Emotional support or assistance animals have been a source of confusion and conflict within HOA communities. An emotional support/assistance animal is an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. It may also provide emotional support that alleviates one or more identified effects or symptoms of […]

What is a reasonable fine for an HOA violation? If you said, “it depends,” you’re absolutely right. HOA fine schedules vary depending on the nature and impact of the violation, how many times the rule has been broken, and applicable state laws that regulate fine policies. But, California HOAs have had to quickly adapt to […]

Though it’s not the most exciting topic, trees can have a big impact within an HOA community.    Download our free HOA tree policy    Trees are more than landscaping; they’re a shared HOA responsibility that influences budgets, shapes maintenance policies, and even has the potential to create legal liability. From planting new trees to […]

Change is easier when your community is prepared for it. New legislation impacting condo and HOA communities has been passed in several U.S. states, affecting everything from electronic voting to accessible parking. Check out the new laws that have come into effect in 2025. You can also check out laws that came into effect in 2024 […]

The long-term operation and social success of a community association is heavily dependent upon a few key items. After finances and communication, rulemaking and rule enforcement will often determine how much people like (or dislike) their neighborhoods.   Enforcing rules is always hard, regardless of how large or small a community is. But how can […]

Although summer is a great time for a bit of rest and relaxation, Florida condominiums have some work ahead of them. House Bill 913, also known as the 2025 Reform Bill, came into effect July 1. While much of the massive bill focuses on softening the blow of the safety legislation passed in 2022, there […]

The legal system isn’t generally known for its speed, but that doesn’t mean changes are slow or gradual when it comes to condo and HOA legislation. If you live in a state or province subject to extensive statutory frameworks, changes occur often, and can hit hard depending on what the new law requires. Keeping up […]

Courts have recognized that board members owe a fiduciary duty to their members, demonstrating the seriousness of these volunteer positions. Fiduciary relationships are governed by the statutory standards that require directors to exercise due care and undivided loyalty for the interests of the community.    Download our free Code of Ethics and Declaration template    […]

HOA communities are governed by regulations that are legally binding; even pertaining to the process of how voting in the community is done.  So, while casting a vote might appear to be one simple act, there is a series of HOA voting rules that must be adhered to.  Table of contents  Which HOA governing documents […]

This question comes up more often than you might think, perhaps because there is no straightforward answer. Are members with criminal records eligible to be board members in a condominium or HOA? It depends on several variables, but in many cases, yes, they are.    Table of contents    Can anyone run for a seat […]

Congratulations! You’ve been elected to serve on the condominium board of directors. So now what? Well, you are now responsible for overseeing the corporation’s affairs, ensuring compliance with provincial laws and the governing documents, and upholding the best interests of unit owners as a whole.    Download our board member notice of change sample form […]

HB 1203 was passed in 2024 with the intention of promoting transparency and consistency across Florida homeowners associations. There were several items included in this bill addressing a range of issues such as parking, fines and record keeping.      Find out how an attorney might approach some of the new Florida laws      Many owners […]

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) aims to help detect and combat money laundering and terrorist finance, facilitate tracking money that has been sourced through criminal or terrorist activity, and safeguard national security and the U.S. financial system. This act came into effect in January of 2024, and businesses that meet certain criteria are expected to […]

For a seemingly minor thing, paint has the potential to create a lot of conflict within an HOA community. Color is very personal, and homeowners (rightfully) have strong feelings about how their homes appear. The problem is that owners don’t have the freedom to choose their favorite colors if they live in a governed community. […]

If someone has strong feelings about HOAs, it’s usually because of the fees or the rules. Governed communities provide homeowners with numerous benefits, and homes often sell for more if they belong to an HOA. But the restrictions can create issues from time to time, which is why some people prefer not to live in […]