David J. Byrne

I recently discovered the money-saving option of booking a vacation rental directly from the owner of a condo on an online market place. It was a fantastic experience. I had a more personal experience than if I had stayed in a hotel. Most importantly, I saved a bunch of money. But one thing I didn’t consider as an end-user was “What will the neighbors think?” I honestly didn’t give them a second thought. But I can assume it’s not fun for community members who are now dealing with strangers — safety issues, noise and extra traffic —  all because their neighbor has decided to make some extra money at home…well really, with their home.
[Read more…] about Maintaining Community Law and Order Amid Homegrown B&Bs

Sometimes an association is owed an amount of money, that is significant to the association. However, despite the amount, a board may decide the collection actions may generate amounts in attorneys’ fees that are greater than the underlying arrearage. That board then votes to ignore the balance and take action. [Read more…] about To Sue, or Not to Sue a Delinquent Owner? That is the Question

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. 

[Read more…] about Associations Take Control — Strategies for Recovering Delinquent Assessments

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.

[Read more…] about AssociationHelpNow™ Event Brings Education (and lunch) to Managers and Board Members in Atlantic City

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? 

[Read more…] about When Are Associations Responsible for a Water Leak or Mold Damage?

Feature Story

Entering a Vacant Unit the Case of Emergency: How Associations Can Prevent Liability

As the manager, did you make the right decision or have you just opened yourself up to potential liability?

[Read more…] about Entering a Vacant Unit the Case of Emergency: How Associations Can Prevent Liability

Feature Story

Regulating Holiday Decorations Within Associations

As Halloween approaches, followed by the winter holidays shortly thereafter, associations should ensure that policies regarding holiday decorations are in place for residents to follow. Such rules must be reasonable, and more importantly, legal. 

[Read more…] about Regulating Holiday Decorations Within Associations