Associations may use fines to curb unwanted, destructive, or dangerous behaviour from continuing within the development. Some associations use them often, while others try to avoid issuing fines. There are pros and cons to using and issuing fines, but monetary penalties won’t be all that effective if they do not align with the offence that […]

Condos and HOAs across North America are having to make some tough decisions about whether they should open shared facilities. After the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak, multi-residential communities were strongly encouraged to shut down all nonessential amenities, including gyms and pools.Now that stay-at-home orders are being lifted and restrictions are being loosened, some associations do have the […]

Summer is fast approaching, but there’s a big cloud of uncertainly looming over outdoor pools, barbeque areas and other common areas. Due to COVID-19, many condos and HOAs are wondering if they will be able to reopen their most popular amenities.   As a safety precaution, every residential community was strongly encouraged to close all […]

Slowly, but surely, things are changing for the better. COVID-19 has had an immense impact on the entire world. In a matter of weeks, we’ve had to cancel major plans, adapt to new ways of working, and find alternative methods to stay in touch with the people we care for while social distancing.     It […]

When a homeowner breaks a bylaw or rule, the association needs to address the issue promptly and professionally. Enforcing the rules can be challenging. If you are a board member or property manager, you may have to deliver some bad news (and possibly fine) to one of your residents, and you must do it in […]

Who would have imagined that May of 2020 would look like this? COVID-19 has forced the entire world to change their behavior to stop the spread. Stay-at-home orders have been issued in virtually every state and province, and people are being asked to keep their distance from anyone who they don’t share a home with. […]

There are over 350,000 homeowner associations in the United States! That equates to roughly 40 million households, or more than 50% of owner-occupied households in America. HOAs are legal entities, and they offer members the protection, maintenance and preservation of their homes and property. However, these members also have a duty to follow the association’s […]

COVID-19 is highly contagious. The virus spreads when a person who is infected coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible for a person to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. With so many residents touching the same elevator buttons, handles and more, it’s easy […]

Moving is always a stressful process, but COVID-19 has added some additional hurdles for properties and for residents.This is not the ideal time for a move, but people are still permitted to change homes during the pandemic.   Responsibilities of the condo or HOA Corporations and associations have a duty to maintain their property, and […]

Every HOA has a set of governing documents, which includes CC&Rs, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and other rules and regulations made by the community. HOA members understand that they are expected to maintain their homes and abide by the specific rules and guidelines, but it’s hard to follow every single rule all of the time.If a member […]

Most of us are not health professionals which is why we are all relying on directives and recommendations from health officials to help us safely navigate COVID-19. Condo corporations should be creating temporary guidelines, rules and procedures for their community based on the credible information they receive from city leaders, doctors and researchers. They have […]

The rules have changed for some American and Canadian condo corporations, at least temporarily, when it comes to e-voting and virtual meetings. Emergency orders have been made to help condos communicate virtually, and maintain some operations that need to be carried out by condo boards.     Ontario On April 24, 2020, the Government of […]

Condo and HOA board members have encountered some very new challenges since the COVID-19 outbreak. Large gatherings have been banned in most states and provinces, and people are being asked to stay home unless they’re going out for a bit of exercise, or to get essential items such as food or medication. While the social […]

While COVID-19 can make anyone sick, some populations are more vulnerable than others. Condos may have a small or very large group of people who require additional care or consistent protection from the coronavirus. Below is some helpful information to help you identify and care for homeowners who may be more at risk of becoming […]

When a dishwasher breaks, or a leak is discovered, condo corporations and HOAs usually have to figure out who should be responsible for making the repair. If the property is rented, then the landlord or owner is generally responsible for fixing the problem. If a resident has purchased the home, then they are likely responsible […]