The Value of Professional Intermediaries: Don’t Turn HOA Issues into Safety Issues

Homeowners association (HOA) disputes or enforcement should not require personal, face-to-face, confrontation with members. A recent tragedy in Florida underscores the risk of confrontations in the HOA context. It is alleged that on December 3, 2022, 75-year-old Hugh Hootman shot and killed his HOA president and her husband, Ginger and Henry Wallace, who were both […]

ChatGPT’s Opinion About HOAs

You may have heard about ChatGPT but not really know what it is or what it does. “ChatGPT[a] is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022.”[i] But what is an artificial intelligence chatbot? I am not a computer programmer, but from my non-technical perspective, it is an interactive computer-based chatroom. […]

HOA Violations: Consequences and How to Contest Them

HOA violations can be a significant source of stress for homeowners living in communities governed by homeowners associations. These infractions often lead to fines and other consequences that affect residents’ daily lives and property values. Understanding the common types of HOA violations, their potential repercussions, and how to address them is crucial for maintaining harmony […]

Top Strategies for Managing HOA Reserves in Arizona

HOA reserves play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health and stability of homeowners associations in Arizona. These funds are set aside to cover future repair and replacement costs of community assets, ensuring that unexpected expenses don’t burden homeowners with sudden, hefty assessments. Proper management of HOA reserves is essential for preserving property values […]

Strategic Planning for Your HOA

Association strategic planning is essential for homeowners’ associations (HOAs) seeking to thrive and expand. This process helps HOAs set clear goals, allocate resources effectively, and navigate challenges in their communities. By implementing a well-structured strategic plan, HOAs can enhance their services, increase member satisfaction, and foster sustainable growth.   Read the article…………………………….

Ohio Condominium Law Reserve Funds Explained

Ohio condominium law reserve funds play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health and stability of condominium associations. These funds are essential for long-term financial planning and preserving property values. By setting aside money for future repairs and replacements, associations can avoid sudden special assessments and ensure the community’s continued well-being.      Read the […]

How to Organize HOA Meetings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Organizing HOA meetings is a crucial aspect of maintaining a well-functioning homeowners association. These gatherings serve as the backbone for community decision-making, ensuring transparency and fostering open communication among residents. From setting a clear agenda to meeting quorum requirements, proper organization is key to productive and efficient HOA meetings.   Read the article…………………………….

The Importance of Regular HOA Reserve Studies in Virginia

HOA reserve studies play a crucial role in maintaining the financial health and stability of homeowners associations in Virginia. These studies provide a comprehensive assessment of an association’s long-term financial needs, ensuring that adequate funds are set aside for future repairs and replacements of common area assets. By conducting regular reserve studies, HOAs can avoid […]

HOA Dispute Resolution Like a Pro: Essential Tips for Board Members

HOA dispute resolution is a critical skill for board members to master. It plays a vital role in maintaining harmony within homeowners associations. Effective conflict management helps preserve property values, fosters a sense of community, and ensures smooth operations. Board members who excel at resolving disputes can prevent small issues from escalating into costly legal […]

Do Property Managers have to Register as BOI Members of Community Associations to Comply with CTA?

Community associations, like many other entities, generally have reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Beneficial owners of the community association, like board members, have to be registered, but how about property managers. The CTA defines a beneficial owner as any individual who, directly or indirectly: Owns or controls at least 25% of the […]

Abandoned Properties Regulated By Statute (FL)

Q: What rights does a condominium association have when dealing with an abandoned unit, and under what circumstances can it go into the unit?   Read the Q&A………………………………..

Capital Reserve Studies: Best Practices for Accurate Budget Planning

Capital reserve studies are essential for accurate budget planning in churches, nonprofit organizations, and other entities managing significant assets. These studies provide a comprehensive analysis of an organization’s financial health and long-term funding needs. By examining current reserves and future expenditures, they help leaders make informed decisions about maintaining and replacing critical components.   Read the […]

Florida’s new condo laws are controversial, but here’s why they make sense

Nearly a million Florida condo owners face an important deadline at the end of the year. That’s when a law passed in 2022 requires most Florida condo associations to submit inspection reports for their buildings and to collect money from owners to pay for any needed repairs.   Read the article…………………………….

Florida’s condo crisis: Is it bad enough to call a special legislative session?

