In the Steiner Ranch Community in northwest Austin, there are three areas with neighborhood tennis courts, and some of them have pickleball lines. Residents can make reservations to play either game, but recently a debate has landed on the courts at the Bella Mar community center over whether a tennis court should be converted into […]
Man hospitalized after condo fire, others displaced in Genoa Township (MI)
According to O’Brian, when firefighters arrived, they found “a heavily involved garage fire, and it was spreading up into the attic. The fire spread to three units in the six-unit building and the other units were damaged by smoke. Read the article…………………………….
Low condo reserves could lead to crisis for owners. What’s the best approach? (FL)
In the past, some would assume that the motivation for serving on a condominium board was to leverage a prime parking spot. The more recent reality is very different, with board members’ decision-making history now being put under the microscope for claims of mismanagement and breach of their fiduciary duty. The scrutiny is justified. Read […]
Mexico: Overheated electrical system sends PDC firemen to central condo building
Emergency services were deployed in central Playa del Carmen Sunday after a transformer exploded. Firemen and Civil Protection responded to numerous calls regarding black smoke coming from a condo building. It was around 2:00 p.m. when heavy smoke was seen rising from the outside of a condo building at the intersection of First and CTM […]
Why might a resident take your HOA to court? (CT)
Running a homeowners association (HOA) can be incredibly challenging at times. Residents won’t always agree with everything you do, despite you doing them to protect the interests of the HOA and the residents in general. Dealing with a legal challenge from one or more residents can be frustrating, time-consuming and costly for an HOA. Understanding […]
Coastal property owners yet to embrace roof-girding grants (NC)
Maybe 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 […]
Someone stole a master mailbox key in Sacramento. What’s being done to stop break-ins? (CA)
Mail theft has been an ongoing issue in her Arden Arcade condominium community, Woodside Homeowners Association, over the past few years, she said. Braden filed a report with the inspection service to help her recover her stolen credit card in February. “You’ll receive an email response in 1-3 days,” the confirmation said. She never heard […]
State lawmakers take steps to limit HOA foreclosures, equity loss after Colorado Sun investigation
A pair of bills advancing through the Colorado legislature this year would make it harder for homeowners associations to foreclose on their members for unpaid assessments, while giving property owners a better shot at walking away with some of their equity should they lose their homes. Read the article…………………………….
Understanding the Responsibilities of Your Property Manager (NY)
If you own or serve on the board of a cooperative or condominium in NYC, you might feel unsure about what each person’s roles and responsibilities are. This includes your staff, board members, and especially your property manager. Knowing who does what is really important for being a good neighbor and for boards to keep […]
HOA critics sweep Dobson Ranch election (AZ)
In a two-hour annual meeting last week that was at times tense and other times jovial, members of the embattled Dobson Ranch Homeowners Association elected three board candidates who had been critical of the previous board’s handling of financial turmoil over the past three years. Read the article…………………………….
What can owner do condo as new state rules, insurance costs drive steep fee hikes? (FL)
Dear Readers: This week, I wanted to remind everyone that the December 31, 2024 deadline for condominiums to obtain a Structural Integrity Reserve Study, or SIRS, is fast approaching. For any budget passed on or after December 31, 2024, the reserve funds mandated by this required report cannot be waived. Read the article…………………………….
