Departments
When Condo/HOA Owners Ask to See Contracts, What’s the Necessary Response?
A reader asks: “We live in North Carolina. Our board is very secretive and won’t allow us to see association contracts that have been ratified. We’d like to review some contracts to see what the scope of work is, the price, and any termination clause, etc. We’ve requested access through our management company, who says…
The Latest on Installing EV Charging Stations in Your Condo/HOA
Times have changed since we last covered electric vehicle charging stations. A reader has new questions: “Do you have any research or papers on installing EV charging stations on condominium property? We’re trying to determine how much it would cost, whether grants are available, and whether we can charge a fee or make a profit…
What to Know About Heat Pumps, Balcony Installation, and Noise
Heat pumps are gaining ground as a more energy-efficient heating and cooling source for homes. “I know that in Canada, the trend is away from AC units toward heat pumps, which are better for the environment,” says Stephen T. Brindle, a San Francisco-based senior associate at Swedelson & Gottlieb, a law firm that represents associations…
What to Do If You Land on Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac’s Blacklist
One of our experts, Kelly Richardson, calls Freddie Mac’s list of condos unavailable for its federal backing a farcical double-secret list, like the double-secret probation so hilarious in the movie “Animal House.” But this secret blackballing is no joke for communities ensnared in it. Here’s what you need to know about the Fannie Mae and…
What You Need to Know About Public and Association-Controlled Streets
A reader has asked for an explanation of the difference between public and private streets and why it matters in terms of who’s responsible for what and what the condo/HOA can control on the roads. Happy to help. Here’s a rundown. Local Roads, Local Rules Jeff Vollmer, a partner at Makower Abbate Guerra Wegner Vollmer…
Tax Law May Spell Serious Challenges for Condos/HOAs
The Corporate Transparency Act is likely going to catch many condo and HOA boards off guard. That’s according to Elizabeth White, counsel at the law firm of Sands Anderson PC in Williamsburg, Va., where she leads the firm’s national community association industry team. White and her colleague, Danielle Wang, of counsel at the firm, are…
What to Know About Keeping Your Condo/HOA Funds Safe During Banking Instability
Did you have bank collapses on your 2023 bingo card? We’re guessing that’s a no. Given that two banks cratered in March, it’s fair to ask whether your condo/HOA’s funds are safe. Here’s what our experts are telling their clients. Yes, Boards Are Concerned David Firmin, managing partner at Altitude Community Law PC in Lakewood,…
Who’s On the Hook for Maintaining Condo/HOA Records?
A reader asks: “Who’s responsible for maintaining HOA records—the property management company or board members? What if there’s a change in the property management company and the previous property management company didn’t transfer many records? And what if the previous property management company had the same problem with records not being transferred? I understand that…
Condo/HOA Owners May Have Overpaid, and the Manager Didn’t Catch It—Now What?
A reader asks: “As the treasurer of our HOA, I’ve discovered that numerous residents have credits on the accounts. In some cases, they’ve overpaid dues. Should this not have been caught by our property management team? I can go back several years and see residents paying a monthly autodraft when our dues are due only…
Florida HOA Amends to Restrict Rentals: Lessons from the President Who Led the Effort
A Florida HOA recently achieved what you probably know is a herculean task. It got approval from enough of its 821 owners to amend its governing documents to restrict rentals. Here, Jim Hammond, the president of Plantation Palms Homeowners Association in Land O’ Lakes, reveals how his community succeeded and offers advice for fellow board…