NOLO.com
NOLO.com has compiled an excellent list of articles from its web site. “Living Under a Homeowners’ Association”
General Information for Owners
- How to Oust Your Condo Board or HOA March 27, 2024Close to 30% of Americans live in a property governed by a condo board, homeowners association (HOA), or other community association—more than 70 million people. These associations are generally responsible for property upkeep, enforcement of community rules, and acting as a go-between for residents when disputes arise. Most people have a good or at least neutral experience with their condo board or HOA, but not everyone does. Read the article…………………………….
- Understanding Your Condo Association’s Declaration: A Guide for Homeowners February 14, 2024Living in a condominium community comes with numerous benefits, including shared amenities, maintenance services, and a sense of community. However, it also entails certain responsibilities and obligations outlined in the condo association’s declaration. This document serves as the foundation for governance within the community, establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines that all residents must adhere to. In this article, we’ll break down the key components of a condo association’s declaration to help homeowners better understand their rights and responsibilities. Read ...
- Civility in Community Associations: Does it Even Exist Anymore? February 8, 2024It seems the growing trend is that tempers flare so much faster than in days gone by. One of the more difficult situations to deal with is when a cantankerous member of the association goes out of their way to make life miserable for their neighbors and/or their board. Read the article…………………………….
- What Is a Condo? Everything You Need to Know December 19, 2023Tired of living in an apartment? Need to downsize? Then a condominium, or a condo, may be the home solution for you. But what is a condo? Read the article……………………………
- Condominium Owners Should Recognize Their Rights and Understand their Responsibilities (MA) December 18, 2023“I know my rights!” This is a statement association boards hear frequently from owners, usually in response to a board decision, covenant or rule requiring something owners don’t like or prohibiting something they want to do. As it turns out, many owners don’t really know their rights. Read the article………………………………….
- What Is a Homeowners Association (HOA) and How Does It Work? December 17, 2023A homeowner association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members and are required to pay dues, which are known as HOA fees. Read the article…………………………….
Owners – General Information Archives
New Owners
- Tips for Hosting New Resident Orientations July 11, 2023Moving into a new community is exciting. But it can also be intimidating. Hosting a new resident orientation is a thoughtful gesture to make new neighbors feel welcome. It will also acclimate them to your association’s bylaws and prevent unintentional infractions. Here are 8 tips for hosting new resident orientations that guests enjoy and that serve your association’s purposes. Read the article………………………..
- First HOA Meeting? Here’s What to Expect April 20, 2023A knowledgeable homeowner is a helpful homeowner. If you’re new to an HOA community, then you may not know what to expect when it comes to meetings held by the board. In this guide, we’ll cover what to expect when attending your first HOA meeting as a homeowner. Read the article………………………..
- Moving Into an HOA Neighborhood? Make Sure You Know These 20 Things April 13, 2023Homeowners associations, or HOAs, have seen a huge surge in popularity over the past few decades. Over a quarter of the U.S. population today is part of an HOA, and 67% of newly completed homes in 2021 were part of HOAs, a massive increase over 2011, when only 18% of homes were part of them. Read the article………………………..
- Common HOA Rules: How to Find Them and What to Know March 22, 2023If you are shopping for a home right now or are planning on doing so shortly, you are going to encounter homeowners associations (HOAs). In all homeowner’s associations that are rules that must be followed. Read the article………………………..
- Understanding the HOA Capital Contribution Fee January 11, 2023Several closing costs come with the purchase of a new home. And if the house is part of a homeowners association, one of the costs is the HOA capital contribution. But what is this fee anyway? Read the article………………………..
- How to Get the Most out of Living in a Community Association December 20, 2022Living in a community association can be a great experience. Still, it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations to ensure everyone enjoys their time living there. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to get the most out of your community, get involved in community events, and get to know your neighbors. Read the article………………………..
Insurance for Owners
- Florida’s Home Insurance Industry May Be Worse Than Anyone Realizes April 24, 2024Seven property insurers in Florida went bankrupt in 2021 and 2022. The bankruptcies left thousands of homeowners scrambling to get new coverage, which often came with a big increase in cost. Worse, many had outstanding claims for hurricane damage that had not been addressed. Read the article…………………………….
- 2 Articles on Florida’s Insurance Problems April 23, 2024Move, cut back or go bare: Florida seniors juggle skyrocketing costs, impossible choices Florida homeowners insurance is skyrocketing: Here’s what to know
- More homeowners forced into California Fair Plan coverage April 16, 2024Most people never hear about the California FAIR Plan until their homeowner’s insurance gets canceled. “It’s not a normal home insurance policy,” said Amy Bach, executive director of the nonprofit United Policyholders. “It only covers fire, lightning, internal explosion. It doesn’t cover water damage, leaks, your toilet overflows.” Read the article…………………………….
- Coastal property owners yet to embrace roof-girding grants (NC) April 15, 2024Maybe one North Carolina insurance provider should join the industry trend and advertise: “Hello Beach Plan policyholders! Do you need a new roof? Want to save on your property insurance? How about we help you out with as much as $8,000 toward a much stronger roof that is fortified to withstand storms? And don’t worry — we’re not asking you to pay it back.” Read the article…………………………….