San Jose towers owner gets court to order delay for condo foreclosures (CA)
The owner of a double-tower housing complex in downtown San Jose has won a court order to temporarily halt a foreclosure proceeding to seize control of several condos in the high-rises. China-based Z&L Properties faces a foreclosure attempt due to delinquencies that have arisen from unpaid dues to the homeowners association for unsold condos in […]
A battle over playing catch in a Ballwin backyard reaches a fevered pitch (MO)
But the plan of the trustees is clear. They’ve written a proposal to go before the homeowners’ association for a vote. It would allow the three trustees to declare a home a “nuisance” and issue an undetermined amount of fines that could be collected by placing a lien on the home. The wording is so […]
Condo Smarts: Even small stratas must follow Strata Property Act (BC)
Dear Tony: We recently moved into a coach house that is part of a new three-unit strata corporation in Vancouver. We have always lived in larger strata buildings that have operated smoothly, but we can already see a few rough roads ahead. The owner of the largest unit has decided we will be casual in […]
Blacksburg 4th grader starts petition to get rules changed in HOA (VA)
A little girl in Blacksburg is taking on her neighborhood HOA in a battle over backyard chickens. “There’s a farm behind my house so like why not?” said Avery Prussin. “Why am I not allowed to have chickens? Like there are horses, cows, like a bunch of things.” Read the article…………………………….
Exploring the Impact of AI on Community Associations
In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, artificial intelligence is transforming various aspects of society, including community associations. From streamlining operations to enhancing security measures, AI has the potential to revolutionize how community associations operate and serve their residents. Read the article…………………………….
Virginia Community Associations and the Corporate Transparency Act: New Federal Reporting Requirements Effective January 1, 2024
Effective January 1, 2024, most Virginia community associations will be required to comply with the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its regulations, unless a community association fits within one of the narrow exemptions to the Act. Read the article…………………………….
State legislators, Doral Mayor to have conference on new condo laws, issues (FL)
Florida State State Reps. David Borrero and Juan Carlos Porras and Miami-Dade State Attorney Assistant State Attorney John Perikles, division chief of the economic crimes unit, and Sgt. Carlos Luffi of the Miami-Dade Police economic crimes will participate in a day-long “information session” at the Doral Cultural Arts Center. Read the article…………………………….
Sarasota residents raise concerns about new FEMA flood zone map (FL)
Some 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…………………………….
Laketown Wharf Condominium Association’s response to evacuations (FL)
The Laketown Wharf Resort Condominium Association has responded to the mandatory evacuation of 63 units. The owner’s association attorney is Brandon Burg. Burg issued a statement Friday morning saying they’ve hired an engineer to inspect the 2-stairwells deemed structurally unsound by Panama City Beach inspectors. Read the article…………………………….
Meadowlakes POA requiring ID for roofers to enter gated city (TX)
Gatekeepers for the Meadowlakes Property Owners’ Association are requiring that all roofers present valid state identification before being allowed into the incorporated gated community. The move follows a “barrage of storm-chasers” entering the city in the aftermath of a large hailstorm” on April 9, POA President Don Wheeler told DailyTrib.com Read the article…………………………….
Owner’s Complaints Cannot Be Ignored (AB)
Sometimes there are well reasoned decisions from other Canadian jurisdictions with which boards of directors and lawyers in Ontario should be familiar. In Aubin v Condominium Plan No 862 2917, an Alberta court ruled that a condo corporation must investigate noise complaints from common areas. Read the article…………………………….
