Condo & HOA News Items
The dust-up over the future of Rail Tie is the result of the Fish Creek Preserve Homeowners Association, which had filed a lawsuit to halt the development. The group claims that the bureaucratic mess on whether to build the project has been upended because of the Industrial Siting Council’s missteps. “They don’t know what they are doing,” said John Davis, a homeowner in the Fish Creek Preserve area and.
HOA board wants to eliminate parking policy (NV)
Q: Our homeowners association has private streets and has a formal parking policy that simply clarifies that which is in the covenants, conditions and restrictions.
Frustration building faster than San Jose townhomes, no closer to being livable 1 year after fire (CA)
Residents of townhomes in San Jose are unable to move back home. Sunday marked one year since a fire heavily damaged five units at a
Association requires grass and daughters are allergic to grass (FL)
His daughters are allergic to grass. He wants to remove it and put down artificial turf. Sounds simple enough. But the association said not so
Waukesha condo complex fire; lightning strike suspected as cause (Wi)
Initial callers reported that they believed the 8-unit condominium building had been struck by lightning. When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming
Condo safety: Tampa urging associations to comply with law created after Surfside collapse (FL)
After the collapse, Florida legislators passed a law requiring inspections on buildings more than 30 years old and three stories high. The City of Tampa
Residents dispute Colorado HOA’s $13k roof assessments, want more communication
Homeowners in one Colorado community say they were shocked to receive a bill for over $13,000 from their HOA. The HOA says it's for new
Several Tampa condo buildings subject to reinspection law (FL)
State Sen. Jason Pizzo will never forget the wreckage of the Surfside condo tower in June 2021, and is wondering what the state could do
Beltsville condo residents swelter as AC fix fails, some move to cooler accommodations (MD)
7News reported on the residents at the Cherry Glen condos in Beltsville, Maryland who are dealing with a heat wave with no air-conditioning. Residents were
Legal Mess Ties Up $500 Million Wyoming Wind Farm Project
The dust-up over the future of Rail Tie is the result of the Fish Creek Preserve Homeowners Association, which had filed a lawsuit to halt
St. George got hammered in the national media as a water waster. Can the green spot in the desert become a saver? (UT)
Zach Renstrom was pitching water conservation ideas several years ago to a homebuilder in his neighborhood — and clearly boring the man’s wife. ”One option,”
Residents of Brookfield condo complex question costs, need for DNA tests in dog feces crackdown (CT)
Jill Lounsbury, who has lived in the Oak Meadows condos for six years, said she has not decided whether to comply with the Brookfield development's
Some Glen Lakes residents furious at plans for rentals (FL)
The company, ARC Florida Homes LLC, on behalf of Milvian LLC, a company based in Hong Kong, was seeking two separate variances for odd-shaped lots
Condo & HOA Informational Articles
The Future of Condominium Living: Trends and Predictions
The condominium living experience is evolving rapidly, influenced by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and changing lifestyle preferences. As we look to the future, several emerging trends in condominium development and management are shaping the industry. For condominium associations and management teams, understanding and preparing for these trends is crucial to
Board Decisions on Repair Projects Require Strict Adherence to Governing Documents (NY)
Repair projects are a constant feature of co-op and condo management, but when upgrades are needed the first step is to consult the governing documents. This is because there are often set limits regarding the funds a board can approve to spend on annual maintenance and repair projects. If the
Board Meetings , Condo & HOA Articles , North Carolina Articles , Parliamentary Procedure , South Carolina Articles
Understanding Robert’s Rules of Order: A Guide for HOA Board Meetings
Maintaining order and fairness in meetings is crucial when managing a homeowner's association (HOA). Robert’s Rules of Order provides a structured framework to ensure that all board members have a voice and that decisions are made efficiently. This article will explore Robert’s Rules, their origins, and how they can be
Manage the Risks Drones Create for Community Associations, But Don’t Ignore the Benefits (MA)
When we’ve discussed drones in the past, we have focused mainly on how condominium associations can (and should) regulate their use to mitigate the safety and liability risks these small, unmanned aerial vehicles may create. But risks aren’t the whole story. Drone technology also has many potential benefits that community
Last Resort Property Insurance Is a Disaster for Homeowners
In 2022, Veronica Solomon worried about a $1,300 hike in the annual cost of her home insurance. “Am I going to be able to afford my house?” the South Florida resident asked. Her premiums continued to soar, doubling in four years. No relief was in sight and she was running
Seasonal Residents – stay involved with your Owners Associations (FL)
Seasonal residents of Florida have long been referred to as "Snowbirds" because they come here during the winter months to enjoy our warm weather, beaches, and tropical lifestyle, then head back "up north" for the summer. For this article, we are talking about owners of Florida properties in Association-governed buildings
Condo Maintenance and Upkeep: A Comprehensive Guide
Maintaining a condo involves regular care and timely repairs. This ensures a comfortable, safe living environment and preserves property value. Read the article..................................
