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There is a documentary on AppleTV, called “‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas”. It is about a lawsuit between an HOA and a new owner involving Christmas lights. This documentary is a must-see for board members. Unlike an article, you can see the emotional pain on the faces of the parties involved. It involves litigation, police, armed civilians, religion, Santa Claus, buses of visitors, outside groups, media and more. I hope you have access to the actual documentary as mere words cannot communicate the raw emotions involved. I won’t spoil the ending. You can find the AppleTV [Read more…] about Documentary film about HOA Lawsuit

By Sherri Hall

A parking garage can be a great convenience to a community’s residents. In fact, many may become so accustomed to having one, they might not really give it much thought. However, according to Scott Baryiewski of South Shore Construction in Roselle, New Jersey, it’s important for an association to keep parking garages included in their maintenance plans. Left neglected, a slew of problems can occur, some of which may lead to the need for costly repairs and lengthy repair projects. [Read more…] about Parking Garages: Warning Signs, Maintenance, and Repairs

By Sherri Hall

Maintenance is an essential part of keeping a community association running smoothly. While some projects are considered part of a community’s regular maintenance, others are more preventative in nature. So, which maintenance projects are considered preventative? [Read more…] about Preventative Maintenance: What You Need to Know

By Sherri Hall

It’s no secret that termites are a nuisance, but is it possible for these pests to go unnoticed and can they cause actual structural damage to homes? What are some signs to look for in terms of possible termite damage or an infestation? [Read more…] about Structural Effects of Termite Damage and What to Do

By Sherri Hall

When it comes time to send out a “Request for Proposal” (RFP), a community association may be wondering when to contact their attorney during the process. Oftentimes, associations will have their attorneys review RFPs before sending them out, but some may wait for attorney involvement until after the contract has been awarded. Does the association’s attorney need to review every single RFP beforehand? What are some items that associations should be including in their RFPs?  [Read more…] about The Attorney’s Role in 
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

By Sherri Hall

With warm weather on the horizon, holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day will be here before we know it. Along with the holidays and mild weather — flags of all types will soon start popping up all over, including on properties within common interest communities. What can a community association do if things get out of hand with either the type, size or quantity of flags being displayed? When it comes to residents hanging flags, associations have certain rights in terms of regulating what is allowed as well as how and when flags can be displayed.  [Read more…] about Displaying Flags and a Community Association’s Right to Regulate

By Alyssa Gautieri

A new development is typically built in an open wooded area or park where excess water, such as rain and melted snow, naturally takes its course and soaks into the ground. Once a housing development is built—complete with buildings, parking lots, and roadways—water runoff must find a new place to escape. The water can no longer permeate the soil naturally, which means it may flood roadways, destroy buildings, or erode crops if proper drainage systems are not installed. [Read more…] about How to Prevent and Handle Drainage Issues