HOAleader.com - Practical Advice on Homeowner Association Management

5 Tips to Limit HOA Credit and Debit Card Risks

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08

A Durham, N.C., HOA now has a "bare-bones" 2012 budget after discovering $150,000-$200,000 in theft by an employee, according to a November 2011 report in The Herald Sun. The theft from the 1,000-home Parkwood Homeowners Association occurred mostly through the use of HOA debit cards linked to the HOA's checking account. The alleged thief made cash withdrawals at ATMs and used owners' money for online gambling and to bankroll Las Vegas and Miami junkets.

FHA Condo Certification Update; What You Need to Know

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -08

Condo associations are still struggling to meet Federal Housing Administration certification requirements for mortgages insured by the federal agency. Here's the latest FHA condo certification news.

Should You Study How Your Homeowners Association Stacks Up to Nearby HOAs?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

An owner reports online that her homeowner association commissioned a study to see how it compared to nearby HOAs in terms of amenities, services, costs, and market value. Should your HOA commission such a study? Where do you find a vendor to conduct such a survey? And are the results of such a study open to owners' review, or can you keep them confidential? Here are some answers.

Can Your HOA Give Owners "Discounts" on Fees? Alternative Ways to Say Thank You

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

What if you want to motivate your owners to do something--like volunteer on a committee or oversee the lobby redecoration? Is it possible to offer incentives--like reduced HOA fees for a specific period of time--to attract otherwise-apathetic owners? Here, our experts weigh in.

Getting HOA Owners to Clean Their Property

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

A Maryland HOA recently got a court order forcing a homeowner to do a laundry list of repairs or to allow the HOA access to the owner's property to complete the work.

Bedbugs in Your HOA? Really? Yes, Really!

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

This week's tip may make your skin crawl. I apologize in advance! But it also might help you prevent a real infestation.

What to Do if Bedbugs Invade Your HOA

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

Last August, New York legislators passed a law requiring that rental buildings must disclose any bedbug infestation history, and some real estate agents are requiring New York co-ops to make such disclosures in sales, too. Yet no matter where your HOA is located, you should be preparing for a bedbug infestation--but how in heaven's name does an HOA do that?

What's an HOA Board to Do When It's Been Getting It Wrong?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

Our experts say it's common for condo and homeowners association boards to misinterpret, fail to read, or to just plain ignore their governing documents. Here, HOA experts explain the errors they find boards making and how boards can correct the error of their ways.

"Get Out!" Is that Something You Can Suggest to an Owner?

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we lend some advice to consider before you bellow to an owner, "You obviously don't belong here. Maybe you should get out!"

Can You Encourage HOA Owners to Get Up and Go?

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

Some owners just aren't suited for HOA living, and they make their own lives and the lives of their neighbors miserable. Are there things you can do to encourage those owners to sell and move elsewhere? Or would any such efforts be out of line? Here we provide answers.

Kick Off 2012: Learn from Other HOAs' Best Moves in 2011

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we give you a jump on smart homeowner association management in 2012 by revealing some of the best moves HOA boards made in 2011.

Start 2012 Right: Review the Best Moves HOA Boards Made in 2011

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -08

What better way to ring in the new year than to improve the operation of your HOA with ideas from your peers and the experts who advise them?

Get a Judgment. No, Get a Lien. Which is Better?

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we answer a question vexing an HOAleader.com reader. Our reader reports that his new homeowner association management company wants to change the wording in the HOA's 10-day demand letter so the HOA would get an automatic judgment, not a lien, when a home owner doesn't pay.

Can Your HOA Get a Judgment Instead of a Lien?

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

A HOAleader.com reader reports that his new HOA management company wants to change the wording in the HOA's 10-day demand letter so the HOA would get an automatic judgment, not a lien, when a home owner doesn't pay. What's the difference? And do state laws allow that?

Keys at HOAs? They're So Early 2000s!

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we sing the praises of keyless entry systems.

The Pros and Cons of Keyless Access in HOAs

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

A HOAleader.com reader reports that his HOA is considering keyless access--like swipe or insert cards--for elevators to help increase building security. His board is particularly concerned about those who may have avoided proper screening or requested additional keys to allow unauthorized access for friends.

Hiring HOA Vendors: Is a Delinquent Owner's Employer Off Limits?

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

This week's tip will help you determine whether you should raise red flags about hiring a company at which a delinquent owner works.

