According to the FCC, an important part of closing the digital divide is promoting high-speed broadband access for the millions of Americans who live and work in apartments, condominiums, and office buildings, which the commission calls multiple tenant environments (MTEs). Read the article………………
Foothills resident: Our HOA is in trouble (AZ)
This is an open letter to all the members of the Foothills Community Association. Neighbors, our HOA is in trouble. I have been a resident of Ahwatukee since 2003. Like many of you, I paid little attention to the affairs of our HOA, the Foothills Community Association. Read the letter…………………………
Is Gun Control a Good Idea in Community Associations?
Unfortunately, every day it seems the news reports another episode of gun violence and almost immediately thereafter some form of action is suggested or demanded. Thoughts and prayers, legislation, gun bans, and other gun control measures come to mind. However, what should the world of community associations be doing at this time? Read the article………………………
Make It Personal
There’s been an interesting trend in recent years in the Washington Metropolitan area. DC has a significant and growing number of community associations with on-site managers. Often, boards of directors have control over their compensation. The manager may be an employee of the association or of the management company as a pass-through expense. Read the […]
Startup pays to build backyard apartments, plus other options for generating income from your property
Want to earn an extra $1,700 per month? Rent the Backyard, a San Francisco-based startup says it can help — by building a studio apartment in your backyard that you can rent out. The company, which is currently working with homeowners in the Bay Area for now, will handle all the permitting and construction, then […]
State should help fund new water mandate (CT)
It is important for policy makers to understand that “public water systems” are, in fact, largely privately owned and operated. They are “public” in the sense that they are used by the citizens, not that they are necessarily owned by a government entity. A condominium association could be faced with costs in excess of $100,000 […]
Are There Skeletons in Your Association’s Closet?
Last week I was preparing an amendment to a set of recorded governing documents for a local community that were over 50 years old. There had been several amendments over those decades and I was asked to provide a few more updates by the recently elected new board. When I reached the section where I […]
Condo Owners Could Face Millions Of Dollars In Potential Liability (HI)
Senate Bill 551 clarifies condo associations’ right to conduct non-judicial foreclosures, which could save condo owners from footing the bill in a multimillion-dollar class-action lawsuit. Read the article………………………
Tom is actually happy with his homeowners association—but he’s a little skeptical about the Tucson City Council
A few (modest) words in (guarded) support of Homeowners Associations…well, mine, anyway: We live in a nice subdivision on the Northwest side; it’s a little bit older than some, but it’s still nice. No violence, no graffiti, no loud parties. The neighbors are friendly, but not overly so. It’s the kind of place that people […]
Kings Road in Newport Beach would benefit from a homeowners association (CA)
My best friend is president of her homeowners association in northern Orange County. I never miss the opportunity to tease her about HOAs and their reputations for telling you what color to paint your house and when to trim your trees. To many of us, these rules feel like an infringement of our property rights. […]
EDITORIAL: Private Roads, Part Three (CO)
I attended a public presentation on Wednesday evening, put on by local non-profit housing organization Pagosa Housing Partners (PHP). The organization has begun recruiting homeowners who have vacant bedrooms and who might be willing to make one or more bedrooms available to a member of our community’s work force, on a short- or long-term basis, […]
Are HOAs Holding Back the Next Wave of American Tech?
