This country was founded with a heavy dose of independence and a strong “Do-It-Yourself” attitude. The DIY mindset, with roots in Europe and European culture, crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the earliest immigrants and became part of the A…
With natural disasters causing catastrophic property damages becoming more common, associations must be prepared for unexpected expenses, such as a major roof repair, or the installation of a new heating and cooling system. These major cap…
These days, just about everyone is cutting back on spending, either to make ends meet, saving for something special or a rainy day, paying off debt or funding their retirement. Consumers are cutting coupons, looking for deals and keepin…
Q I believe that owners have a fiduciary responsibility to the association, as they are held in a public trust of that association just like board members. The responsibilities and duties of owners in a homeowner association are outlin…
Q I live in a townhouse development consisting of 120 units. The board is the management team and the association is financially responsible for outside maintenance. In 2009, there was work done on the sidewalks and stoops, and more wo…
Q Can the person running for a board position make his own proxy ballot and cast votes for other people? —Electorally Concerned A “The simple answer to both of these questions is likely yes!” says attorney Marc H. Sch…
After receiving over 4,200 comments on a proposal that would have eliminated flip taxes and transfer fees in co-ops, condos and HOA communities, the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) has reconsidered its position and will allow …
Job losses. Bankruptcies. Foreclosures. These are tough times for everyone, but when homeowners fall on hard times, they are often late paying their condo or co-op fees. Some can’t even afford to pay them at all. Add in contractors and …
Board members find themselves acting as referees so often, some may feel like they're wearing black-and-white striped shirts. Maybe they're mired in the middle of a conflict between homeowners because one group of gardening enthusiasts…
Q “What recourse do unit owners have when a board is negligent of their duties? For example, a violation of the bylaws occurs when the board does not inspect common areas for safety and aesthetics when it specifically states in the b…