Should Your HOA Board Refuse to Hire a Delinquent Owner's Employer? Discussion Forum Follow-Up

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

An HOAleader.com reader asks: "One of our residents moved out of his house, but it's still in his name, and he owes $2,000 in back dues plus attorneys' fees. This person submitted a bid to do the snow removal. Some board members decided that since he is only the vice president of the snow removal company, they hired the company to perform our snow removal. Three people voted against the hiring, and four people voted to hire the company. I say this is 100 percent wrong, but I need something to support my feelings about this hiring."

HOAs: HUD's Keeping an Eye on You

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we give you fair warning that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is actively pursuing HOAs for fair housing violations.

Is HUD Stepping Up Fair Housing Enforcement Against HOAs?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

On Oct. 18, 2011, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it was charging a Philadelphia condominium association with violating the Fair Housing Act for refusing to revise its "no pets" policy as a reasonable accommodation for condominium residents with disabilities who required assistance animals.

What Happens When a HOA Owner Dies?

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

On a very sad note, home owner associations sometimes have to deal with the aftermath of the death of an owner. If an owner dies, leaving his unit empty until its fate is resolved through the legal process, what happens if the former owner's successors or executor fail to pay HOA dues? How can you handle that problem with respect? Here are some answers.

What Type of Meeting Is Your HOA Having--and Why Does It Matter?

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

Sounds crazy, but you need to be precise about the type of HOA meeting you call. For example, the Arizona legislature has defined three types of meetings: member meetings, board meetings, and committee meetings.

Do You Need to Adopt a HOA Board Ethics Policy?

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

Some homeowner associations are passing ethics policies that boards must follow. Do they make a difference in board behavior?

Owners Rent? There's a Fee for That!

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we explain a recent California case that gives the go-ahead for HOAs to impose a general rental fee on owners who lease out their property.

HOA Fees on Rentals: Can Your HOA Impose a Fee Just Because Owners Rent Their Unit?

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -08

Sure, you can probably require owners who rent their units to pay a security deposit to your HOA to cover the tenant's potential damage of HOA facilities. You can probably also charge move-in and move-out fees. But can you slap a general fee on owners who rent out their units just because?

HOA Litigation: Loose Lips Sink Ships

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we begin to answer a HOAleader.com reader's question: "How much information must a board of directors divulge to the HOA when involved in court litigation ... especially when members of the association are the litigators?"

Discussion Forum Follow-Up: What Should You Share about Pending HOA Litigation?

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

A HOAleader.com reader asks: "How much information must a board of directors divulge to the HOA when involved in court litigation ... especially when members of the association are the litigators? A resident filed suit when the nominations committee and board of directors determined the resident was not the owner of record/deed holder ... homeowner. While informing the association about the suit ... the board of directors were careful about the information it divulged because it threatened to affect the outcome of the case. Some homeowners felt the board of directors had an obligation to reveal all the facts of the case in order for the association to vote on how the board should proceed: proceed to court, settlement, countersuits, etc. How much information must the board of directors divulge to the association ... especially when the litigators are present?"

Three Basic Rules for HOA Elevator Maintenance

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

Don't pay much attention to your HOA's elevator? You should because ignored elevator maintenance can create safety issues at your HOA. In addition, sudden maintenance bills can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Text, Twitter, and Facebook: How Should Your HOA Use Them?

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

How should your homeowners or condo association be using social media to improve your communications with owners? Here are some tips, including five communication dos and don'ts.

5 Social Media Tips for HOAs

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

How can your homeowner association best use social media? Here are five dos and don'ts.

Is Your HOA Manager Taking Over?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

This week's tip will help you determine whether your manager is too intrusive, not intrusive enough, or behaving just right at your HOA meetings.

Should Managers Attend--and Participate In--HOA Meetings?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

On September 4, two community association lawyers contended in a Los Angeles Times column: "Management employees, like any other vendor, do not belong at association board meetings. Although they may be invited to attend, they should not be taking minutes or offering suggestions on the conduct or content of the meetings."

Bidding Out HOA Work? RFPs Make the Job Easier and Save Money

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we lend a hand to an HOAleader.com reader. He says he's sent a request for proposal to six homeowner association management companies to rebid his HOA's current contract, and he'd like to know the process his board should follow in reviewing the bids and awarding the contract.