Suppose you have a small satellite dish installed in your property, similar to the millions found on the homes of satellite TV subscribers across America. A local zoning official knocks on your door and gives you a copy of an ordinance requiring that you pay a fee and receive a permit to have the dish. […]
EDITORIAL: Private Roads, Part Two (CO)
Although the court case filing requested by the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners on June 18 concerned a controversial road — Bristlecone Drive — in the Colorado Timber Ridge Ranch subdivision, the lion’s share of the discussion at Tuesday’s meeting focused on another controversial (and apparently closed?) road: US Forest Service Road 649 D. […]
EDITORIAL: Private Roads, Part One (CO)
At the conclusion of their regular meeting yesterday afternoon, June 18, the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners — Ronnie Maez, Steve Wadley and Alvin Schaaf — came out of an executive session and voted unanimously to enter into a lawsuit concerning a Timber Ridge subdivision road known as Bristlecone Drive. The commissioners specifically requested County […]
A Home Owners Association Tong War and a lesson for others
My Home Owners Association (HOA) is currently involved in a dispute between the Board of Directors and the residents. It has become so nasty, it is starting to resemble a Tong War. Interestingly, this is not the first time this has happened. About 25 years ago the association built a substantial brick wall at the […]
Bad neighbors who disregard code standards deserve disdain, not sympathy
The small, sleepy city of Dunedin, which proudly tells everyone it’s the home of Honeymoon Island, is having anything but a honeymoon with the media right now. Dunedin finds itself in the crosshairs of unfair, knee-jerk local and national media attention after imposing nearly $30,000 in fines for code enforcement violations by a local homeowner. […]
Christe Boen-Mirikitani Just Wanted to Teach Girls to Pitch. Enter an HOA-Backed Mr. Wilson
Allow me to begin this week’s metaphysical deep dive with a burning question regarding a clash of civilizations: What happens when Americana meets America? “Americana” is the place of an oft over-glorified past, of motherhood, apple pie, houses that needn’t be locked and gooey happiness on every street corner, from sea to shining sea. “America” […]
How to stop the erosion of civility in community associations | Opinion
Raised voices, reddened faces and angry gestures. You might think you are watching a Congressional hearing on C-SPAN, but you are at your community’s board meeting. The erosion of civility in our society has begun to manifest itself in private residential communities. This comes in many forms, from rudeness and disruptive behavior at meetings, to […]
Nevada’s real estate industry blamed wrong enemy when bubble burst
Las Vegas’ economy is on strong footing today, but in early 2015 it was still climbing out from the dark days of the recession. The valley was still flooded with underwater houses, Nevada had one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country, homebuilders’ sales in Las Vegas remained a fraction of their bloated, bubble-era […]
CAI Calls on HUD to Clarify Emotional Support Animals
Navigating the Fair Housing Act’s assistance animal accommodation requirements can be tricky for community associations. This becomes more difficult when individuals attempt to circumvent association pet rules by falsely claiming a pet as an emotional support animal. Read the article……………………
Maybe city should fine HOA’s for improper raking also (TX)
I agree with Bill Broussard and his commentary (“City should fine HOAs for beach-access violations,” The Daily News, May 1); however, the headline didn’t prepare me for the full scope of what he wrote. His emphasis was on guaranteeing beach access, and I agree that’s a problem. My focus is on what he rightly described […]
Millions of homeowners would be hurt by bills deregulating short-term rentals (FL)
Florida is home to the largest number of residents living in a community association. Some 10 million homeowners live in neighborhoods with community associations and are protected by time-honored, deed restrictions adopted by a majority and, in some cases, a super majority vote of those who pay the bills and will be most impacted by […]
City should fine owner associations for beach violations (TX)
I’m flabbergasted. After 71 years in this town, it takes a lot to get that reaction. In August 2018, the Pirates Property Owners Association replaced the dunes lost in Hurricane Harvey on Buccaneer Boulevard. That’s normal, except they replaced them in such a way as to block all beach access on a road that’s frequently […]
A Road Paved with Good Intentions (CA)
As the California legislature expressed in the stated legislative objective behind Civil Code section 4515: “The homeowners’ associations that operate the common interest developments (CIDs) are quasi-governmental entities with great power over the lives and property of their residents, including powers exceeding those of local governments. Unfortunately, those powers have too often been used to […]
Don’t let the state force expensive fire prevention systems on condos that were given the right to opt out (FL)
The following message is from FACTSS.org, a Statewide Steering Committee of volunteers who are concerned Condominium Association leaders from every area of Florida. FACTSS is committed to protect condo owners’ right to opt out of expensive fire prevention systems. An opt-out right that is threatened by pending legislation that is being voted on this week. […]
Taking Action Against Short-Term Rentals in Condos and HOAs: Fighting HB 987 and SB 824 (FL)
