White fluffy snow can bring a touch of magic to frigid winter nights. But, it can also create chaos and danger for people who need to be outside during or after a big snowfall. HOA communities must be prudent about snow and ice management in order to minimize slips and falls, as well as liability […]

Even though owners don’t always agree with them, condo and HOA rules and policies do more than inconvenience members. In fact, good rules actually help members as a whole. Community rules help fill in any gaps that the CC&Rs and bylaws don’t address. They consider day-to-day issues, such as how to properly dispose of trash […]

Electronic voting is simple, convenient and cost effective. HOAs relied on electronic meetings and electronic voting to continue operations during the pandemic, but some associations have chosen to stick with those options, even though they don’t have to.    Table of contents      Why e-voting works better for HOAs Voting is a critical component of […]

Homeowners associations (HOAs) establish concrete rules and expectations for owners who live in the community. While owners don’t always agree with all of the rules, most can appreciate that they help to maintain property values (which means homes can be sold for a higher price). When creating or amending bylaws and rules, HOAs rightfully turn […]

Emotional support animals, sometimes referred to as assistance animals, have been a continuous source of speculation and confusion for many condo and HOA communities. You’ve probably heard stories where individuals bring birds, rats, and even alligators into places under the claim that they are emotional support animals. Could a gator really help someone with anxiety issues? Truthfully, […]

Is it okay to have adult-only swim hours? Are children under the age of 12 allowed to use a gym? If you live in a community association, you’ve probably noticed that rules have changed over the last few years. That’s because communities don’t want to be found guilty of breaking laws that aim to prevent […]

Florida HOAs have mixed emotions about House Bill 1203. Several new laws came into effect on July 1, 2024, and as a result, some HOA members living in the Sunshine State feel a little more relaxed. The objective of HB 1203 is to promote transparency and consistency across Florida homeowners associations. Some communities have very […]

The rules were not made to be broken in homeowner associations. They were made to help maintain property values, aesthetics, and harmony within the community.  Rules must also be enforced for them to matter. But anyone who has been tasked with the responsibility of enforcing rules in an HOA understands how difficult that can be.  […]

Modesty has never been one of New York City’s defining traits. Its bold and outgoing nature is what attracts tourists and residents alike. The iconic buildings, towering over streets and parks, are nothing short of remarkable. But, the city is asking many of these buildings, some nearly 100 years old, to change, and they haven’t […]

What if your condominium’s insurance premium increased from $400,000 to $3.3 million in one year? That’s what happened to the Peninsula at Hawaii Kai. The Hawaii community, consisting of 630 single and multifamily apartment homes and condominiums, was shocked, to say the least.     Table of contents     Sadly, this type of increase is not […]

The excitement over new vehicles combined with today’s technology is never-ending. Car shows and showrooms are filled with new and future models headed to market. The electric vehicle (EV) is one innovation growing in popularity, especially in Illinois. Between 2022 and 2023 sales of electric vehicles grew by 60% with 94,000 EVs registered in the […]

The U.S. drone industry is soaring high. Drones have become more accessible, the technology has evolved to a point where virtually anyone can learn to fly a drone, and companies are now using the machines to deliver goods, create maps, gather data and assist with safety procedures.         Download our free drone policy template […]

“It’s a lack of clarity that creates chaos and frustration. Those emotions are poison to any living goal.” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free Maraboli’s quote is an excellent reflection of HOA (Homeowner Associations) communities where members have struggled to understand their HOAs rules and regulations and have been penalized as a […]

Large associations, also known as large-scale associations, have committee structures that reflect the size and operation of their large, planned community. Committees are important for effective operation of planned community living because they are formed to facilitate and accomplish tasks that support the HOA board and lead to a cohesive and pleasant living environment. Table […]

There is a saying that goes, “Rules are made to be broken.”  Sometimes this is true, especially when society and times are changing so fast.  Some rules that were appropriate from the past no longer apply. These changes can affect individuals and certainly HOA (Homeowner association) communities where many people live in a community and […]