Community leaders applaud inaugural HOA summit in Gold Canyon (AZ)
It was a full house at the new Gold Canyon Community Center on March 27. The attraction was the first-ever gathering of neighborhood leaders coming together to share interests, concerns and best practices for the common good of Gold Canyon. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Homefront – Reader Questions – Election By Acclamation (CA)
Hello Kelly, I came across an article in which you answered a question about election by acclamation. There is a lot of information on the internet about acclamation, but one item does not seem to be answered. Perhaps you can assist. Once a board determines/votes to elect candidates by acclamation at an open board meeting, […]
Are HOAs a roadblock in addressing the child care shortage? (MN)
In many areas, like Woodbury, for example, in-home child care is in high demand. One provider who asked to be unnamed due to current conversations with their HOA, and who lives in a different Woodbury HOA community, is facing a similar issue to Leonzal. She runs an in-home daycare and was recently informed that her […]
Is it safer? WPTV returns to community year after deadly alligator attack (FL)
Al Thomas and his family won’t forget what happened on the banks of a nearby retention pond on Feb. 20, 2023. Their neighbor, Gloria Serge, walked her dog when a large alligator lunged out of the pond. “He grabbed her leg, and he dragged her in, and they do that spinning,” said Thomas of the […]
New nationwide laws limit power of homeowners associations to dictate residents’ yards — here’s why it’s important
Across the U.S., a growing legislative trend is empowering homeowners to cultivate native plants in their yards, even when homeowners associations forbid it. In 2022, 84% of new, single-family homes belonged to an HOA that sets landscaping rules, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But thanks to new state laws, HOAs in some areas can […]
Trees keep falling in Cherokee Co. neighborhood, homeowners worry with every storm (GA)
Cherokee County homeowners say with each rolling storm they sit with bated breath because of trees randomly falling on top of homes. “If a bad storm comes through those trees could fall right down,” Chris Frymyer said. O’Neal Wilburn showed Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln the damage to his bedroom when a tree fell […]
Dunwoody Lemonade Days celebrates 25 years of revitalization (GA)
Lemonade Days has been a Dunwoody tradition since 1999. The first event was held as a fundraiser for a campaign to replant trees following the devastating tornado that cut through Dunwoody on April 9, 1998. The Dunwoody Homeowner’s Association, Dunwoody Preservation Trust and Dunwoody Nature Center joined forces to replace trees with the “Replant the […]
POA issues statement on Atkins et al v. HSVPOA (AR)
Though apparenty the Saline County Circuit Court civil summons has not been served on the Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association, the POA issued a statement to property owners related to the complaint that was filed Tuesday afternoon. Read the article…………………………….
Major Win for HOAs on Enforcing Restrictive Covenants in Washington
As recorded in the court’s decision, in 2018 the View Ridge Estates amended its CC&Rs to declare that: “No trees or other vegetation, in a view and/or view corridor area, shall be taller than a maximum of fifteen (15) feet …. Taller trees and shrubs are permitted so long as no Member’s view is unreasonably […]
Urgent fix needed for South Florida condo owners as climate threatens structures
Florida condominium owners are getting buffeted from every direction, and it’s starting to hurt. Flooding, hurricanes, soaring insurance premiums, and now a new state law designed to protect residents physically but which could kill them financially, are intensifying into a powerful storm of consequences of past inaction. Read the article…………………………….
‘Quasi-Dormant’ Darien Homeowners Association Resurrected (IL)
Dorothy Sipp and her husband, John, have lived in Darien’s Hinsbrook subdivision for nearly four decades. “There always have been rumblings that there is this homeowners association,” Dorothy Sipp said, but the couple never came into contact with it. Until last week. Read the article…………………………….
“It’s ridiculous”: Five days & counting, but no power for some Collier condos (FL)
At least 16 units in an apartment complex in Collier County have been without power for nearly a week, leaving residents coping with lost food and increasing Florida humidity, and no electricity. Read the article…………………………….
Ocean Beach condo owners fear their homes will fall in the ocean (CA)
The sign in front of the Oceana condominium complex perfectly explains the problem: Unstable cliffs. Danger. Stay back. But what does that mean for owners of the 13 units? Every time water washes up on the rocks at the base of the cliff, the owners are hit with a wave of concern. “The fear is […]
Amended construction defects bill passes Colorado Senate but still lacks homeowner group’s support
The Colorado Senate passed a watered down version of a contentious bill on Thursday that sponsors hope will reduce insurance costs for condominium construction in the state and spur the development of that type of housing. SB-106 would have added a right-to-repair path to resolve faulty construction issues outside of the costly litigation process and […]
2 Wynmoor Village employees arrested for allegedly stealing up to $10,000 worth of items from a resident (FL)
Two men have been arrested following a stunning crime at a South Florida condominium making the 83-year-old victim’s family ask questions. Coconut Police Police said that a building manager and director of security who were employed by a Coconut Creek retirement community were arrested for allegedly stealing from one of its residents. Read the article…………………………….
