Records Knowing which association records should be kept, where to keep them, and how to store them can help an association maintain access to important historical data. Association records should contain information that the board of managers can use as a reference for future projects or possible evidence in a lawsuit or audit. Records are …
Elections Cultivating, nominating and electing members of a particular board of managers is something that should always be on the minds of current board members. Politics in any arena can be tricky, but in associations it can also sometimes be difficult to find people willing to serve. Many people feel unqualified or even afraid to …
The FHA Violations of the United States Fair Housing Act (FHA) can result in severe penalties for associations. Knowing how to govern your community responsibly in this regard is highly important. What is a common sense approach to staying in compliance with the FHA? According to attorney David J. Byrne, there generally are two subsets …
Aspects While there are many aspects of managing a community association, perhaps the most important one is maintaining its physical components. Keeping the association’s physical components up to date and free of flaws not only ensures the safety of its residents, but maintains the value of the community and each unit as well. Given this, …
Association’s Finances When it comes to the association’s finances, how can boards be assured they’re handling things properly? Where should the board begin when creating budgets? What are the reporting requirements and rules for handling association funds? What are the proper accounting methods? How can an association be assured they don’t become the victims of …
Construction Defects What is a construction defect and what should an association do if one is discovered? “A construction defect is a condition of a constructed item that exists in deviation from the applicable architectural drawings, applicable building codes, and/or applicable industry standards (manufacturer specifications),” said attorney David J. Byrne. The first thing an association …
After the Disaster What happens when a property damage disaster occurs in an association? What steps need to be taken at the time of the disaster and afterwards in order to restore the property to its predisaster condition? Who is responsible for taking the necessary actions, the residents or the association? We spoke with Aneil …
After the Disaster and Restoration of the Association Read More »
Association Accounting and Budgets When it comes to the association’s finances, how can boards be assured they’re handling things properly? Where should the board begin when creating budgets? What are the reporting requirements and rules for handling association funds? What are the proper accounting methods? How can an association be assured they don’t become the …
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) How are the elements of a community defined? What establishes the components of the common areas versus homeowner-owned areas? Where is it written that certain elements are the responsibility of the homeowner and that others are the responsibility of the association? These issues and others are established in an association’s …
Collection of Delinquent Dues Delinquent homeowner dues accounts can affect a community in a variety of negative ways. Obviously, the association needs homeowner dues to be paid, preferably on time, in order to operate. However, there are many residual undesirable consequences of having too many delinquent accounts. A community with an abundance of homeowners in …