Over the past few years, Airbnb and VRBO (collectively referred to as “Vacation Rentals”) have become a very popular form of short-term rental. Vacation Rentals include a range of rentals from houses, condos, or in some instances rooms for a …
Estoppel Charges Adjusted for Inflation
Q: I recently requested an estoppel certificate from our homeowners’ association to confirm the dues and fees associated with my property in connection with my selling the home. When I received the bill, the amount charged was higher than …
The Do’s and Don’ts of Association Committees with Becker’s Ken Direktor
Does your association have committees? Do you find them to be a helpful addition to association operations or a harmful “shadow board” with the potential to create liability for the association, its directors, and members? Host Donna DiMaggio Berger …
Law Does Not Require Recording Rules
Q: The board of my association recently passed a new set of rules. Do we have to record these in the county records for them to be enforceable? (G.W., via e-mail)
A: The “recording” of a legal document …
The Plan – Identifying the Potential Consequences of a Disaster
The first step toward developing and implementing a disaster plan is identifying the potential consequences of a disaster. The second step is to develop and implement a plan to mitigate the impact of a disaster to the fullest extent possible. …
The Benefits of “Umbrella Organizations” with Brickell Homeowners Association’s President, Ernesto Cuesta
When it comes to community associations, joining forces under a voluntary “umbrella organization” often proves more beneficial than going it alone. Members reap the rewards of shared knowledge, vendor connections, advocacy, and educational resources. In this week’s episode of Take …
Refund Rights Run with Title
Q: My condominium association board assessed seven thousand dollars per unit right after the Hurricane Ian in 2022, which I paid. The board has now decided they do not need the funds and have voted to return them to …
What to Do if You Receive a Complaint or Subpoena
If your community association is served with a complaint or subpoena, you must promptly forward it to the community association’s legal counsel. As explained in this article, receipt of a complaint or subpoena triggers time sensitive legal obligations that can …
What Can Be Done About Solar Panels?
If you are living in a Homeowners Association the Board or the Architectural Review Committee generally cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels (or “solar collectors”). A Florida law, F.S. 163.04, provides that any “deed restriction or declaration” or even …
Roofing Changes Usually Require Member Vote
Q: Our condominium association is thinking about changing roofing materials. Our bylaws say that a majority of the unit owners who participate in a meeting can decide any issue, “unless a specific voting percentage is stipulated in the declaration, …