There are two bills: HB 987 and SB 824 dealing with the regulation of vacation rentals in community associations which are very detrimental to associations in Florida. Both could result in uncontrolled expansion of the use of services like Airbnb and VRBO in your condos and HOA’s. The first is HB 987, which would take […]
Short-term home rentals, not their neighbors, backed by two bills in FL Legislature
Florida is home to the largest number of residents living in a community association. Some 10 million homeowners live in neighborhoods with community associations and are protected by time-honored deed restrictions adopted by a majority and, in some cases, a super majority vote of those who pay the bills and will be most affected by […]
Coops and condos can’t take this mandate: A new climate change bill would sock ordinary New Yorkers with thousands of dollars in fines
Climate change is a real threat to our future, one that demands collective, forceful action by all New Yorkers in every aspect of their daily lives. The City Council is considering legislation that seeks to meet citywide goals solely by imposing rigid caps on greenhouse gas emissions from most buildings over 25,000 square feet. Unfortunately, […]
Even good principles demand good law …
I am a passionate defender of property rights. They are a foundational principle of our U.S. and Montana Constitutions. But as a resident and owner in a Montana community with a homeowners association, or HOA, I am both saddened and outraged that SB 300 is currently being rushed through our state’s Legislature. It is an […]
Editorial: Lake Charlene failure shows county flooded in feuds (FL)
For a few minutes, forget about politics and personalities. And simply consider the numbers surrounding the embattled Lake Charlene flood project that has been designed and proposed to reduce flooding in parts of the Escambia County’s Warrington and Myrtle Grove neighborhoods. Read the article…………………….
Montana State Legislature Moves Bill That will Create Chaos, Lawsuits, and Increase Costs on Residents in Condominium and Homeowner Associations
On April 2, the Montana State Legislature moved forward Senate bill (SB 300), a bad bill for residents in homeowners associations and condominiums, according to Community Associations Institute (CAI). CAI is coordinating efforts to stop the legislation due to the significant opposition from Montana homeowners associations and condominiums, attorneys, and trade groups. CAI believes the […]
Here are 3 ways state lawmakers could disrupt (or shore up) short-term rentals in Texas this session
For years, short-term rentals – the rooms, cottages, condos and homes on apps like Airbnb and HomeAway – have been the subject of lawsuits and hand-wringing on the part of regulators and people looking to rent out properties. Texas lawmakers haven’t yet figured out how to regulate them, but a handful of bills have been […]
HOA Syndrome: Something to Worry About?
It’s not unusual to hear of strange, rare, and even offbeat syndromes in the medical and psychological world, but in the homeowners’ association realm, it seems even more unique. While “Alice in Wonderland Syndrome” (the rare condition of temporary episodes of distorted perception of one’s body size) may be accepted, what about “HOA Syndrome”? Is […]
U.S. Supreme Court narrowly interprets “debt collector” under FDCPA
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on March 20 that law firms conducting nonjudicial foreclosures, or foreclosures outside of the court system, are not generally considered debt collectors under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). The decision in Obduskey v. McCarthy & Holthus LLP addresses an important federal advocacy priority for CAI Read […]
Proposed Legislation Would Require Mandatory Non-Binding Arbitration in Florida Construction Defect Lawsuits
HB911 is proposed legislation that would substantially revamp Ch. 558, Florida Statutes, by substantially doing away with pre-suit notice requirements and replace those requirements with mandatory non-binding arbitration to take place within 180 days of the lawsuit being filed. Notably, the new provisions would apply not only to completed projects (like the current version) but […]
2019! Ohio Community Associations are Changing!
The times are rapidly changing. In the past, many of us were skeptical of technology, against funding of reserves, and felt completely comfortable with the status quo. Today, a growing number of enlightened board members are aggressively addressing association issues and radically improving their communities. Read the article………………..
Fire chief suggests banning gas grills on condo decks after Friday fire in Osage Beach (MO)
The fire here at the Compass Pointe Condos in Osage Beach was knocked down rather quickly on Friday, but it did leave behind a lot of damage. The fire chief says when his crews pulled up to the building, it was a familiar sight. “When we pulled up four years ago to this call, what […]
Florida Must Take the Lead When It Comes to Sea Level Rise
There’s a joke about South Florida – there are two things you can see from space. The first is the Great Wall of China and the second is the divide between Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Neither is really true, and more and more each day our region and our state are becoming increasingly unified. South […]
A community’s last resort: Foreclosing on a home
Nobody wants to foreclose on a home—not a mortgage banker and certainly not a community association. Countless Americans lose their homes when lending institutions are unable to collect mortgage payments. In a perfect world, no one would ever face foreclosure—for any reason. Read the article………………….