- Sarasota residents raise concerns about new FEMA flood zone map (FL) April 13, 2024Some Sarasota County property owners who didn’t need flood insurance have gotten notifications from their mortgage lenders — about 6,000 homes were impacted after they were moved into FEMA’s new flood zone mapping. Up to 1,000 along the Honore Avenue axis in Palmer Ranch are also included. Read the article…………………………….
- Homeowners insurance carrier cutting Florida policies April 6, 2024Following recent major hurricanes like Ian and Nicole in 2022, and Idalia last year, Florida homeowners ought to prepare for increases of up to 23% this year, according to a new report by Insurify. Condo owners, for example, are bracing for the state to rule on a more than 50% rate hike request by Castle Key and Amica Mutual Insurance companies. Read the article…………………………….
Insurance for Owners Article Archives
Buying/Selling Your Unit/Home in an Association
- 4 things to look for in a Florida condo association April 19, 2024When looking for a condominium, it’s not enough to scout the property. You should also look closely into the Condominium Owners Association (COA) because it’s in charge of security, trash pickup and other property matters. The COA would also require condo owners to become members of the association. Read the article…………………………….
- HOA Q&A: Is a ‘capital contribution’ of hundreds of dollars charged to new owners legal? (FL) April 13, 2024Q: The board of my condo association, which has over 400 units, has been charging and collecting a fee of around $900 from all new owners when they buy a unit and the fee is categorized as a “capital contribution.” Is such a capital contribution allowed under the Florida Condominium Act? Read the Q&A………………………………..
- Estoppel Certificates’ and Other Disclosures Explained (FL) April 9, 2024Q: I am in the process of selling my condominium unit and recently come across the term “estoppel certificate,” but I’m not quite sure what it means. Could you provide an explanation on exactly what kind of information is included on an estoppel certificate and just how much it typically costs to get one? I’d like to know whether it also covers any rule violations or possibly any other disclosures that I should be aware of before selling the unit. ...
- Construction concerns: 100+ lawsuits connected to company building homes in Tampa Bay area (FL) April 9, 2024The demand for housing across Florida has never been higher, and developers are building new homes at rapid rates. But some homeowners are concerned the quick builds are compromising quality, forcing ongoing repairs upon move-in. Read the article…………………………….
- A showdown pits owners of second homes against full-time residents in the Poconos (PA) April 9, 2024The Hideout, a gated community in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, had long operated under an unspoken covenant. Whether by choice or by circumstance, the second-home owners deferred to the needs of full-time residents, a core 900 or so households. Read the article…………………………….
- Navigating the Future of Estoppel Certificates Amid Proposed Statutory Changes (FL) April 5, 2024Estoppel certificates play an important role in the Florida real estate transactions process. Not only do they provide buyers and sellers with certainty regarding monies owed at the time of sale, but they also provide Florida community associations (Homeowner Associations, Condominium Associations, and Cooperative Associations) with the ability to ensure that they are able to collect monies that are due and owing at the time of a real estate transaction. Read the article…………………………….
Buying/Selling Article Archives
Working With Boards
- How to Oust Your Condo Board or HOA March 27, 2024Close to 30% of Americans live in a property governed by a condo board, homeowners association (HOA), or other community association—more than 70 million people. These associations are generally responsible for property upkeep, enforcement of community rules, and acting as a go-between for residents when disputes arise. Most people have a good or at least neutral experience with their condo board or HOA, but not everyone does. Read the article…………………………….
- Elevate Your Co-op Board Game (NY) December 3, 2023Ever found yourself navigating the tricky waters of a coop board with that one steadfast but hesitant volunteer? Picture this: a decision hangs in the balance, and despite the collective will of the board, this one individual assumes/ possesses the power to halt, delay, or even stop progress. Read the article…………………………….
- How To Effectively File A Complaint To Make Sure HOA, Co-Op Board, Or Landlord Listens October 30, 2023Making a complaint to your HOA, co-op board, or landlord can be frustrating because you can’t ever be sure they will actually listen to you. Sometimes, the complaint process can be worse than the problem itself. We’ve all dealt with the nightmare of noisy neighbors, the random rent increases that mess with our budgets, or the deadly black mold hiding in the bathroom. Read the article………………………………
- The Age of the Homeowner October 15, 2023In the community management industry, we’re entering an era where homeowners and board members, the core stakeholders of every community, are becoming the new focal point. While the industry has long prioritized back-office efficiency, a new emphasis on putting technology directly into the hands of homeowners and board members is emerging. Read the article………………………………
- ACC Request Denied? Here are the Steps to Making a Proper Appeal July 18, 2023If you live in a community with an HOA, then you likely know that home improvement projects require approval from your association’s Architectural Control/Review Committee (ACC/ARC). While this extra step can feel tedious when you’re ready to break out the paint and tools, it is important as it helps your community maintain a cohesive look, which ultimately protects your home’s value. Read the article………………………..
- How to Create a Good Working Relationship with Board Members March 30, 2023Fostering a good relationship with the board benefits everyone. To connect with board members and build a successful partnership, consider these recommendations: Read the article………………………..