Making a splash: Developing a community association pool policy
Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for pool season. Maintaining the perfect oasis is about more than just warm weather and water. Creating a safe, positive environment for residents to escape, unwind, and make cherished memories requires an ongoing process of routine checks, equipment upgrades, and meticulous planning. Read the […]
Steiner Ranch residents vie over pickleball court proposal (TX)
Two groups of Steiner Ranch residents are at odds over the proposed introduction of pickleball courts within the homeowners association community. On April 4, a group of residents created a petition that advocated for converting one tennis court at the Bella Mar Community Center into four semi-permanent pickleball courts. The petition alluded to a recent […]
Queens Condo Mgmt Must Pay $119K For Workers Stiffed Out Of Benefits (NY)
Managers of a swanky Queens condo building stiffed workers out of benefits they were entitled to receive under the terms of a lucrative tax break, said city Comptroller Brad Lander. Choice NY Property Management must pay $119,000 to its workers at The Jackson, a condominium in Long Island City, according to a wage theft settlement […]
Families displaced by condo fire in Cumberland County (PA)
Three families were displaced early Thursday morning after a condominium complex fire in Cumberland County. Fire crews from Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin counties were dispatched at about 5:55 a.m. for reports of a house fire at the Westwood Village Condominium Read the article…………………………….
Can’t We All Just Get Along? When to Consider Implementing a Code of Conduct for a Board of Directors
The reading of a community association’s election results can be filled with mixed emotions ranging from anticipation, to worry, to excitement, but those members elected to the board of directors generally are eager and optimistic to make positive changes within their community. Unfortunately, dealing with a multi-member board of directors can have significant challenges, and […]
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 20 percent of all attached housing stock built in the U.S. leading up to 2005. The share of attached condos rose to 53 percent in […]
Holding Condominium Developers and Their Principals Liable (NY)
In Board of Managers of the Brighton Tower II Condominium v. Brighton Builder, LLC, the Second Department which overseas Brooklyn and Long Island lower courts, issued a decision which clarifies what condo boards and owners have to establish in order to succeed against sponsors and their principals in construction defect cases. The court offered important […]
What (Gov.) Little just did with a bill to help the developer of a big Boise-area subdivision (ID)
The bill appears to take aim at the PUC’s decision in 2023 to regulate water rates dictated by the homeowners association of Dry Creek Ranch, a planned community in the Boise Foothills, after residents complained of rising prices. The Dry Creek Water Company previously operated as an unregulated public utility. Read the article…………………………….
Port of Bellingham hit with restraining order after developer Harcourt files countersuit (WA)
Harcourt Developments, the Ireland-based company constructing three multi-million dollar residential condo buildings along Bellingham’s waterfront, has filed a lawsuit against the Port of Bellingham, alleging Port officials have threatened to call police and request trespassing citations be issued if Harcourt did not remove its equipment from Port property. Read the article…………………………….
Condo board considers installing EV chargers for unit owners (IL)
Q: I am on the board of directors of a homeowners association (HOA) in Evanston, Illinois. The board is gathering information about installing electrical vehicle (EV) chargers on our HOA property. The board is particularly interested in the concept that was described in your article from last year. You said there is an option for […]
Island Winds reverses ban on Florida Audubon to allow shorebird nest monitoring (FL)
The Island Winds Condominium Association has lifted their ban on Florida Audubon from using their property to monitor shorebird nesting. Dave Nusbaum, president of Island Winds Condominium Association, said the association’s ban was lifted after the settlement between the nonprofit and property owners Kurt Kroemer and Ed Rood over their lagoon walkover near the Little […]
Santa Monica luxury towers, HOA fees, alleged theft: Where did the millions go? (CA)
Residents didn’t grasp the scale of the alleged problems until last year — when a Los Angeles County grand jury handed down a 119-count indictment accusing both Spahis, now-former Ocean Towers Housing Corp. President Joseph Orlando and his wife, Dorothy, of grand theft, identity theft and money laundering. Read the article…………………………….