In this modern age where nearly everything is done electronically, it’s important to have a cyber security plan in place for your HOA. As a board member, you’re responsible for safeguarding the information of all residents in your community, and it’s essential for you to have both an official cyber policy and an emergency plan […]
Every Board Needs a Fidelity Bond. Here’s Why (NY)
A board treasurer’s heart will always sink when he notices a pattern of odd expenditures in the monthly run of checks. With a little digging, the treasurer might learn that the managing agent paid a small amount each month to a phony vendor, a limited liability company set up by the agent. Read the article……………..
4th of July Fireworks Safety Tips for Community Associations
Celebrating our country’s freedom on July 4th should be an enjoyable time for all. Grilling out, watching fireworks, and decorating with patriotic items are all ways to have fun at this time of year if you plan on celebrating from home. If you live within a homeowners association, HOA, then you should also remember that […]
Summer Safety Tips for Your HOA
Summer break offers excellent opportunities to spend time with family! With open community pools, vacations, and day trips with the kids, we’re sure you’ll be plenty busy in the coming weeks. We know board members like you are committed to ensuring the safety of homeowners who enjoy HOA amenities during weekend barbecues and pool parties. […]
Top 5 Tactics to Prevent Vandalism in Community Associations
Vandalism has been an issue with both condominiums and homeowners associations for as long as these communities have existed. As you can expect, instances of vandalism seem to increase during the summer months when kids are out of school. Vandalism can be relatively minor and easily repaired—like soup suds in the community fountain. Or it […]
How secure are your condo property’s master keys?
Two recent events in Toronto have called into question the security of master keys in condo buildings. In one case, a Riverdale condo is facing a bill of $30,000 to $40,000 to re-key its building after its master key was snatched from its fire safety box and used to steal a bike secured in a […]
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Your HOA
Homeowner Associations with common area buildings and structures are required to stay up to code and should schedule their local fire inspector to assess buildings on an annual basis. One item on that inspection will be an assessment of the HOA smoke detectors. One major safety concern to consider is carbon monoxide, or CO. Carbon […]
Steps for Crime Prevention in Your HOA
We all want our homes and communities to be safe. A high pressure is placed upon the shoulders of the HOA board to promote the security and safety of the neighborhood. Although the level to which the board is responsible for the safety of the community is outlined in the governing documents, there are a […]
The Dangerous Side of Security Cameras
Surveillance cameras are a valued tool for keeping co-op and condo residents safe. They also have a dangerous side – when their footage is needed as evidence following a crime or accident on the property. Boards need to understand that they have legal obligations – and that they’re open to liability – in such situations. […]
Exterior Lighting for Community Associations: 3 Important Benefits
Exterior lighting plays an important role when it comes to the safety, crime prevention, and the aesthetics of a community association. When properly done with just the right amount of lights and wattage, exterior lighting is a valuable tool in keeping members safe from falls and thieves. It is also valuable in relaying to non-members […]
Only You Can Prevent Data Breaches (NY)
Does your co-op or condo electronically store personal data of residents, such as Social Security or driver’s license numbers? What about approval packages for new buyers? Do they contain Social Security numbers? If the answer is “yes,” then your board needs to take steps to guard against a data breach. And boards have an obligation […]
Controlled Building Access Planning
Safety for every member of the community is a high priority for most condominium associations. You want everyone to feel secure in their own homes, especially if there has been recent upheaval in the community. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to increase the security of your building or buildings–especially if you institute […]
Columnist: Wake-up call for condo dwellers
In this age of unwanted sexual advances why do we too often look away? Why did the property management and board of directors at a swank Yorkville condominium not take immediate action to alert all residents to reports someone with a pass key was letting himself into womens’ units and, in at least one case, […]
Can You Afford NOT to Pay for Cyber Security?
Last month, the credit-reporting agency Equifax announced that it had fallen victim to a data breach, in which cyber thieves stole the sensitive data of more than 140 million Americans. It was only the latest episode in a widespread cyber crime wave, and it’s pushing forward-thinking co-op and condo boards to implement protective measures. “Ten […]
Starting a Neighborhood Watch in Your Community
Many of our communities have expressed an interest in forming a neighborhood watch in order to assist with preventing crime and building stronger relationships with law enforcement. Though forming a neighborhood can be a great way to achieve these goals, a neighborhood watch could result in liability to the community. To reduce liability to the […]
The State of Security/Surveillance Cameras: A Starting Point for Boards
A debate on surveillance is often one between security, privacy and finances. With increased access to low cost, higher quality equipment, boards are being requested to step up security to combat against increased crime. However, there are legal issues a board should consider and multiple steps to take to protect an association from the very […]
Security Cameras in Michigan Condominium Projects
Whether inside a grocery store, at a gas station or even in your neighborhood, security cameras are everywhere in modern society. As technology evolves and cheaper and better cameras come onto the market each year, Michigan condominiums are experiencing an increase in surveillance and/or security camera usage. Security cameras raise significant legal questions that impact […]
How Effective is Your HOA Security?
