New HUD Guidance Limits the Use of Background Checks for Associations to Prohibit Discrimination

Dec 6, 2016 | Associations, Communication, Community Manager, Florida, News, Property Managers, Residents

On April 4, 2016, HUD published guidance limiting housing providers’, including Associations’, use of criminal records in qualifying potential purchasers, tenants and occupants under the Fair Housing Act. What does this mean for Associations? It should be noted at the...

Associations Must Send Notices Out of State if Requested

Nov 30, 2016 | Associations, Board of Directors, Communication, Community, Community Manager, Property Managers, Residents

Question: I own a condominium unit in Florida that I use as a vacation home. My permanent residence is in New York. Is the association required to send official correspondence from the association, such as meeting notices required to be delivered to the members, to my...

4 Steps to Start Recouping Utility Costs from Residents

Nov 21, 2016 | Associations, Board of Directors, Communication, Community Manager, Payments, Property Managers

Understand Local Rules & Regulations This can be tricky because there are no federal or universal laws regarding utility bill-back. Every state has its own rules and regulations, as does each municipality. Failure to comply with the stated regulations can lead to...

The Surprising (and Easy) Way to Engage Your Residents

Nov 16, 2016 | Associations, Board of Directors, Communication, Community, Community Manager, Connect, Property Managers, Residents

It can be difficult for property managers to keep in touch with every aspect of a community and the residents who live in it. But keeping a transparent relationship with residents is important for facilitating trust and improving resident retention. Finding an...

Reclassifying Property as Limited Common Elements for Maintenance Purposes

Nov 10, 2016 | Associations, Board of Directors, Communication, Community, Community Manager, Property Managers, Residents

One of the most common issues that condominium associations address is determining whether the association or individual unit owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a particular part of the condominium property. In many cases, unit owners and...

The Association Has Several Options to Enforce HOA Documents

Nov 1, 2016 | Associations, Board of Directors, Property Managers, Residents

Question: The governing documents for our homeowners’ association contain a number of restrictions and rules. However, they do not contain any instructions on what happens if an owner fails to comply with the documents. If an owner is not obeying the documents, what...