeowner’s association and a master property owners association. A number of the owners are interested in seeing documents that will show us where our money is being spent on landscaping projects. At least one of us has requested this information from our HOA, on several […]
Two rescued, 12 escape early morning condo fire in Moline (IA)
Two people were rescued from a condo fire in Moline early Saturday morning. Twelve more got out of the three-story, 12 unit condominium at 3069 4th Street, according to firefighters. Read the entire article……………………………….
Can We Hold a Special Election? (FL)
Q: A director on my condominium association board resigned. The remaining directors can’t agree on who should fill the vacancy. Can we hold a special election and let the owners decide? Read the Q&A…………………………………
HOA Homefront – Insurance: Does your HOA have ALL it needs? (CA)
The previous column discussed considerations regarding property insurance, but that is only one of many insurance types that most HOAs should have in place. Read the entire article……………………………….
Boy’s sign supporting police stirs controversy (OK)
Just 8 years old, self-described prayer warrior Trey Elliott has been spreading blessings for police for years. “And he’s prayed for, we know officers all over the world. We’ve had officers fly in from different states to come meet him and pray with him,” said his mother, Brittany Elliott. Read the entire article……………………………….
A Houston Community’s Bizarre Encounter with an Exotic Animal
It’s not uncommon for some homeowners associations to have wild animals making their habitat in the community or roaming around the common areas. Residents may frequently report sightings of alligators, coyotes, and deer depending on where they live. Read the entire article……………………………….
Homeowner thinks HOA board wants too much information (NV)
Q: I was wondering if a homeowners association can make you tell them how many people live in the house, what kind of car you drive and the size and weight of your pets. I been living here for 10-plus years and this is the first time I was sent a letter asking for that […]
Feds allege Mission HOA discriminated against resident with walker who wanted to modify townhome’s sidewalk (KS)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says the Apollo Gardens Homeowners Association in Mission refused to allow a resident to alter the sidewalk outside her townhome to accommodate her walker, then voted to remove the resident from the HOA board. The case will be heard by an administrative law judge. Read the entire […]
Settlement Talks Underway In $7M Suit Against Seven Bridges Delray HOA (FL)
The $7M Federal Housing Discrimination lawsuit against the Seven Bridges HOA is heading towards its second day of settlement talks on Friday. While settlement conferences are routine in litigation, this is notable for two reasons: previous settlement conferences have failed to reach a resolution, and the parties spent 3 hours and 55 minutes meeting with […]
Divided Western Springs Condo Group May Be Ready To Deal (IL)
Last summer, a Western Springs condo subdivision appeared ready to sign an agreement with the village for a drainage project. But then a few members of the condo association came forward to oppose the costs under the agreement. The project was derailed. Read the entire article……………………………….
Topsail Reef Sandbags OK’d For 5 More Years (NC)
The oversized sandbags installed years ago as a temporary measure to protect an eight-building condominium complex from accelerated erosion on the town’s northeastern end can remain in place another five years. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ask a real estate pro: What are my rights if condo board refuses to provide parking lot security? (FL)
Q: I live in a condo and had a video camera in my patio area pointed directly at my vehicle in the parking lot for security. Management told me I would be fined if I did not remove it because it invaded the other residents’ privacy. I pulled the camera, and a few cars have […]
HOA Homefront: What surprises lurk in your CC&Rs? (CA)
Among the association governing documents including articles of incorporation, recorded map or plan, bylaws, operating rules and covenants, conditions, and restrictions (“CC&Rs”), the CC&R documents are arguably the most important. Here are 11 things about CC&Rs that might surprise you, before you read them. Read the entire article……………………………….
Sprawling condo complex seeks ‘last resort financing’ through city (MN)
The homeowners association of Ridgeview Condominiums in Burnsville is seeking city financing to fund an estimated $12 million to $16 million in badly needed rehabilitation. Two banks have rejected loan applications from the sprawling, 402-unit complex built in the 1970s and prominently located west of Nicollet Avenue and south of Burnsville Parkway. Read the entire […]
Call Police, Not Security For Crime In Palm Beach County Gated Communities (FL)
Security guards are not cops. That’s the message that area law enforcement agencies want residents, whether new to South Florida or those who have lived here for ages, to remember. With real estate sales booming and people moving to Boca Raton and Palm Beach County from places like New York and New Jersey, security experts […]
Rotonda Lakes Association’s board members resign, new leadership (FL) in place
Fed up with the way the directors managed the Rotonda Lakes Conservation Association, members led a recall effort that has resulted in replacing several board members and focusing on resetting priorities. Read the entire article……………………………….