When you think of HOA security you usually think of Gated communities, security guards, and surveillance cameras. If you follow the news you might think of “neighborhood watch gone wrong” or “unarmed grandfather killed by security guard” The fact is every community experiences crime of one kind or another – whether it be vandalism, burglaries, […]
Surveillance, Security and Privacy – An Overview of Practical and Legal Considerations…
Every person desires to have a safe and secure place to call home regardless of whether you live in an attached condominium, site condominium or subdivision. Choosing a home in a low crime area helps to ease worries of safety and security; however, crime occurs in all neighborhoods. High quality video security systems are readily […]
4 Common Homeowner Association Security Errors to Avoid
Homeowners associations (HOAs) are more popular than ever. In 2015, 66.7 million Americans were members of a homeowners association, equivalent to 20 percent of the population, a Community Associations Institute study found. Unfortunately, the growth of homeowners associations has made them a more attractive target for burglars. Why? Seventy percent of HOAs are managed by […]
Does Your HOA Board Have a Policy for Home Security Systems?
We know you want to feel safe at home and you should. Maybe you have tried trimming foliage, increasing exterior lighting and are considering installing a home security system to feel more secure. Before you invest in a high-tech home security system, there are a few things to consider. Personal safety and privacy are two […]
Cyber Security for your Community Association
It is always a good idea to maintain security both as individuals and as HOA and condo associations. In this technological age, people are more vulnerable and susceptible to being hacked. Just as you would lock your doors and protect yourself in the real world, it is important to secure your belongings in the cyber […]
Package Theft in your Community
While worse during the holiday season, package theft is a year-round concern for anyone who shops online. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, there are people who drive around communities looking for unattended boxes sitting on porches. If you or anyone you know has ever had a package stolen, you know the frustration it causes. Since this […]
Package Theft in your Community
While worse during the holiday season, package theft is a year-round concern for anyone who shops online. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, there are people who drive around communities looking for unattended boxes sitting on porches. If you or anyone you know has ever had a package stolen, you know the frustration it causes. Since this […]
How Should Boards Handle the Reporting of a Crime?
A burglar slipped into a Hudson Heights co-op as a shareholder was leaving the building, then proceeded to steal a laundry cart and some packages. The theft was reported to police, but it took the co-op board almost two weeks to notify shareholders, and the notice downplayed the event and failed to give a full […]
Surveillance and the Law: Maintaining Safety While Respecting Privacy
Secure. The word has many meanings. According to Google definitions it can mean “to fix or attach something to something else. It can mean to protect against threats or make safe. Or it can mean to feel free from fear or anxiety.” Perhaps that feeling of security is the single most important thing we can […]
Neighborhood Watch: Maintain Your Community’s Safety, Safely
Everyone is right to be concerned with the safety of their communities, whether they live in an area highly susceptible to crime or a sleepy Mayberry-esque hamlet. Condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowners’ associations are no exception; in fact, the communal nature of these environments may make it even more likely that residents would want to band […]
Surveillance Technology: How Much Does Your Building Really Need?
Gone are the days of windowless rooms filled with bulky recording equipment, multiple flickering screens, and file cabinets full of disks containing endless hours of footage. The state of the art in surveillance equipment today is all about pixels, thumb drives and accessing the ‘the cloud’ from your mobile device. Read the article………..
Traffic Calming in HOAs, Neighborhoods and Residential Areas
The Community Associations Institute estimates that over 25 million American homes are governed by Homeowner Associations (HOAs), which work to protect home values and contribute to the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods. Speeding in residential areas—the most common citizen complaint faced by HOAs, local police and city councils—creates a danger to pedestrians, bicyclists […]
Cyber Security Part Two: Board Member Tips for Keeping Your Community Association Safe
In part one of this two-part series, we discussed the importance of cyber security to your community association and the steps that residents can take to protect themselves and their association. In this article, we look at your board’s responsibility in preventing cyber attacks. Many technology solutions are available today to conduct the day-to-day business […]
Cyber Security Part One: How Community Residents Can Protect Their Tech
Like it or not, we have become very dependent on our technology. Whether it’s a cell phone, tablet or computer, our devices enable us to stay connected, conduct business and access information anywhere, anytime. Yet as convenient as these devices may be, cyber security is simply not a priority for the majority of tech users—despite […]
$10.1 Million Settlement in Negligent Security Case Involving Father Paralyzed in Shooting (FL)
The homeowners association, property manager, and other related entities at a Miami townhome community have agreed to pay more than $10 million dollars to 22-year-old Bryan Perez and his infant son to settle a negligent security lawsuit. On August 18th 2014, in an attempted armed home invasion robbery, Perez was shot 6 times in his […]
LIGHTS … CAMERA … LEGAL ACTION! Do Associations Increase Their Liability by Providing Security Measures?
