With winter descending and the year drawing to a close, it’s the normal time to make resolutions for the New Year. Of course, nothing about this year has been “normal,” but in the spirit of optimism that 2021 will not be overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic the way that 2020 has been, I submit a […]
North Little Rock yards quietly fill with Black Santas Show of support cheers father (AR)
A 7-foot-tall inflatable Black Santa Claus stands outside the Kennedy home in North Little Rock’s Lakewood neighborhood, waving to those who pass by. Chris Kennedy said an inflatable Black Santa has been a Christmas tradition for the family since his daughter Emily was born four years ago. Read the article………………………………..
About 100 Houston-area neighborhoods using license plate readers (TX)
In northwest Harris County, Westlake and Westlake Forest are among the newest neighborhoods in the Houston-area to use technology once only available to police: license plate readers. Read the article…………………………………….
Upstairs condo may have damage from past flooding (NV)
Q: My husband and I live in a condo on the bottom floor. Last year, we lived in a hotel for four months due to a flood that came from the upstairs unit. It came from the washing machine hose (that) wasn’t installed properly. I will make this part short. Read the Q&A……………………………………
Homeowners’ associations donate fingerprint kits to Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office (TN)
Sheriff Lawson says the kits will help solve crimes faster. “We are just happy to have them,” says Lawson. “I think it’s another great tool for patrol officers. It will help the victims too. Help us solve crimes.” The 25 kits were donated by the homeowners’ associations of Legacy Bay and Chelaque communities. Read the […]
When condo owners get stuck paying for a builder’s mistakes
Q: In 2006, we purchased a condominium in Chicago on the third floor of a three-story building. During those years, we’ve experienced water issues with the roof and windows and have repaired them as they have come up. Read the Q&A……………………………..
Golden Gloves on the Gold Coast in a battle over fate of high-rise (IL)
A Gold Coast battle of residents and unit owners versus the Newberry Plaza Board of Directors broke out in October and now may have spiraled deeper into acrimony and distrust, just in time for the holidays. The residents, who call themselves the Newberry Plaza Community Coalition, oppose a pending deal to transfer part of the […]
Owner is responsible for balcony damage (IL)
Q: Our condominium association is in the process of performing extensive repairs on the balconies. During an inspection by the contractor, it was learned that an owner used an epoxy to install carpet on the balcony serving his unit. It is going to be very expensive to remove the carpet and repair balcony damage caused […]
Burlington neighborhood all aglow in holiday spirit (WA)
Think the Griswolds of the movie “Christmas Vacation” fame, but on a neighborhood-wide scale. That’s the festive spirit on display at the Homestead Place Holiday Wonderland, where home after home is aglow with twinkling and blinking lights. Read the article………………………………
1 dead after fire breaks out in Centerville condo (OH)
Firefighters are working to extinguish a fire that broke out at a Centerville condominium Friday afternoon. Initial reports indicate firefighters located one person injured inside while searching the structure. The condition of the victim was not immediately known. Read the article………………………………
Fireworks in an HOA? (FL)
Q: Is it legal to use fireworks in an HOA community on New Year’s Eve? A.B.Read the article……………………………………… A: Your inquiry is very timely, not only because the New Year’s Eve holiday is coming up but also because there is a new law impacting this issue.
HOA Homefront: Stop the fights over records requests (CA)
Over the many years I have been writing this column, the clear number one ranked dispute between homeowners and their associations is access to records and information. Read the article………………………………….These disputes are never productive, and generally avoidable. Here are some tips for HOAs regarding producing requested records and some tips for requesting homeowners.
Popular ‘Katie Land’ Christmas display stokes Plain Township neighborhood feud (OH)
In the seemingly quiet Wicker Creek subdivision brews a longstanding neighborhood feud that has ensnared a beloved Christmas light display. Both sides are dismayed. Both feel afflicted by past grievances and want the other side to let it go. Read the article…………………………….
Details still emerging in argument leads to shooting death (TX)
A dispute between neighbors turned deadly on Monday afternoon, leaving a retired Houston police officer dead in a gated community in Kerrville. Kerr County Sheriff W.R. “Rusty” Hierholzer said his office continues to investigate the shootout between neighbors Mart Hanna and Kenneth Brown. Hanna, who retired from the Houston Police Department, was shot and killed. […]
Collier County community divided over plan to eradicate neighborhood (FL)ducks
The Island Walk homeowner’s association board is considering spending $6,000 to trap and kill the Muscovy ducks that call the neighborhood home. They voted in favor of it but may reconsider after an uproar from residents. Read the article………………………………….
Gotha Residents Sue Orange County, FDOT Over Home Flooding (FL)
Their suit accuses Orange County, Florida Department of Transportation, the Central Florida Expressway Authority, and the Braemar homeowners association of trespass, negligence, and inverse condemnation — meaning the government took their property without compensation. Read the article………………………………..
Lisle condo association sells water system (IL)
Illinois American Water has purchased the Four Lakes Village Condominium Homeowners Association’s water distribution system for $900,000. The purchase adds 57 connections serving about 1,300 households in Lisle. Read the article………………………………….
