January 23, 2026
Snow removal is one of the most critical — and most unpredictable — winter expenses for community associations. Boards understand that snow and ice management is a safety obligation, not a luxury. At the same time, a single major storm can quickly strain or even exceed a snow budget. The good news? With proactive planning,… Read more »
November 2, 2025
Anew survey by the Foundation for Community Association Research identifies aging infrastructure as a critical concern for community managers, boards members, and residents. Water intrusion, deteriorating balconies and fences, failing pipes and roofs, as well as plumbing and electrical issues often show a building’s age. As buildings’ internal systems and physical components age, how can community associations best prepare… Read more »
October 7, 2025
The 2025 fiscal year ended on Sept 30. The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from obligating any money without an appropriation from Congress. Any period when appropriations are not enacted into law, either through regular appropriations bills or a continuing resolution, is known as a “funding gap.” This gap results in a partial federal government… Read more »
September 25, 2025
Every community faces it: the temptation to put off maintenance. It seems like an easy way to save money, right? That fresh coat of paint can wait. The HVAC check-up can be skipped this year. But this practice, known as deferred maintenance, can lead to big problems down the road. While it might seem like… Read more »
July 20, 2025
Each year you receive a draft of the proposed budget for review and comment. A lot of work goes into preparing the budget. It’s a complex activity that has to start early so the budget can be finalized and approved prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. Here’s how we do it: The… Read more »
June 24, 2025
The curb appeal of our community depends on each resident maintaining his or her property as completely as possible. For those who keep their homes and yards well maintained, the association thanks you for your efforts and good examples. We encourage all residents to pay particular attention to the following maintenance items. -Exterior paint. Paint… Read more »
May 9, 2025
What’s the difference in a board meeting and a special meeting, or an annual meeting and a town meeting? Confused? Here’s some clarification. Annual Meetings Annual meetings—or annual membership meetings—are required by our governing documents, which specify when they’re to be conducted and how and when members are to be notified about the meeting. This… Read more »
March 20, 2025
With the rise of social media, HOA board members often find themselves navigating online communication. Social media can be a useful tool to keep homeowners informed and engaged. However, it can also lead to miscommunication, conflicts, or even legal issues if not handled properly. This has led many to wonder whether or not there should… Read more »
February 15, 2025
While mainly governed by your association’s bylaws and governing documents, most states have legislation that provides HOA proxy voting rules. Most indicate the requirements for a valid proxy vote and its limitations. What is Proxy Voting? Proxy voting occurs when a homeowner’s association member authorizes another person to cast votes on behalf of the members…. Read more »
February 12, 2025
Despite a certain groundhog having seen his shadow, winter will come to an end before we know it, recalling the Hal Borland quote, “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” The quote is often used to mean that even in difficult times, there will eventually be a change for the better. For the… Read more »
January 24, 2025
What the Nationwide Injunction Means for Condos & HOAs A federal court has issued a nationwide injunction temporarily blocking the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), originally set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The CTA mandates condominium and HOA board members to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement… Read more »
January 15, 2025
Believe it or not, squatters do have rights, depending on which state the property is located in. Understanding the different squatters’ rights in the U.S. is critical to both landlords and tenants. Landlords can know how to navigate eviction without infringing on squatters’ rights. Meanwhile, tenants or squatters can protect their rights. Why do Squatters… Read more »