sWhen strangers come together as a new board of directors for a community association, they may find they have such differing views on what is best for the building that they can feel as though they are in a no win scenario. While working to find a creative solution to the problem is something we […]
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Is This a Conflict?
The board member in a homeowners association just hired the same pool company that is used by the association. Conflict? Not necessarily. There are provisions within the Homeowners Association Act which prohibit contracts between an association and a company when one of the board members from the association has a financial interest in the subject […]
Read MoreRaffles and Games of Chance: A Gamble for Community Associations
Historically, gambling was only illegal when it became a public nuisance. See Lee v. City of Miami, 121 Fla. 93, 163 So. 486 (1935). Today, although gambling is not generally prohibited, almost all forms of gambling are either prohibited by Florida law or heavily restricted. Given the potential for condominiums, co-ops, and homeowners associations or […]
Read MoreThe Project Costs What!?! That Requires A Membership Vote
Condominium Associations are in the maintenance game it seems at times. Just when one project ends, another is beginning. Maintenance is simply a fact of life for all condominiums. A big problem arises in many condominiums, however, when the maintenance project is deemed by the membership to be too expensive as they believe the cost […]
Read MoreSimple Protections for Buyers in Commercial Real Estate Contract Negotiations
When entering into a contract to purchase commercial real estate, experienced investors and developers generally understand that dozens of things could go wrong before the closing date that would prevent the closing from happening or could make the acquisition less than attractive, giving the buyer pause as to whether to close at all. As such, […]
Read MoreNot All Notices Can Be Sent By E-mail
Q: What legal notices does my association have to send to me, if any by U.S. mail. I signed an electronic notice authorization but keep getting a lot of association paperwork in the mail? (A.K., via e-mail) A: Associations are generally required to send notices for membership meetings, committee meetings that require notice under the […]
Read MoreBoard Can Regulate Alcohol on Common Property
Q: Our condominium association board recently made a rule that no beer, wine, or liquor can be brought into our swimming pool area. This came about because of one situation where some people got out of hand. Many of us enjoy socializing during “happy hour” around our pool. This seems like overkill and possibly illegal. […]
Read More5 Essential Dos and Don’ts of Great Managers
Dos Keep your Board educated concerning emerging trends. Board members aren’t tied the latest cases, legislation, and changes that impact their roles as board members. Many allied professionals – attorneys, accountants, engineers, insurance agents – will send emails or links to posts about important new issues in their fields. Great managers take the time to […]
Read More“I SEE YOU”: The Growing Demand to Install Video Doorbells in Multifamily Buildings
Security concerns are always at or near the top of the list of priorities in shared ownership communities. With personal home technology evolving at a dizzying pace, many homeowners are considering the installation of video doorbells such as those offered by Ring or Nest. However, for owners living in private residential communities, particularly in multifamily […]
Read MoreNames of Fellow Unit Owners Is Public Record
Q: I am requesting from the association office the names of each unit owner in my condominium association. Is the office legally required to furnish that list to me? (J.G., via e-mail) A: If your request for the names of each unit owner was made in writing, the association is legally required to make them […]
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