Condo & HOA News Items

/ Owner
May 18, 2024

David Langston is the President of Beaver Creek Homeowners Association and one of his many tasks is making sure the 17 homes on East Post Court have insurance for what the HOA is responsible for, the outside of these homes. But in January, he got work that Pekin Insurance, the company they’ve used for years would no longer cover their homes.   Read the article…………………………….

Iowans struggle to find homeowners insurance as companies pullout of the state

David Langston is the President of Beaver Creek Homeowners Association and one of his many tasks is making sure the 17 homes on East Post

Southampton man convicted of fraud, money laundering (NY)

Officials said that Slothower devised a scheme to misappropriate more than $1 million from clients and prospects. While operating Battery Private, Slothower solicited business from

HOA Q&A: How can we collect special assessments from people who own lots and have not paid? (FL)

Q: My homeowner’s association special assessed the community about 6 months ago. I just found out that there are at least 15 lots that have

Pickleball courts in a legal pickle over the associated noise

Pickleball Legal Consultant is a job title that likely did not exist a decade ago, but as pickleball courts infiltrate neighborhoods to satiate an appetite

Miami condo demolition lawsuit sparks statewide concern among property stakeholders (FL)

An appellate court case in South Florida has garnered attention from a wide spectrum of stakeholders in the real estate industry. The lawsuit revolves around

River Trails condominium project at standstill due to well water, septic conflict with EGLE, WUPHD (MI)

McLean has been working on the project for three years but says he has encountered roadblocks. The project needs approval from the Michigan Department of

Condo lawsuit: Neighbors claim association took parking spaces to make a profit (FL)

A group of neighbors at Buckley Towers condominiums in northeast Miami-Dade claimed in court that some members of their association’s board of directors took advantage

Henderson neighbors demand answers after 37-hour deadly barricade (NV)

Residents in a quiet Cadence community in Henderson want answers after a 37-hour-long barricade situation in April.  The standoff ended with a suspect found dead

‘Going to have to pay up’: Condo consultant discusses options for Florida condo owners facing new safety law (FL)

The clock is ticking for Florida condominium owners who now have to come up with reserve funds to pay for potential repairs.  A new safety

Residents recall board over fees at Orlando condo complex (FL)

Residents at Regency Gardens Condominiums in Orange County were in fear of losing their homes after learning they need to fill a gap of more

As Florida Condo Prices Fall, What’s a Condo Seller to Do?

Condo prices in Florida have been steadily falling, fueled by an increasing rate of motivated sellers.  Certainly, high interest rates are a part of this

Berkeley is poised to let homeowners sell their ADUs as condos to address housing shortage (CA)

Berkeley residents could start selling their accessory dwelling units as condominiums within the next year, as the City Council becomes one of the first in

Condo & HOA Informational Articles

Strengthening Community Associations: The Vital Role of a Comprehensive Assessment Recovery Policy and Procedure

Community associations are founded on principles of shared responsibility and collective maintenance. From maintaining common elements to providing essential services, every member’s contribution in the form of assessments is vital. However, ensuring timely payment of these assessments can often be challenging. This underscores the importance of establishing a robust policy

Shining a Light on Rooftop Solar for Massachusetts Condo Owners

After the Trustees of his condominium refused his request for an Architectural Variance to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels on his unit, the owner brought suit in the Land Court seeking a determination that the Master Deed and the Declaration of Trust “which restricts the installation of objects in

3 Things to Do Today to Prepare Your Association for Disaster (FL)

For board members of homeowners and condo associations in Florida, addressing disaster preparedness and safety/security issues is crucial due to the region's susceptibility to hurricanes, tornados, and other emergencies. A bit of preparation can lead to a much easier recovery after a critical event. As experienced property managers in Florida,

How to voice out your concerns about HOA dues increase

When you live in a community managed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you understand your responsibility to pay regular dues to help maintain the quality of your neighborhood. However, a significant increase in contributions might seem suspicious, especially when the change was not communicated properly to you. As a homeowner,

Pool Rules and Safety Practices

We recommend that pool rules be adopted and mailed or emailed to all Owners and residents. If the Board of Directors isn’t clear on the legalities of certain rules such as adult swim times or unaccompanied children in the pool area, please ensure to obtain the Association attorney’s legal advice

How condo insurance works (WA)

Condo or townhome insurance offers coverage similar to homeowner insurance. It's for people who own an individual unit within a larger condo or townhome community.  For people living in these communities, there’s typically two insurance policies that cover different parts of their living space. One is paid for by owner

Board Members Shielded by Business Judgment Rule in Co-Op and Condo Legal Disputes (NY)

Legal challenges are an unfortunate reality for some co-op and condo board members, whether it’s a disgruntled purchaser, contractor or some other party. At the core of protections for board members is the business judgment rule, born out of the Levandusky case in 1990. This rule serves as a protective

Community Association Considerations

Electric Vehicles – Still an Unsolved Issue
In 2011 I wrote an article for Common Ground, the national magazine for the Community Associations Institute (CAI).  In looking at it, not much ground has been covered since then. 
No one is building condos anymore. (UT) Experts are trying to figure out why
"Last year, builders assembled more housing units than at any time in the past four decades, and virtually all of them were rental homes.  For decades, condominiums made up about