Condo questions: Does the president have the authority to approve work? (FL)
Q: Our board adopted a budget for 2021, and it included a sizeable line item for landscaping improvements. The landscape committee is already getting a new landscape vendor mobilized to start in January. We asked whether the board approved the new landscape contract, and the president just responded that he had the authority to approve […]
Homeowner not exempt from car being towed (NV)
Q: Hi, I was just wondering, if I’m unemployed and my vehicle isn’t registered, will my car be exempt from tow under the governor’s call for “essential towing regulations?” Read the Q&A……………………………..
Cape St. Claire resident pulls the plug on phallus Navidad lights after complaints to HOA (MD)
The Annapolis “penis house” became a beacon for laughs in hard times, but it appears the joke is over. The Ramblewood Drive home with a 35-foot phallic holiday light display on the roof would have made a great landing strip for Santa, but after complaints to the neighborhood homeowners association, the display is no longer […]
Neighboring Condo Residents File Lawsuit to Halt Miramar Project (CA)
Residents of an oceanfront condominium tower have filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the redevelopment of the neighboring Miramar Hotel approved by the City Council in September. The lawsuit filed last week contends that the 502,157-square-foot project at 101 Wilshire Boulevard violates the coastal land use plan (LUP)), the Downtown Community Plan (DCP) and the […]
Subdivision residents ask Catoosa County officials for storm drain assistance (GA)
During the Dec. 1 Board of Commissioner’s meeting, resident Courtney Bowers of Kailors Cove Circle addressed commissioners during the public appearances portion of the meeting and politely asked if the county would consider adopting the private drains. Bowers represented her Homeowner’s Association (HOA) in Somerset Estates off Baggett Road. Read the article………………………….
Clearwater condo owners and association at odds over sand and vegetation removal (FL)
Cindy Dervech and her neighbors woke up to the sound of workmen and a man in a Bobcat removing sand and vegetation from the Dune field behind the Regatta Beach Club in North Clearwater Beach. “We saw them clearing everything out Monday morning,” Dervech said. “This time they went too far.” Read the article………………………………
HOA Homefront – Requests for HOA Information (Part 2) (CA)
Q: I attended my first HOA meeting and I noticed that the format is slightly different from city council meetings. Board members were provided a lengthy document prepared by management, containing specific details on water usage, maintenance requests, and detailed financials. I queried if the report was available, and was told no, they are only […]
Board should be wary of advice from other states IL)
Q: One of the newer board members in our Chicago area condominium association is also a longtime board member of his Florida condominium association. His “go to” line at our board meetings is “In Florida, this is how we do it… …” Can the board rely on such input? Read the article…………………………………….
HOA 1st certified as Firewise (AZ)
Catherine Knox is excited that she and her neighbors are the only one of their kind in Sedona. But, she’s hoping that distinction won’t last long. Knox and the 33 other homeowners that make up the Cottages at Coffeepot HOA are being recognized as the only homeowners association or community within the Sedona Fire District […]
Reducing reserve assessment to minimize impact on premium increase (FL)
Q: Our condominium insurance premium increased this year by a significant amount. Rather than increase assessments by the same amount, we want to reduce the reserve assessment to minimize the impact on the premium increase. I read somewhere that the board has discretion over the budget but was also told that there is no discretion […]
Wesley Chapel homeowners express concern after HOA sends violation letters (FL)
One local homeowner’s association recently said not so fast to Christmas flags being hung on people’s homes. A couple of homeowners in a Wesley Chapel neighborhood received a letter that said they were in violation of their community’s standards. Read the article……………………………..
Condo World: Here comes winter. Be ready. (NH)
With the longer, darker days come the longer, darker moods of winter. Whether we love it, like it, endure it, or hate it, winter is coming. Oh sure, it starts out nice. The first snowfall for most brings a smile to the face as snow gently settles on the ground and brings back memories of […]
HOA helping those in need (IL)
One area in town wants to help families in need and is encouraging others to do the same. The Devonshire South II HOA is providing Christmas presents to people in need in the area. They are encouraging other HOA’s to do the same. Read the article,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
HOA Homefront: Why can’t I get the meeting minutes? HOA documents, Part 2 (CA)
Q: I attended my first HOA meeting, and I noticed the format is slightly different from city council meetings. Board members were provided a lengthy document prepared by management, containing specific details on water usage, maintenance requests and detailed financials. I queried if the report was available, and was told no, they are only provided […]
Generally Board Members Cannot be Compensated (FL)
Q: Can the members of our board of directors receive a holiday bonus? Read the Q&A…………………………………..
Residents in Mobile neighborhood fighting $6K HOA increase (AL)
Residents in a Mobile neighborhood aren’t happy about an increase in their HOA dues. Those dues are now rising and they want answers. “It’s a terrible shock and we’re not going to pay it,” said Ben Preston. Preston says he went from paying $300 a year to his homeowner’s association in 2019 to owing $6300 […]
HOA tells Raleigh homeowner to remove cross from Christmas display (NC)
A reason for the season or an HOA violation? One north Raleigh family would’ve never thought a cross being used as a Christmas decoration as a point of contention for their neighborhood. Read the article………………………………..