Nuisance lawsuit filed against owners, management of Clermont County condo development (OH)
The Clermont County prosecutor filed a nuisance lawsuit Tuesday against the owners and management of a condominium complex in Pierce Township, citing crime and safety concerns. Prosecutor Mark Tekulve’s suit seeks to appoint a receiver to take control over the One Royal Oak Condominium development, commonly known as “On the Green” and “Saint Andrews”, according […]
Plans to build homes on closed Florida golf course riles up residents (FL)
A local investor group has purchased the former Tomoka Oaks Golf & Country Club with plans to redevelop it as a new home community. They paid $2.6 million, according to Volusia County property records. Read the entire article……………………………….
4 Families Displaced in Dennis Port Condo Complex Fire (MA)
Four families have been displaced following a two-alarm fire in two units of a condominium complex in Dennis Port, Massachusetts. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hideout’s first master developer sues the town and its planner for $100M (UT)
The original master developer of Hideout is suing the town and its planner over development rights, accusing them of causing the developer economic damages of at least $100 million by reducing the value of its holdings and acting to prevent it from developing hundreds of homes. Read the entire article……………………………….
Man killed by police after shooting, explosion in Woodlawn had carried gun, harassed community, neighbors say (MD)
Baltimore County police said in a news release Sunday that investigators believe Brown forced his way into the home of Ismael Quintanilla, a 41-year-old neighbor, and fatally stabbed and shot him. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Quintanilla’s wife, 37-year-old Sara Alacote, was also shot fatally by Brown, according to police. The department said […]
State is asked to intervene in Kakaako housing dispute (HI)
Owners of the most affordable homes in Kakaako’s tony Ward Village neighborhood have asked a state agency to intervene in a dispute over costs to maintain their units. The association of homeowners in the 2-year-old Ke Kilohana condominium tower earlier this week appealed to the Hawaii Community Development Authority to help resolve claims that the […]
Charlotte firefighters battle fire at east Charlotte condo (NC)
Charlotte firefighters are investigating what caused a condo to catch on fire Sunday morning. Firefighters responded to Village Lake Drive and Pebblestone Drive at about 3:00 a.m. Sunday. They reported a two-story condo was on fire with heavy flames coming from the roof. Read the entire article……………………………….
Attorney represents board (IL)
Q: I am a unit owner in a condominium association. I sent the association’s lawyer a request for an opinion on an issue concerning the association. The attorney responded that she is unable to respond to owner inquiries, and that I should submit my issue to the board. As a member of the association, doesn’t […]
Rollover of excess funds normal (FL)
Q: If there is an excess in monies collected from the annual budget, must the excess be returned to owners, or can it be used to reduce maintenance fees for next year? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Multiple residents evacuated from condos after water tank overflows in Rancho San Diego (CA)
Eight homes sustained water damage early this morning due to an overflowing water tank in Rancho San Diego, authorities said. Shortly after 5:20 a.m., deputies responded to reports of water flowing down from a water tower on a hill above a condominium complex on Calle de Montana, off Calle Albara, just west of Jamacha Road, […]
Danger! This path isn’t safe — unless you live in a certain beach condo? (FL)
A battle is brewing in Hollywood after a condo association blocked access to a popular public beachside pathway. It was once a busy, thriving path along North Beach in Hollywood. But “DANGER” signs and fencing have stopped people from passing through for months. Read the entire article……………………………….
Veteran in Austin takes on HOA over flying his American flag (TX)
The HOA says the larger issue with flags came up when people were putting up political flags leading up to the election – which the HOA does regulate. These Avery Ranch residents believe they have every right to fly their American flags in front of their homes no matter where it is. They point to […]
HOA Homefront: Is the HOA’s insurance coverage sufficient? (CA)
Insurance brokers are one of an HOA’s most important vendors, yet they are often ignored until claims arise. This mistake can be costly. Insurance is a contract in which the insurer accepts a fee (“premium”) and in return agrees to pay for certain incidents of damage (property insurance) or claims of liability (casualty insurance). Because […]
Trapper’s Crossing Homeowners Association grateful for fire mitigation work (CO)
Trappers Crossing subdivision recently completed a fire mitigation day for Wildfire Awareness month in May. Our goal was to clear roads of brush and trees to improve visibility, access for emergency responders and to minimize the chance of a roadside fire. Read the entire article……………………………….
