Articles

Legal Aspects of On-site Security Systems

October 26, 2017 by AHN Staff

Let’s say, hypothetically, an association begins to consider the installation of security cameras in its common areas in order to protect residents. The board noticed a dramatic increase in crime in surrounding neighborhoods, so they felt this would be a good decision for community. However, if they install this system, are they opening up their association to liabilities it didn’t previously have? What are the best practices for an association to follow when using and installing security cameras?

Associations Take Control — Strategies for Recovering Delinquent Assessments

October 19, 2017 by AHN Staff

Unpaid assessments can create a great deal of stress for an association, leaving both management and boards feeling helpless. However, an association is not helpless. Attorney David Byrne, of Ansell, Grimm & Aaron, PC, shared two recent scenarios where associations were able to recoup monies lost and ensure payment of ongoing assessments, all without breaking the bank, or in this case, the budget, by using creative and smart efforts.

AssociationHelpNow™ Event Brings Education (and lunch) to Managers and Board Members in Atlantic City

October 6, 2017 by AHN Staff

Newsflash readers — we do get out! In addition to providing publications and an informative website, Brainerd Communications, Inc. produces events branded under our trademark, AssociationHelpNow™ to educate and facilitate discussions on many condo and HOA-related topics. On September 26th, managers and board members, many from high rise buildings on the coast, gathered at Ocean Club Condominium, a thirty-four story luxury building on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, to network, learn and tour the building. Managers in attendance earned 2 CEUs toward their professional designations.

Association Restoration – Property Damage Disaster

September 21, 2017 by Raymond Dickey

Excerpt from AssociationHelpNow™ Condo/HOA Primer by Raymond Dickey

Author Note: With hurricane season on the horizon, we thought this chapter from my book would be useful to our readers. [Read more…] about Association Restoration – Property Damage Disaster

Harness the Power of Drones in Your Association — and Avoid Liability and Nuisance Issue

September 1, 2017 by AHN Staff

You own a 300-unit condominium and you want to inspect your building’s façade in the most efficient way. You’ve heard drones can be a great resource, but you don’t know what to look for when hiring a drone pilot. How can an association ensure they are hiring both a licensed and insured professional, as well as a company with the expertise to interpret data?

Renting Out the Clubhouse?  Careful How You Do it.

August 25, 2017 by AHN Staff

It’s one of everyone’s favorite places in the community – the clubhouse. It’s used by the association for residents to enjoy an afternoon mah-jongg game, cards, community-organized special events and more. These spaces are usually bright and airy, spacious, well-decorated and set up to host events large and small. For this reason, some associations decide to rent their clubhouses out for weddings and other private functions. However, associations need to be aware of the potential liability exposure opened up by doing this. We spoke with Robert Travis of Community Association Underwriters of America (CAU) in Newtown, Pennsylvania, who explained that liability issues are complex when a community clubhouse is rented out to a resident or third-party. He gave us some tips to prevent clubhouse rental engagements from ending on a sour note.

When accusations fly…is it really defamation?

August 17, 2017 by AHN Staff

Unfortunately, board members of community associations are sometimes loathed by some residents. Issues can arise at any time, especially during board elections. When insults and accusations fly, they sometimes cause serious damage to the reputations of those on the receiving end. In some cases, board members go on to sue owners or residents for defamation. But, what exactly constitutes as defamation? We spoke to Attorney Robert C. Griffin of Griffin Alexander, PC in Randolph, New Jersey to shed some light on this topic.

Community Association Loans: Tips for Getting Approved

August 3, 2017 by AHN Staff

Does your community require a major repair, such as new facade, windows or roofs? Major repairs can be extremely costly. Luckily, loans are available for community associations that require funds for a particular project or repair. We spoke to Jared Tunnell, Senior Vice President at National Cooperative Bank to learn more about community association loans and what steps condominium and homeowner associations should take before acquiring a loan.

Potential Hazards of Tree Decay

July 27, 2017 by AHN Staff

Associations, and people in general, have a tendency to take their trees for granted. They stand like fixtures in our communities, providing shade, beauty, wildlife havens and defending against soil erosion. But neglected trees can decay and cause a myriad of problems if not treated correctly and promptly. Trees can potentially become liabilities, insect incubators and just plain old eyesores if not properly taken care of.

When Are Associations Responsible for a Water Leak or Mold Damage?

July 20, 2017 by AHN Staff

A condominium receives a call from an owner who claims his roof is leaking. The association sends maintenance to the unit and the leak is fixed within 15 minutes. The owner argues that the association should pay for interior damage allegedly having resulted from this leak. Who is liable for the damage?