Many owners in common interest communities might assume that when their association takes steps to increase security – such as installing street lights, security gates, surveillance cameras, etc. – they are providing additional protection to the owners who live in the community. However, the opposite may be true. If a community’s governing documents do not […]
Gated Communities Sued For Negligent Security
Deaths resulting from unauthorized persons gaining access in gated communities have recently reached the headlines in Florida. Not surprisingly, the incidents resulted lawsuits against residential communities that marketed themselves as protecting residents through enforced gate and screening procedures. The lawsuits claim the communities were negligent in their security. Read the article………….
Home Safe Home: How to Handle the Aftermath of a Crime in Your Co-op or Condo
Man is but a flawed creature, cursed by his very nature to succumb to his own worst impulses. And one of those impulses might lead to criminal activity. Unfortunately, crime is an inevitability, even in a fairly secure condominium or cooperative residential establishment. Whether perpetrated by an outsider or a wolf in sheep’s clothing living […]
Wrongful Death Suit Against Association Illustrates Perils of Negligent Security, Screening
The filing of a double wrongful death lawsuit against the property owners’ association for the exclusive Yacht and Country Club of Stuart gated community is drawing the attention of many community association attorneys, property managers and directors. The case appears to illustrate the potential extent of the horrors that can occur in any community association […]
Board Members Beware: Condo Associations Are Attractive Targets for Cyber-thieves
Cyber-thefts are becoming more frequent, more sophisticated and more costly. This isn’t news to anyone who surfs the Internet, reads newspapers (I’m told I’m not the only one who still does that) and watches television news. But if you think only the largest financial institutions and giant corporations are at risk, you are badly and […]
Condo Owners Want Security: Are Associations Required to Provide It?
When a gunman opened fire on patrons at an Orlando nightclub a few weeks ago, killing and injuring more than 100, commentators grappled initially with the horror of the act. But they also speculated about the obligation of the nightclub owner to provide better security. Community association boards confront the same question: What obligation do […]
Security Cameras and HOA Policy – Prepare before assuming the role as big brother
Security cameras in your HOA can be a handy security tool, but if they’re not managed properly, they can end up being more of a headache (and a liability). Before your HOA installs them, make sure your board drafts a policy to dictate how the cameras will be used and managed Read the article………….
HOA Security: How Safe is Your Community?
Safe neighborhoods are desirable, a safe AND desirable community is what every HOA strives to accomplish and maintain. While everyone knows living in a safe community is important, it isn’t always as easy to know how to make and keep a community safe. No matter where your community is located, the following tips are guaranteed […]
Gated Communities: How Associations Can Reduce Liability for Neighborhood Crimes
Gated community associations are perceived as being safer communities, which attracts homeowners who are willing to pay a premium to feel safer in their homes. However, sometimes the expectation of having a high degree of security can backfire when a crime occurs within the gates. Read the article………..
Home Security Tips for Condo Owners
It should go without saying but be mindful of others even when you’re inside your building. Pay attention when walking in stairwells, meet your neighbors and know the general layout of the building. Read the article………….
3 Tips to Dodge the Pitfalls of Poor HOA Security
Neighborhoods with HOAs are often very secure places in which to live. However, there are a lot of pitfalls that can affect your neighborhood’s security, making it more vulnerable. Check out these four tips to help keep your neighborhood safe. Read the article……………
HOAs and Video Surveillance
These days, cameras are everywhere. On the street, in parking lots, in our phones, in businesses, in drones … the list is endless. Chances are if you’re doing something anywhere but inside your own home, you’re being recorded. Read the article…………
Security Measures in Your HOA: Lights, Camera, Action!
A quandry that homeowner associations face is how implement security measures when a known violent resident exists. The board has a conundrum: Fail to inform residents about a violent resident who subsequently injures someone and the board is held responsible. Inform residents of a violent resident who subsequently files suit against the HOA for libel […]
5 Tips for a Successful HOA Neighborhood Watch
Crime is a concern and a risk in any homeowners association. But incorporating certain trusted systems, such as a neighborhood watch, can ensure that your community stays collectively alert and focused on safety. To both deter crime and increase safety, your association should consider setting up a neighborhood watch program. Here are some tips for […]
Upgrading Security: The Latest Technologies for Condos and HOAs
While it’s true that over the last two decades, New England has become a safer place to call home, that doesn’t mean that security concerns don’t still exist—especially for those in condos or HOAs. While security guards, electronic gates and doormen are a good start for providing residents with a welcome sense of security, thanks […]
Sexual Offenders and Predators in the Community
Community associations are sometimes faced with determining whether they can prohibit a sexual offender or predator from living in a community or from using common area facilities, such as a clubhouse, or whether they have a duty to notify members of the existence of a sexual offender or predator living in the community. Read the […]
Can Michigan Condominium Associations Restrict Sex Offenders Within Their Projects?
Condominium Association Boards are often faced with making difficult decisions while governing their condominium projects. For example, some typical difficult decisions Boards face are whether to raise assessments, whether to pursue a fellow co-owner who fails to comply with the condominium documents, whether to evict a co-owner’s tenants who are being unruly, and whether to […]