The unintended consequences of the state’s new law designed to ensure the safety of condo buildings is being felt throughout the state.  While the vast majority of those affected buildings are in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, condo associations from the Keys to Tallahassee are struggling to cope with its fallout. Gov. Ron DeSantis […]

Recent storms and new law weigh on Marco Island condo sales (FL)

With twice as many condominium units as single-family homes, Marco Island is seeing the effects of a slow condo real estate market caused by past hurricanes, high interest rates and a new state inspection and safety law.  Total real estate sales were down 8% in August versus a year ago, according to the Marco Island […]

Resident files claim against Burlingame Ranch Phase 1 Homeowners Association (CO)

Burlingame Ranch Phase 1 homeowner Anna Garofalo filed a lawsuit against the Burlingame Ranch 1 Condominium Association, Inc. on Oct. 8.  In the lawsuit, Garofalo alleges that the Burlingame Ranch Phase 1 (BG1) Homeowners Association executive board is in violation of the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) for not producing records within 10 days […]

2 injured in condo fire on Indianapolis’ west side (IN)

Two people were injured in a condo fire on the west side of Indianapolis late Sunday.  Video posted by the Wayne Township Fire Department showed heavy smoke coming from a building as firefighters made their way inside.   Read the article…………………………….

French-fry-related fine must be reversed, B.C. tribunal rules

B.C. condo owners were fined $200 for breaching a bylaw because their tenant dropped a single French fry in the elevator lobby, according to a decision from the province’s Civil Resolution Tribunal.  The owners of the condo were challenging the French-fry-related fine, as well as another one for the same amount, on the grounds that […]

Bill would stop homeowners associations from banning yard signs (OH)

Ohio is in the final stretch ahead of Decision 2024, and political yard signs are being displayed across properties ahead of election day.  Now, a bill has been introduced at the Ohio Statehouse that would let people place all types of yard signs across their private property without interference from their homeowners association.    Read the […]

Australians brace for second boom in defective apartments (stratas)

Buying a new high-rise apartment in Australia is a game of financial Russian Roulette.  The second half of last decade saw the greatest high-rise construction boom in Australia’s history. In recent years, hundreds of these buildings have been required to remove potentially combustible cladding, at a cost of millions of dollars.  There have also been structural […]

Reserve Study for HOA: Ensuring Long-Term Financial Health

A reserve study for HOA is a crucial tool for ensuring the long-term financial health of homeowners associations. It provides a comprehensive analysis of an HOA’s assets, their expected lifespan, and the funds needed to maintain or replace them over time. This study helps board members make informed decisions about reserve funds and maintenance planning.  […]

Lack of transparency over Welland condo collapses concerning, MPP says (Ontario)

More than a year and a half after partial collapses of a condominium building being erected in Welland, the builder and city say they have yet to learn what went wrong.   And Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch is calling for transparency from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development after it […]

Clarkston condo tenants without water, power for 3 weeks (GA)

Three weeks ago, a massive fire broke out at the Ridgecreek Condos in Clarkston.  Roughly 40 people lost their homes as the early morning blaze badly burned a majority of the building.  Only four condos remain intact, including Senada Suljic’s home.    Read the article…………………………….

Firefighters extinguish second condominium fire on same street in Vernon Hills in two weeks (IL)

Firefighters responded to a condominium fire Thursday afternoon for the second time in two weeks on the same street in Vernon Hills, fire officials said.  Countryside Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Jason Masheris said firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the second-floor unit of a three-story multi-family residence.    Read the article…………………………….

Australia: Adelaide strata customers paying thousands to companies who did ‘nothing’

Major reform is needed to South Australia’s strata regulations to stop customers being ripped off with exorbitant fees for services that aren’t being delivered and provide better avenues for complaints.  Lawyers are calling on the state government to introduce a draft bill improving strata management in SA as more apartment owners seek legal support.   Read […]

Condo owners looking to cash in on Taylor Swift mania in Vancouver (BC)

The superstar’s shows are expected to generate millions in economic activity in the city, and some condo owners are hoping to cash in on Swift-mania.  Units have been listed for rent during the Dec. 6, 7 and 8 concert dates for thousands of dollars – including a private bedroom listed for $2,000 per night, and […]

Are heat pumps a ‘significant’ change? (BC)

Dear Tony: Our community is a mix of townhouses and a highrise. Over the past five years, all of the townhouse units have installed heat pumps to replace their gas furnaces and provide colling in the summer.  This is significant as the townhouses are exposed to the south and in a heat bowl between buildings. […]

Australia: The Wild West of Strata By-Laws

The legendary spaghetti western The Good, The Bad and the Ugly came out almost 60 years ago, and while the movie is now a relic of old Hollywood, its name lives on in strataland.  By-laws fall neatly into each of those three basic categories: good, bad or ugly.    Read the article…………………………….

Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) – UPDATED

On Oct. 24, the motion for preliminary injunction filed by CAI National was denied. The injunction was sought to postpone the deadline for community associations to comply with the act’s burdensome requirements until the case could be fully heard by the court.   Read the article…………………………….

News Flash – CTA Update – Its On

As you may know, the Community Associations Institute (“CAI”) filed a lawsuit against the US Department of the Treasury requesting associations be exempted from the requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”).  While we had been holding out hope that CAI would be able to obtain at least a temporary stay on the enforcement of […]

Sound Association Contracts and CTA Update

As a board member for a condominium or homeowners’ association, understanding the importance of a well written contract for service agreements and capital improvement projects is key. Contracts without specific terms and conditions and a clear scope of work usually mean a recipe for misunderstandings between both the board and the contractor or vendor. It […]

Corporate Transparency Act: A Guide for HOA Board Members

The Corporate Transparency Act is a federal measure aimed at increasing transparency to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion. It requires community associations, including HOAs and Condo associations, to report beneficial ownership (community voting interest) information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This information includes legal names, addresses, dates of […]

Court Deals Blow to Community Associations’ Attempt to Block Corporate Transparency Act

In a recent case, the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and several community associations sought a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CAI argued that requiring their members to disclose “beneficial owners” to the Treasury Department was unlawful, violated the Administrative Procedure Act, exceeded Congress’s authority, and violated the First […]

How did scammers cheat two Columbia County homeowners’ associations out of $30,000? (GA)

Scamming impostors used sham emails to chisel the manager of two Grovetown neighborhood associations out of nearly $30,000.  Community Connect Partners is the manager of the Estates of Deer Hollow subdivision off Wrightsboro Road in Grovetown. An CCP employee told the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday that she had received emails doctored to resemble […]

Judge sets $50,000 bond for man charged with racketeering in 2022 Hammocks HOA investigation (FL)

A man arrested for alleged connection in the Hammocks Homeowners Association multimillion-dollar fraud investigation appeared in bond court Friday.  Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday the arrest of Ivan Dario Diez.  According to prosecutors, Diez is one of five HOA board members accused of racketeering and stealing more than a million dollars from residents.  […]

Curacao: Extreme HOA fee increase at Coral Estate: homeowners rise in protest

The Coral Estate Homeowners Association (HOA) is on the verge of making history, but unfortunately not in a positive way. What is currently happening at this resort is unprecedented and has never occurred before at a resort in Curaçao. Severe mismanagement, conflicts of interest, and authoritarian decision-making dominate the situation, leaving paying homeowners sidelined.   Read […]

LBK condo federation informs residents about post-storm recovery (FL)

When handling post-hurricane recovery and restoration, it’s important to do things the right way the first time.   That was the main theme of the virtual seminar presented by the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums on Saturday, Oct. 19. The webinar included speakers like restoration companies, insurance adjusters, and the Director of Planning, Zoning and Building […]

HOA Homefront: Document checklist and HOA disclosures (CA)

California law, under Civil Code Section 4525, requires specific disclosures be provided to HOA members upon request, so they can relay them to prospective homebuyers. Well-run HOAs should have these readily available.  Here is a checklist for buyers, sellers, and managers:      Read the article…………………………….

New Ky law overriding HOA bans on political signs isn’t retroactive

A new Kentucky state law makes it easier for residents in some planned communities to display political yard signs.  In the past, the signs have been banned in many HOA covenants. But the new law comes with some confusion.  The law states, “An association shall not prohibit the outdoor display of political yard signs by […]

Owners of Older South Florida Condos Are Watching Values Plummet

The disconnect in the South Florida condo market deepend in the third quarter, as newer inventory continued to fly off the shelf at higher prices, while older stock piled up and lost value, according to a report from ISG World released Thursday.  Condos older than 30 years have lost 21% of their value since last […]

Florida’s new condo laws recognize the total price of living on the beach

Nearly a million Florida condo owners face an important deadline at the end of the year. That’s when a law passed in 2022 requires most Florida condo associations to submit inspection reports for their buildings and to collect money from owners to pay for any needed repairs.   Read the article…………………………….