Board’s meeting times are inconvenient (IL)
Q: Is the board of our association required to hold its meetings during typical business hours? A: There is no requirement that a board hold its meetings during typical business hours or at any particular time. Read the Q&A……………………………………….
Worker dies in fall at Jacksonville Beach condo complex (FL)
A man doing work at a condominium complex at the beaches died Wednesday morning when he fell 10 stories in an apparent accident, authorities and sources told News4Jax. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said a person died at the Pelican Point Condominiums at 1901 First St. North in Jacksonville Beach, just south of Seagate Avenue. […]
Bloomington condominium fire leaves behind extensive damage (IL)
Fire crews from Bloomington and Normal were on the scene of a condominium fire on Tracy Drive just off of Oak Creek Plaza in Bloomington. Around 7:50 a.m. Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) was called to the 1900 block of Tracy Drive for smoke coming out of the building. Once on scene, they discovered the condo […]
Felony charges filed against LOFS, 2 security guards alleging impersonation of cops (IN)
Nearly two years after a criminal probe opened into a Region gated community’s security team, felony charges have been filed against two of the guards and the homeowner’s association itself. The Lake County prosecutor’s office filed level 6 felony charges Monday against Lakes of the Four Seasons Property Owners Association and its security workers […]
HOA president struck by car after confronting group checking door handles at Euclid condominium complex, police say (OH)
Three unidentified males struck a woman with their car after she spotted them checking door handles at her condominium complex Sunday afternoon. The woman suffered a serious head injury in the incident that happened about 2 p.m. at Bonneville Tower Condo Read the article…………………………………
Condo questions: Does the Florida Condo Statute trump declaration?
Q: I was under the impression that under the Florida Condo Statute maintenance and repair of common elements including limited common elements were always the responsibility of the association, but my condo’s declaration says that the owner is responsible for the repair, maintenance and replacement of its limited common elements. My question is if the […]
Leaky roof, wet walls, constant complaining, endless ignoring: Life according to a Virginia Beach condo owner (VA)
The floor is buckling due to water damage. He and his wife can’t even go on vacations because they fear water damage while they are gone, and they want to be there in case it happens again. “This has gone on for four years… We’re tired of it… They aren’t listening to us,” McLeod said. […]
Maryland Residents Could Be Forced to Leave at Moment’s Notice as Retaining Wall Fails
Some homeowners in one Maryland neighborhood have been told to prepare to leave their homes as the retaining wall supporting some of their houses has failed, threatening collapse at any moment. The retaining wall built to support houses in the Tantallon community in Fort Washington is shifting every time it rains. Read the article……………………………….
Apple Valley POA hosts Festival of Trees to benefit Food For The Hungry (OH)
The Apple Valley Property Owners Association will once again host a Festival of Trees at the Floral Valley Community Center through New Year’s Eve. Each year, clubs and organizations of Apple Valley decorate a Christmas tree, and the public is invited to come and vote for their favorite tree. Read the article………………………………….
Morro Bay City Council determines seagulls a public health issue for condo complex (CA)
Seagulls can be a nuisance in everyday life, but at one condominium complex in Morro Bay, they’re more than that; the gulls are a threat to public health. The Morro Bay city council voted, once again, to allow residents at Bayshore Village to ultimately remove them. Read the article………………………………..
Houston, county consider $14M buyout of unfinished Kingwood subdivision blamed for flooding (TX)
Houston city council on Wednesday will consider paying $4 million to acquire an unfinished housing development in southeast Montgomery County, part of a joint plan with Harris County officials to redevelop the parcel to better protect nearby flood-prone homes. Read the article……………………………………
Developer seeks to stop flooding at Drake’s Landing (MA)
Developer Chip Hall believes he has a solution to resolve flooding near the entrance to his Drake’s Landing subdivision off Main Street. The fix would require pulling up the first 50 feet of pavement on his new road, Daley Drive, and doing some light subgrading underneath — something Hall said he is willing to do […]
Unhappy with the way your HOA is run? Here’s what you can do to improve the board.
Q: I wanted to comment on your recent column relating to the use of a homeowners association (HOA) pool during [the pandemic]. Halfway through your answer you wrote, “You and your fellow residents voted in the board and they represent you.” Read the article…………………………………
Princeville residents at odds with association (HI)
The Princeville homeowners association on Friday sought resident reaction to a controversial proposal by Starwood Capital Group, owner of the former Princeville Resort and two nearby golf courses, to build a 50-unit, luxury camping resort on what is now three golf holes. Read the article………………………………
HOA tells the “Tucson Clark Griswold” to take down his light display (AZ)
If you look out your window, you’re bound to see holiday lights. One home on the Northside is no exception, taking his light display to the extreme. While it beings a lot of joy to Tucsonans, the HOA in his neighborhood is asking for it to come down by Sunday Dec. 6. Read the article………………………………..
The oddities of homeowners associations (AR)
HOAs can be beneficial—ours certainly is—if everyone involved behaves reasonably and remembers that decisions should be made for the good of all. The goal is to establish and maintain a pleasant surrounding for the neighborhood at a shared cost that’s likely lower than what it would be to take care of an individual yard in […]