Analyzing the financial health of a homeowners association is a crucial task to ensure its ability to maintain and enhance the community and common areas. For a variety of reasons, sometimes the association will be faced with deferred maintenance. Creating a funding plan to address maintenance helps establish a sustainable financial foundation. Completing an assessment […]
When Pipes Fail & Preventative Maintenance
When considering your piping systems, there are two main systems in question: Domestic Water Systems and Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) Systems. Below are some signs of aging to look out for with each system, and how to best maintain them. In the event that systems fail, repiping is the primary option that can prove […]
When Should You Contact an Engineer?
When it comes to the reconstruction and restoration of HOA communities, the civil and structural engineers who make up a part of this niche market are accustomed to working behind the scenes. After all, there’s nothing high-profile and flashy about designing repair plans, pulling permits, or writing up engineering reports about potential issues within a […]
Bahamas: Old Fort Bay developer secures win in legal battle with homeowners’ association, celebrates hard-fought victory
The developer, The Old Fort Bay Company Limited, represented by attorney Gail Lockhart Charles KC, noted in a statement that the Court of Appeal in its ruling had categorically rejected the Association’s attempt to claim ownership of the Old Fort Bay Club, Pineapple Grove, the beach reserve, and other areas of land within the Old […]
HOA sues residents for operating in-home businesses (ID)
In December, Two Rivers Subdivision HOA filed a complaint with Ada County’s Fourth District Court against Yuriy Buchinskiy and his wife Valentina Buchinskiy aiming to force them to stop operating their small businesses out of their home in the upscale subdivision. Read the article…………………………….
Supplemental Claims Don’t Need to Include Damage Estimates, Fed Appeals Court Says (FL)
A federal appeals court has, at least for now, put an end to lingering questions about some property insurance claims litigation: The insured does not need to submit a competing damage estimate when filing a supplemental claim if the policy does not require it. Read the article…………………………….
Condo roofs are becoming nesting sites for threatened shorebirds. Here’s why. (FL)
As Florida’s wild natural beaches have become more and more scarce, beachside buildings with gravel rooftops have multiplied by the thousands. Shorebirds that nest in the sand have had to adapt. Several species, including black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers, have taken to nesting on the plentiful gravel rooftops of buildings near […]
Fire in Chester condo complex destroys several units (NY)
A fire in Chester Tuesday destroyed several units inside a condominium complex. Chester Fire Department Chief Thomas Marchiano says the flames broke out in the afternoon at the Whispering Hills condominium complex inside a garage and spread to the apartments above. Read the article…………………………….
Homeowners urge lawmakers to take action on bill addressing defective home construction (CO)
When your home is built poorly, it can be hard to hold builders accountable, or even get repairs done. A bill moving through the Colorado legislature would make it easier for homeowners to get the fixes they need. “It’s only about having the repairs done properly,” said Janine Musser, a Colorado homeowner. Read the […]
Fire in Chester condo complex destroys several units (CT)
A fire in Chester Tuesday destroyed several units inside a condominium complex. Chester Fire Department Chief Thomas Marchiano says the flames broke out in the afternoon at the Whispering Hills condominium complex inside a garage and spread to the apartments above. Read the article…………………………….
Z&L Properties sues over sale of “$1M” San Jose condos for $32K (CA)
Z&L Properties has sued bidders who violated a court restraining order to buy 10 condominiums auctioned at cut-rate prices in Downtown San Jose. The China-based developer filed the lawsuit against two buyers as well as San Diego-based Nationwide Reconveyance, a trustee for a homeowners association at a 320-unit condo tower Read the article…………………………….
Developers pay $102 million for Naples waterfront condo community (FL)
A pair of Florida developers have bought a 2.5-acre beachfront property near the Naples Beach Club and plan to build a luxury condominium tower on the site. BH Group and the Kolter Group, both from South Florida, paid $102.6 million for the property — which has 200 feet of beach frontage Read the article…………………………….
Ponte Vedra condo residents claim HOA is targeting them with thousands in legal fees (FL)
A select group of people living at the Belleza at Ponte Vedra Condominium complex reached out to Action News Jax questioning the HOA’s authority to charge them thousands in legal fees. Five residents living at Belleza tell Action News Jax the fees have been piling on for well over a year, claiming it all dates […]
EV fast-charging comes to condos and apartments
Right now, the electric vehicle ownership experience is optimized for the owner who lives in a single-family home. A level 2 home AC charger costs a few hundred dollars, and with a garage or carport, an EV that gets plugged in each night is an EV that starts each day with a 100 percent charged […]
Failure of manway cover determined cause of Highland flood, not pipe burst (UT)
A neighborhood in Highland was flooded by what was initially believed to be a pipe burst, but Provo River Water Users Association said it was actually due to a mechanical failure of a manway cover. The flooding happened Saturday afternoon near the intersection of 6400 West and 10400 North.Tens of thousands of gallons of water […]
BC Property Owners Group Seeking Judicial Review Of Short-Term Rental Legislation
A big property owners group in British Columbia has officially filed suit against both the Province of British Columbia and the City of Victoria over the new short-term rentals legislation that’s set to come into effect on May 1. Read the article…………………………….
Family fighting keep chickens as pets in Waxhaw neighborhood (NC)
A Union County family that was fined for keeping chickens as pets has scored a big win. The family was originally located in a Waxhaw neighborhood. However, neighborhood rules said they couldn’t own poultry, but they could have household pets as long as you don’t make money off of them. Read the article…………………………….