Under GOP Tax “Cuts,” 11 Million Get Pockets Picked (NY)
The painful truth about the GOP’s co-called “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” is finally becoming apparent. For many, it’s actually a tax hike. Some 11 million people – most of them in such high-tax states as New York, New Jersey, and California, all Democratic strongholds – will pay $323 billion more in taxes […]
Colorado keeps allowing developers to tax homeowners for infrastructure — and it’s out of control
Every year our local Colorado elected officials give millions of dollars of taxing and bonding authority to developers without blinking an eye, leaving many unsuspecting Colorado homebuyers paying the bills for decades. And those bills are steep, at times crippling, adding up to more in property taxes for the roads, water, sewer and parks in […]
Schrader: Colorado keeps allowing developers to tax homeowners for infrastructure — and it’s out of control
Every year our local Colorado elected officials give millions of dollars of taxing and bonding authority to developers without blinking an eye, leaving many unsuspecting Colorado homebuyers paying the bills for decades. Read the article………………………
Australia: Cladding fire risks have been known for years. Lives depend on acting now, with no more delays
The fire at the Neo200 building on Spencer Street in the Melbourne CBD this week has eerie similarities to the Grenfell Tower disaster. Fortunately, instead of 72 people dead as at Grenfell, only one person was hospitalised for smoke inhalation. Nevertheless, the building industry has responded straight from the Grenfell song sheet. Rydon, the main contractor […]
“My Dogs. My Rocks. My Emotional Support,” Abandoned Pet Rescue
Single, 50 years old and the human to two small canines, I cannot help but turn to my four-legged loved ones for just about everything on the emotional spectrum. “Zoey” and “Kiwi” are unconditionally present for me during times of happiness, sadness, or when I feel upset, anxious, or fearful. Anyone who has had the […]
Condo Owners May Not Know They Have New Power (HI)
Time was when all the families and management in apartment walk-ups were as one, with the triumphs and sorrows of the other families our triumphs and sorrows as well. These were shared experiences at communal barbecues, picnics, graduations, Christmas parties, and all manner of celebrations. After the last glimpse of what were then truly our […]
NH Voices — Rep. Jim Webb: NH Condo law needs to be changed
DO NEW HAMPSHIRE condominium owners have the same rights as other homeowners? The answer is “NO.” Many condo owners in NH are upset over the change in the state condominium law that took place Aug. 1, 2016. Read the opinion…………………..
2019 State Legislative Priorities Released (CAI)
While the federal government shutdown enters its third week; state governments legislative sessions have started. By the end of this week, 33 state legislative sessions will have started. CAI is already tracking hundreds of legislative proposals impacting the community association housing model. Read the article………………..
A sign that something isn’t quite right in the neighborhood (CA)
Some of my neighbors would rather be threatened than welcomed, it seems. This unlikely attitude came to my attention when I received a “Courtesy Notice” from our homeowners association. Having conducted an inspection of the property, it warned, “There is a sign in the front yard common area of your home that is prohibited.” Read […]
Piney Z CDD essential for the neighborhood | Opinion
Piney Z Residents, imagine your beautiful clubhouse on Piney Z Plantation Boulevard closed and windows boarded up. Picture our newly renovated resort style pool emptied of water and filled with dirt behind “Keep Out” signs on its surrounding fence. Our once beautiful outside party pavilion closed forever to residents. Read the Op/Ed………………
Editorial: Why shut these crumbling condos out of state repair funds? (CT)
Debra MacCoy is considering all her options — including handing the keys back to the bank — now that she’s learned the crumbling basement in her condominium is ineligible for state remediation funds. Mrs. MacCoy isn’t alone. Nearly a quarter of the 772 homeowners who have reported cracking foundations to the state are also out […]