How to Create an HOA RFP and Evaluate Responses

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

An HOAleader.com reader has asked for some help. He says he's sent a request for proposal (RFP) to six homeowners association management companies to rebid his HOA's current contract, and he'd like to know the process his board should follow in reviewing the bids and awarding the contract. Here, our experts provide some guidance.

How Strong Are Your HOA Owners' Privacy Rights?

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we help you determine whether to strip search your residents. OK, maybe that's too strong. But we do offer tips on how intrusive you can be when it comes to "searching" owners.

How Intrusive Can You Be with HOA Owners?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -08

A HOAleader.com reader reports that his HOA is requiring that owners allow coolers to be searched for glass when they enter the pool because of the "no glass container" rule. He contends this is an invasion of his privacy.

4 Arguments to Combat Short-Term Owners' Resistance to Long-Term HOA Planning

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

It's an all-too-common problem at HOAs: Owners who don't plan to stick around for more than a few years will resist or oppose repairs, improvements, and reserve funding that benefits later owners. What's the best argument for showing short-termers that they're harming their own financial interest?

What Accommodations are HOAs Making for Disabled Owners?

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

Your HOA must make a reasonable accommodation for disabled homeowners when requested. "Associations and their common areas and facilities need to, at a minimum, comply with local and federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act," says Ben Solomon, an attorney and founder of the Association Law Group in Miami Beach, Fla., who advises more than 500 associations and represents developers through his second law firm, Solomon & Furshman LLP. "Most associations we represent have buildings with ramps and all kinds of other accommodations for disabled owners." Are those the most common approved requests of HOAs? And which requests haven't been approved?

What's "Encroachment" When it Comes to HOA Common Areas?

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

A HOAleader.com reader reports that another board member has planted a garden that encroaches 15 feet into the association's common areas. His governing documents state that the limited common area extends three feet around the perimeter of each home, and home owners are allowed to plant within that area. It also says owners can plant in the common area at their own expense with permission.

Trick Question: Who's an HOA Renter?

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

Some questions that seem so simple are actually riddles wrapped in enigmas, as the cliche goes. In this week's tip, we unravel the definition of a renter when your governing documents prevent rentals but one of your owners has his uncle's brother's son's stepsister living with him.

Who's an HOA Renter? Discussion Forum Follow-Up

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

An HOAleader.com reader asks: "We are trying to understand the possible classifications of residents in our Wisconsin condo community, specifically 'what qualifies as a renter?' I've heard there are owners and renters. Under what classification does a family member, living in a unit that is owned by another family member, fall?

Beware Before You Use this Tactic to Trim Your HOA's Budget

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

Looking to cut cost from your already-too-small HOA budget? Isn't everybody, these days?

Transferring Maintenance Costs to HOA Owners; Pros and Cons

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

Some HOAs are attempting to reduce HOA costs by amending their documents to require owners to cover maintenance costs of limited common areas. Is that a good idea or a bad idea?

What If a Fellow HOA Board Member or Candidate Seems Shady?

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

This week's tip is a must if you've got a sneaking suspicion that a candidate for your board isn't what she seems. Or maybe your HOA is considering adopting rules governing who can and can't be on the board.

Is Your HOA's Developer Shirking His Responsibilities?

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

In this week's tip, we give you a head start on holding your developer to his obligations.

The Pros and Cons of HOA Self-Insurance

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -08

Some HOAs are so large and their insurance premiums so hefty that they toy with the idea of self-insurance. Here, we explain what self-insurance is and discuss the risks.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Are Signs. Can You Ban Them?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

Tired of seeing owners' flyers on every elevator in your building or blowing around the grounds like tumbleweed? In this week's tip, we discuss whether you can and should restrict owners from posting flyers.

3 Ways to Save Money on HOA Purchases

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

Are there ways you can save on products your HOA purchases? Here are three ideas from a board member and our experts.

Fixing a Troubled HOA: Dissolution, Receivership, or Something Else?

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

A HOAleader.com reader is in a quandary. Her HOA is beset with delinquencies and warring factions. Some owners argue the answer is receivership or dissolution. In this week's tip, we discuss the pros and cons of dissolution.

Should You Investigate HOA Board Candidates?

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -08

Many HOAs have rules governing who and who can't be on the board. What are the typical restrictions, and who vets candidates running for an election to the homeowners association board of directors to ensure they're qualified based on the rules? Here's a primer.