Crime & Security

Court Rules HOAs Can’t Ban Sex Offenders. Could Other States Follow?

A Pennsylvania court shot down an association’s attempt to prohibit lifetime registered sex offenders from living in its community. It made clear that associations can’t impose their own restrictions because the state already regulates where sex offenders can and can’t live (Lake Naomi Club, Inc. v. Rosado). In 2016, in response to resident concerns, the…

Court Says Associations Can’t Ban Sex Offenders

A Pennsylvania court shot down an association’s attempt to prohibit lifetime registered sex offenders from living in its community. It made clear that associations can’t impose their own restrictions because the state already regulates where sex offenders can and can’t live (Lake Naomi Club, Inc. v. Rosado). The desire to keep sex offenders out of…

Are Community Associations Liable For Third-Party Crimes?

After two residents of a Massachusetts condo building were killed in their penthouse home by an intruder, their estates sued the association and the management company for wrongful death. The civil case has yet to go to trial, but a pre-trial ruling from the court is cause for alarm for both condo associations and managers…

Manager, Condo Association Have Duty to Protect Residents in Common Areas

After two residents of a Massachusetts condo building were killed in their penthouse home by an intruder, their estates sued the association and the management company for wrongful death. The civil case has yet to go to trial, but a pre-trial ruling from the court is cause for alarm for both condo associations and managers…

HOA Manager Safety: A Renewed Spotlight in the Wake of Recent Tragedy

The August 2022 murder of an Atlanta association manager has drawn renewed attention to the physical risks managers face on the job in today’s world and an increasing need to address HOA manager safety. Word of the Atlanta slaying spread quickly among those in the industry. Amid the expressions of sympathy and concern, though, was…

Manager’s Killing Heightens Safety Concerns

The August 2022 murder of an Atlanta association manager has drawn renewed attention to the physical risks managers face on the job in today’s world. “I think this is an industry problem across the board,” says Katie Anderson, CEO of Aperion Management Group LLC, which manages around 65 associations in central Oregon. “It’s been perpetuated…

Record Requests Can Be a Pain, But Compliance Is Often Required

Owner record requests can prove a hassle for managers and their clients, but courts clearly favor greater access to less — let alone the denial of access. An association in Michigan learned this lesson the hard way when confronted with requests that even the state Supreme Court described as “longwinded” and “often difficult to follow.”…

Record Inspection Request Requires Rapid Response — Even if Request Rambles

Owner record requests can prove a hassle for managers and their clients, but courts clearly favor greater access to less — let alone the denial of access. An association in Michigan learned this lesson the hard way when confronted with requests that even the state Supreme Court described as “longwinded” and “often difficult to follow”…

Government as Partner Rather Than Roadblock? It’s Possible.

From relocating an invasive flock of peacocks to reducing fire fuel and dealing with the effects of coastal erosion, community associations increasingly are working with government officials to resolve problems. “There are a lot of opportunities for managers and boards, before they start going the road on an issue, to step back and ask agencies…

Partner vs. Impediment: 4 Tips for Working with Government Officials

From relocating an invasive flock of peacocks to reducing fire fuel and dealing with the effects of coastal erosion, community associations increasingly are working with government officials to resolve problems. “There are a lot of opportunities for managers and boards, before they start going the road on an issue, to step back and ask agencies…