Do E-mail Exchanges Constitute A Meeting Of The Board? (CA)
In LNSU#1, LLC v. Alta Del Mar Coastal Collection Community Association,94 Cal. App. 5th 1050, 312 Cal. Rptr. 3d 707 (2023), two homeowners in a common interest development argued that their homeowners’ association violated state law governing open meetings when certain directors discussed items of association business by e-mails without giving all association members notice […]
Boca Raton Building Recertification Ordinance: A Comprehensive Guide for Building Managers and Condominium Governing Boards (FL)
Fresh off our recent article highlighting Boynton Beach’s new building recertification requirements, we highlight Boca Raton’s updated Building Recertification program. This article covers everything you need to know about Boca Raton’s Building Recertification Program (Ordinance 5589) and the significant changes it makes to the way building recertification is conducted. It ultimately focuses on what it […]
The Finer Points of Fining Condominium Owners
Condo association rules provide a behavioral road map for owners, explaining what they are allowed and not allowed to do. But creating effective rules is only half the challenge for boards; enforcing the rules is the other arguably more challenging half of this equation. When it comes to enforcement, boards don’t have many tools. They […]
Replacing Board Members
Problem: One member of our seven-member board has resigned, leaving us with only six members. The association’s documents require a seven-member board, but the next election, at which a new board member might be elected, is several months away and there don’t appear to be any owners willing to fill the vacant position. Read the […]
Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities
A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
Upholding Decorum: Navigating Conduct at Association Board Meetings
Association board meetings are formal meetings where the board of directors conducts business. However, these gatherings can sometimes become arenas for discord, where conflicts escalate and civility wanes. Upholding decorum at association board meetings is paramount to fostering an environment of respect, collaboration, and effective decision-making. Read the article…………………………….
Co-Op Board’s Carpet Rule Poses Dilemma for Allergy Sufferers (NY)
Tax Day is upon us once again, a timely reminder that for co-op and condo boards there are three eternal verities: death, taxes and noise complaints. This was brought home by a woman with allergies so severe that she had to remove the carpets from her apartment years ago. In an effort to downsize, she […]
More homeowners forced into California Fair Plan coverage
Most 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…………………………….
Condo advisor lays out how Florida’s market got so dire
In the wake of a 2021 Florida law, condo owners are facing a variety of new requirements and potentially massive fees. Following the collapse of Champlain Tower in Surfside, the legislature passed a statute requiring, among other things, that buildings over 30 years old (20 years on the coasts) be inspected and collect reserve capital […]
No injuries after 2-alarm condo blaze in Maple Leaf Square area (ON)
Toronto firefighters and police officers said the blaze was believed to have started at about 12:23 p.m. on a balcony at the residential building near the York St.-Bremner Blvd. area and Maple Leaf Square. Read the article…………………………….
Virginia ranks high nationally in HOA real estate landscape
Virginia’s residential landscape boasts the 12th spot nationally with the highest number of homes belonging to Homeowner Associations (HOAs). Based on data from the Foundation for Community Association Research from December 2021, more than 2 million Virginia residents live in over 9,000 HOA communities across the Commonwealth. Read the article…………………………….
Litigant withdraws PPP fraud suit against condo associations, clubs (CO)
A Florida man is standing down on his litigation that accused dozens of Colorado condominium and homeowners associations of fraudulently collecting federal pandemic money, according to recent court filings. Plaintiff Wade Riner on April 8 withdrew his civil complaint, without prejudice, which means he reserved the right to refile the lawsuit. Read the article…………………………….
Resident calls on the community for help, City and HOA said their hands are tied (OK)
An Owasso resident calls on the community to help fix a broken park bridge after the city and neighborhood HOA said their hands are tied. The bridge in the Three Lakes neighborhood is completely falling apart. With the unkept conditions, it’s a huge liability, and danger to the kids who play or those who want […]
Nightmare Board Meetings (MI)
We have all been there at some point – a nightmare board meeting. This is the meeting that never seems to end. It is unorganized and chaotic. A nightmare meeting is the meeting where Ms. Smith, the longtime resident, shows up with a laundry list of complaints and completely derails the board’s meeting agenda. It […]
Finally, Education is Required for Board Members (FL)
I think everyone reading this knows how long and how hard I have fought for mandatory education for Board members. I always thought it was disgraceful to allow someone to get certified by signing a dumb form that says I read my governing documents and promise to enforce them. Finally, we have a change in […]
Australia: Insurances, Commissions and Kickbacks in our Strata & Community Title Schemes
The fact that in the 2015 strata reforms it was felt necessary to include a new provision requiring strata managing agents to disclose commissions and training and to prohibit the receipt of gifts over $60.00 (see sections 57(2) & 60 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (“SSMA”)) shows that this has been an ongoing […]
No injuries after blaze at downtown condo (ON)
According to officials, the fire spread to a second balcony, and shattered glass was spotted falling to the ground below. The situation was quickly brought under control and the flames were extinguished Read the article…………………………….
Deciphering Your HOA’s Financial Statements
Do you ever feel lost deciphering your HOA’s financial statements? You’re not alone! This guide will equip you with the insight to confidently understand your HOA’s financial health and become an active participant in your community. Read the article…………………………….
Homeowner says it’s time to ditch Zoom meetings (NV)
Q: It’s been four years since COVID, and quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing excuses from lazy people who refuse to convene as normal. And while I understand the convenience of Zoom meetings, they are not without fault and major issues. For one thing, there will always be “technical” difficulties. It’s the internet, after all. […]
Should a tennis court be converted into pickleball courts? Debate intensifies in one Austin community (TX)
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 […]