Industry News

Meet PayHOA, a profitable and once-bootstrapped
Community Associations Network
PayHOA, a previously bootstrapped Kentucky-based startup that offers software for self-managed
Donna DiMaggio Berger Rejoins Becker &
Community Associations Network
Becker & Poliakoff is pleased to announce that attorney Donna DiMaggio
AMG HOA and Condominium Manager CEO
Community Associations Network
Paul K. Mengert, CEO of Association Management Group (AMG), was honored

Legal & Legislative Articles

Lawmakers tinker with legal thicket concerning HOA’s (CO)

More and more people these days are living in common-interest ownership communities. These are residential developments where you own and have exclusive use of your basic housing space (kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms), but you share ownership and

Shining a Light on Rooftop Solar for Massachusetts Condo Owners

After the Trustees of his condominium refused his request for an Architectural Variance to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels on his unit, the owner brought suit in the Land Court seeking a determination that the

Real Estate Counselor: Horrific fall due to rotted balcony leads to condo litigation (FL)

A March ruling by Florida’s First District Court of Appeal and the 2016 incident behind the lawsuit, which stemmed from a rotted condominium balcony railing that led to a horrible three-story fall, was the subject of

Missouri bill aims to legalize backyard chicken ownership

Chicken enthusiasts in Missouri may have something to crow about soon.  Many Missourians have sought to raise backyard chickens in recent years, citing higher egg prices and health-related concerns.  Now, a bill that’s passed the Missouri

Texas House Bill 614’s Impact on HOA Transparency

“It’s a lack of clarity that creates chaos and frustration. Those emotions are poison to any living goal.” ? Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free  Maraboli’s quote is an excellent reflection of HOA (Homeowner

2024 Virginia Legislative Updates for Common Interest Communities

The Virginia General Assembly approved a number of bills during its 2024 legislative session. Some of the bills impact, directly or indirectly, common interest communities. The Governor of Virginia signed the following bills into law and

Op/Ed

EDITORIAL: Unstoppable Wildfires, Uninsurable Homes

A wildfire swept through the Hawaiian town of Lahaina in August, last year, causing an estimated $6 billion in damage. So far, insurance companies have reportedly paid out about $3 billion in claims; more than 2,000

Commentary: FCC’s bulk internet billing proposal well-intentioned but could harm underserved in SC

Having a high-speed internet connection is essential for so much of today’s day-to-day activities. I’ve experienced that in my daily life, have heard it from the constituents I serve as a Florence City Councilman, and know

The Inalienable Rights Of Hawaii’s Condominium Owners

As we look forward to additional years of decision making for legislation, I would like to offer an overview of common sense rights condominium owners can rightfully assert. I hope that you will affix these to

HOA rejects own committee’s recommendation (AZ)

How does the Ahwatukee Board of Management spell diversion, set-up and please let us ignore you further? C-O-M-M-I-T-T-E-E.  Last spring my Center Court neighbors and I started getting letters threatening $200 “attorney’s fees” for doing what

Recent court ruling threatens property rights of 2.5 million Florida condo owners | Opinion

More than 2.5 million Floridians enjoy the benefits of a condominium lifestyle. Multi-story towers allow residents to live close to beautiful views, their workplaces, their families, and/or fun recreational activities.  However, owning a condominium unit also

Solano Real Estate Scene: Condo crisis in California

When a person buys a condo and needs a loan, the buyer must qualify, the condo must be appraised, and the condo project and HOA must be analyzed and approved by the lender.  The last time

Canada Condo, Strata & HOA News

Condo Smarts: No specified time period for project completion (BC)
Dear Tony: Thank you for your column last week regarding levy refunds.  Our strata council is holding a $1.1 million-dollar levy that was approved in the fall of 2022, intended for roofing,
Strata unit owner ordered to pay $25,000 deductible after water leak (BC)
A strata (condo) unit owner in British Columbia has been ordered to pay their strata corporation’s $25,000 insurance deductible after being found responsible for a water leak that damaged other units and
Pickleball courts in a legal pickle over the associated noise
Pickleball Legal Consultant is a job title that likely did not exist a decade ago, but as pickleball courts infiltrate neighborhoods to satiate an appetite for a sport whose namesake is a

Canada Condo, Strata & HOA Articles

CAT Deals With Competing Needs Respecting a Water Feature (ON)
In a recent CAT case, one resident had installed a small water feature (a small portable one gallon fountain) in that resident’s backyard. The resident who had installed the water feature said
Uncovering Asbestos During Condo Refurbishment: Navigating Challenges and Options (ON)
Embarking on a major refurbishment project for a condominium is an exciting endeavor, promising revitalized spaces and enhanced living experiences for residents. However, amidst the renovation excitement, the discovery of asbestos can
Enhancing Condo Aesthetics: Window Replacement vs. Repainting Considerations (ON)
In the realm of condominium maintenance and improvement, decisions regarding windows and exterior aesthetics are crucial for maintaining property value and resident satisfaction. However, determining whether to replace windows or repaint them

International Condo, Strata & HOA News

Philippines: House unanimously approves proposed Condominium Redevelopment Act

The measure providing for the redevelopment of condominiums in the country has been unanimously approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives.  On the strength of 188

Philippines: Alcover sues Beverly Hills Homeowners Association

Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover filed a criminal complaint against members of the Homeowners Association of Beverly Hills, Lahug after they allegedly installed another barricade at their gates that

Australia: Apartment owners being ‘penalised’ for other building’s defects

Sky News host James Macpherson says the poor quality of strata apartment buildings is “killing owners”.  His comments come as a new report from the New South Wales government, which