Condo Board meetings are not for all (NH)
Regardless of how many units are in your association or how many members are on your board of directors, you still have to have an occasional meeting of the board. And that means you have to learn how to keep your board meetings on task and not let them devolve into chaos. Read the entire […]
Pierce County man loved on Instagram, hated by neighbors. What are limits of online speech? (WA)
Martin Cabello III is incredibly popular on Instagram. Almost 500,000 people follow him for diet advice and explanations of his religion, Cabelloism. He has another 25,800 followers on Twitter and 1.2 million on TikTok………The people who live in his Pierce County neighborhood, though, say he makes their lives a living hell. Read the entire […]
Homeowners associations join together against Overland Park’s chip seal pavement plans (KS)
In February, FOX4 told you about a controversy in Overland Park over the use of chip seal to pave the city’s streets. The Overland Park City Council approved to move forward with the project, and now 24 home owners associations are banding together to fight it. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ask a real estate pro: Can the HOA force me to paint my house a color they chose? (FL)
Q: When I bought my home 16 years ago, I picked my lot, floorplan, brick and paint color from the developer. Recently the new HOA board picked a new paint color scheme without involving the homeowners. I repainted my home three years ago, and it does not need repainting. I was assigned a gray color […]
Residents at Indio condo complex say gas has been out for three weeks (CA)
A goose bathed in cold water in a pond at the Quail Lakes condo complex on Monroe street in Indio. Unfortunately, people who live there are showering in cold water. Read the entire article……………………………….
Form Association Or Face Fines? (FL)
The problem goes back to 1988, when a developer got a variance that allowed him to build 91 homes instead of 50 if he created an association to maintain the private roads and drains. But after the construction was finished, the association was dissolved in 1992. And 29 years later, Sweetwater is telling homeowners they […]
Park Forest thirsty for irrigation water (FL)
It’s not quite a neighborhood water war, but the Englewood Water District will discuss Thursday how best to expand and fairly distribute its irrigation water in Park Forest. The treated effluent has always been a precious commodity for irrigation — one that the Water District has measured out judiciously. Read the entire article……………………………….
Former head of Lighthouse Properties in Campbell County pleads guilty to wire fraud (VA)
On Wednesday in federal court, Tim Penick, the former head of Lighthouse Properties in Campbell County, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Penick admitted, as part of a plea deal, that he stole money from an area homeowners’ association which was just one client among many that Penick is accused of stealing from through Lighthouse Properties […]
Hideout Homeowners to Decide on Purchase of Outlaw Golf Club (UT)
Hideout homeowners have to decide whether to purchase a golf course in their community. If they don’t, the current owner says he will sell to someone else. Read the entire article……………………………….
Rising cost of lumber stands in the way of rebuilding after the Almeda Fire (OR)
What salts the wounds is the idea that she may not be able to settle back into the town and community she had come to love because the rising cost of lumber may block the Homeowners Association from rebuilding. She sits on the HOA board along with four other women she says are “incredible.” Read […]
Around Town: New homeowners association president asks, what is Dunwoody? (GA)
Fiscella’s new job requires him to consider how those various points of view fit together, if they do. He’s the new president of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, the 51-year-old, 881-member group that promotes the city’s homeowners’ interests and claims to be “one of the most powerful associations of its kind in the United States.” Read […]
Condo Adviser: Who is responsible for water damage caused by a leak in another unit? (IL)
Q. I own a unit in a self-managed condominium association and experienced a second water leak from the unit above mine. The unit above belongs to the president of the association. After the first water incident, the association refused to fix and paint my drywall. What am I entitled to have addressed? Read the entire […]
Goats Get To Work Cleaning Up Neighborhoods (SC)
When homeowners in the Retreat at Beresford subdivision off Clements Ferry Road started looking into ways to trim back brush around a creek in the neighborhood, they decided to go a more natural route. Read the entire article……………………………….