Community association boards are elected to represent and safeguard the interests of the community. That means when the board is making major decisions and during board elections, residents are involved. A quorum serves as a way of protecting the residents by making sure the majority of homeowners approve decisions. This prevents board members from passing […]

What is a reasonable fine for an HOA violation? If you said, “it depends,” you’re absolutely right. HOA fine schedules vary depending on the nature and impact of the violation, how many times the rule has been broken, and applicable state laws that regulate fine policies. But, California HOAs have had to quickly adapt to […]

Change is easier when your community is prepared for it. New legislation impacting condo and HOA communities has been passed in several U.S. states, affecting everything from electronic voting to accessible parking. Check out the new laws that have come into effect in 2025. You can also check out laws that came into effect in 2024 […]

Although summer is a great time for a bit of rest and relaxation, Florida condominiums have some work ahead of them. House Bill 913, also known as the 2025 Reform Bill, came into effect July 1. While much of the massive bill focuses on softening the blow of the safety legislation passed in 2022, there […]

The legal system isn’t generally known for its speed, but that doesn’t mean changes are slow or gradual when it comes to condo and HOA legislation. If you live in a state or province subject to extensive statutory frameworks, changes occur often, and can hit hard depending on what the new law requires. Keeping up […]

Courts have recognized that board members owe a fiduciary duty to their members, demonstrating the seriousness of these volunteer positions. Fiduciary relationships are governed by the statutory standards that require directors to exercise due care and undivided loyalty for the interests of the community.    Download our free Code of Ethics and Declaration template    […]

HOA communities are governed by regulations that are legally binding; even pertaining to the process of how voting in the community is done.  So, while casting a vote might appear to be one simple act, there is a series of HOA voting rules that must be adhered to.  Table of contents  Which HOA governing documents […]

This question comes up more often than you might think, perhaps because there is no straightforward answer. Are members with criminal records eligible to be board members in a condominium or HOA? It depends on several variables, but in many cases, yes, they are.    Table of contents    Can anyone run for a seat […]

Congratulations! You’ve been elected to serve on the condominium board of directors. So now what? Well, you are now responsible for overseeing the corporation’s affairs, ensuring compliance with provincial laws and the governing documents, and upholding the best interests of unit owners as a whole.    Download our board member notice of change sample form […]

HB 1203 was passed in 2024 with the intention of promoting transparency and consistency across Florida homeowners associations. There were several items included in this bill addressing a range of issues such as parking, fines and record keeping.      Find out how an attorney might approach some of the new Florida laws      Many owners […]

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) aims to help detect and combat money laundering and terrorist finance, facilitate tracking money that has been sourced through criminal or terrorist activity, and safeguard national security and the U.S. financial system. This act came into effect in January of 2024, and businesses that meet certain criteria are expected to […]

Alberta has tabled legislation that aims to improve governance in condominium communities. Bill 30, the Service Alberta Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, would impact three different Acts: Developers and contractors would also benefit from this Act. Amendments would allow them to get paid in full sooner, and harmonize prompt payment rules and processes for public and private […]

If you’ve ever served on a board for a condo or HOA community, you can easily appreciate how much work is involved. Board members are elected volunteers, meaning they do not get compensated for any of their work. If they did get paid, the Foundation for Community Association Research estimates that their hourly wage would […]

Reserve funds and studies have become a hot topic among condo and HOA communities. Many states have or are considering enforcing laws that regulate reserves. Motivated by the Surfside condo collapse, lawmakers don’t ever want to see another community in the same position as the Miami condominium ended up in. However, depending on the rules, […]

Condo living has multiple benefits. The amenities make up for smaller living spaces, and residents appreciate that they never have to pick up a snow shovel or clean gutters. However, densely populated condo and strata buildings do have some drawbacks. For example, when one member ignores rules or bylaws, it can impact neighbours above, beside […]