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
Homeowners Association stock illustrations
Browse 990+ homeowners association stock illustrations and vector graphics available royalty-free,
Tampa bank division embarks on community
After several years of success close to home, a bank division
Smartaira acquires Florida-based multifamily ISP
Lux Speed, a Fort Lauderdale-based multifamily internet service provider (ISP), has
Legal & Legislative Articles
ADUs: Strategic Solution to California’s Housing Shortage
Recent California laws enacted in 2023 and 2024, make it easier for homeowners to obtain permits for building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their lots. An ADU is an additional residential structure built on the same
Fair Housing/ADA/Discrimination , Illinois Articles , Legal & Legislative News , Legislative Articles , Parking/Towing/Booting
Impending Changes to Condo Act Require Action Regarding Parking for Disabled Owners (IL)
The Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation adding Section 18.12 to the Illinois Condominium Property Act, requiring all condominiums with parking to implement policies for accessible parking access for disabled owners. The legislation mandates condominium boards
HB 1203, Effective July 1, 2024, Changes HOA Fining Requirements (FL)
When Florida lawmakers concluded their 2024 Legislative Session, a number of bills passed that affect community associations. House Bill 1203, which was signed by Governor DeSantis and is effective July 1, 2024, changes the game when
New Requirements for Condominium Association on Inspections of Official Records
The Florida Legislature adopted House Bill (HB) 1021, which was recently signed into law by the Governor which makes certain changes to Chapter 718, Florida Statutes, known as the Condominium Act. It will become law on
New York condos and co-ops must minimize carbon footprint to comply with Local Law 97
Modesty has never been one of New York City’s defining traits. Its bold and outgoing nature is what attracts tourists and residents alike. The iconic buildings, towering over streets and parks, are nothing short of remarkable.
Homeowner Sues HOA Over Negligence Leading to Serious Injuries (TX)
According to the lawsuit, Fletcher was visiting Imperial Oaks Park on April 25, 2023, when he tripped over a garden hose that had been carelessly left obstructing an exit. The plaintiff claims that the defendants failed
Op/Ed
CAI – We Remember and Continue Our Commitment to Condominium Safety
To mark the third anniversary of the Champlain Towers South tragedy in Surfside, Fla., Community Associations Institute (CAI) continues to emphasize the importance of building safety through proactive maintenance measures and financial sustainability in condominiums, cooperatives
Homeowners should have say in proposed new laws (NV)
Now that the 2011 Nevada Legislature has convened, the Community Associations Institute of Nevada and its legislative action committee are very involved in identifying those bills of concern to common-interest communities and working to make sure
Lara Plan Leaves Home, Condo, Apartment Insurance Unaffordable and Unavailable, Says Consumer Watchdog (CA)
Home insurance will remain unaffordable and unobtainable for many Californians under new rules proposed by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today, said Consumer Watchdog. The proposed regulations purport to require insurance companies to increase sales to homeowners
HOA rules and fees aren’t restrictive. They’re a trade-off for a better home
My house is my home but it’s also an investment. Over time, I hope my property retains its value and appreciates. I once owned a home in Florida without a Homeowners Association (HOA). On one side
Was All of This For Nothing (FL)
If there ever was a column that I hated to write, this is it! Last week I spoke about a case I argued before The Florida Supreme Court in 2011 called Cohn v. The Grand Condominium.
We’re free to hang American flags upside-down. But it’s against what it stands for.
(NOTE: this op/ed does not address the fact that community associations, while they cannot prohibit flying the U.S.flag, can place restrictions on it) The kerfuffle this week over an upside-down American flag hanging in the yard
Canada Condo, Strata & HOA News
Calgary condo complex fire displaces dozens of people (AB)
Dozens of Calgarians and their pets do not yet know when or if they will be able to return to their homes after a fire broke out at a condo complex in
Condo troubles: When is an owner so unruly, they just have to leave?
For most owners and residents, the condominium community lifestyle offers numerous advantages over freehold homes built at ground level. Occasionally, however, community living can present challenges which seldom arise in the context
B.C. strata fines owner more than $11K for installing heat pump
A Richmond, B.C., man who was fined more than $11,000 for installing a heat pump in his strata lot will have to pay significantly less, thanks to a tribunal decision. The Civil
Canada Condo, Strata & HOA Articles
HOAs and golf courses
Imagine living 10 minutes away from your favorite golf course. Not only could you sleep in a little bit later if you have an early tee time, but you could probably play
Barbeque In A Condominium: Here Are The Rules And Regulations To Respect (AB)
The owner of a real estate unit in a condominium who uses the barbecue causing smoke emissions has the duty to respect the tolerability limits established by the art. 844 of the
Proposed Expansion of Condominium Authority Tribunal Jurisdiction (ON)
The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery recently announced that it is seeking feedback regarding proposed amendments to the Condominium Act, 1998 which will expand the jurisdiction of the Condominium Authority
International Condo, Strata & HOA News
Australia: NSW announces strata management industry reforms
NSW will introduce stricter rules on matters such as commissions and conflicts of interest and increase the penalties that can be imposed on strata agents. Watch the video...............................
Thailand: Foreigners to be allowed to own 75% of units in condominium projects
The Interior Ministry has been assigned by the Cabinet to amend the Condominium Act, to increase the foreign ownership limit in a development from 49% to 75%, and to amend
Nigeria: Magodo Estate officials resign in protest against chairman’s apology letter to Odumosu
Members of the Magodo Brooks Residents Association (MABRA) in Lagos State are divided over a letter of apology written by the Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Ayoola Lawson