Q: I recently contacted my condominium association to get an account status for refinancing my mortgage. I was charged $299.00, which seems like a lot. Is this a valid charge? (J.R., via e-mail)
A: The Condominium Act, the Cooperative …
Neighbor Complaint Letters Not Confidential
Q: Our association has a requirement that no cars be parked in the street. I keep receiving letters from the manager saying that keeping a car parked in front of my house is a violation and that the letters are …
Taxes, Taxes, and . . . Fewer Taxes with Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser, Part I
With Trim Notices having just gone out to Broward County property owners, our conversation with Marty Kiar, Broward County’s Property Appraiser, is especially timely. Marty’s Office serves Broward’s two million residents. He is a lifelong resident himself, …
Do Robert’s Rules of Order Apply to Community Association Meetings?
I have many times heard complaints from owners (and sometimes board members) that the association is not following Robert’s Rules of Order (“Robert’s Rules”) during their board and/or owner meetings. Robert’s Rules is a well-known manual of parliamentary procedures which …
Correcting User Error – How to Handle Construction Defects
As we all know, condominium buildings suffer from wear and tear over time. Not only do communities withstand extreme weather conditions here in Florida, but they also experience extensive use over long periods of time. In fact, it is not …
An Association’s Response to Those Persons Who May Need Some Additional Care in Living
Some older individuals choose to live out their final years in their personal residences, alone, rather than in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. Additionally, there are times that other residents may experience mental or physical health issues which make them …
Questions Linger Regarding the New Law Addressing Building Safety
Q: I read the articles summarizing the new law that addresses building safety for certain condominiums. In my condominium association, the owners are responsible for their windows, not the association. However, if I understand it correctly, the new law requires …
State Publishes Mandatory Condo Form
As previously discussed in this column, the Legislature adopted SB4-D effective May 26, 2022. In addition to imposing new requirements for structural inspections for buildings of 3 stories or more in height, and significantly changing the reserve laws, the new law …
A Novel Approach: Coaching for Community Association Boards with Carmelo Millimaci, Senior Coach, Ackert Inc.
Could volunteer board members do their jobs more effectively and less stressfully with the solid communication skills a professional coach can impart? In this episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger speaks with …
Neighbor’s Secondhand Smoke A Bother
Q: Can a condominium association ban smoking inside condominium unit? I have discomfort and health concerns related to my neighbor’s constant smoking. (M.C., via e-mail)
A: There is no case law on this topic, and it is not addressed …