No one has a crystal ball to look into the future, but some things are more likely than others. The many media references to the “2020 Bingo Card,” containing any number of unfathomable happenings, supports the idea that no one …
How Community Associations Can Handle the Continuing Popularity of Short-Term Rentals
Despite a year that has drastically curtailed traveling due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of online vacation and short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb and others, has persisted as people have sought escapes to private homes instead of …
Candidate Statements Permitted in Board Elections
Q: Is it permissible for a candidate for the board to include personal information about himself or herself in the official ballot mailing sent by our condominium association? Does the board have the right to edit these or withhold …
Fine Amounts Set by Statute
Q: My association is threatening to fine me $100.00 per day for not following their mask rules. Is there a law that allows associations to fine $100.00 per day? (J.G., via e-mail) …
Amendment Voting Percentages Cause Confusion
Q: Our declaration of condominium requires “two-thirds vote, by proxy or in person,” to approve an amendment. For example, if only 20% of members participate in a meeting, this would enable passage if 12% of the membership at a meeting …
Mail-In Election Ballots Common For Associations
Q: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of the seasonal owners in our condominium will not be returning this year. This raises concerns about how we should conduct the election for directors. …
An Association’s Response to Owners Requiring Additional Care
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 individuals may experience certain mental health issues that make them unable to …
The ‘Nuisance’ Problem
When Do Annoying Behaviors and Activities Within and Surrounding the Community Become a Legal Nuisance and How Can Your Community Deal with It? …
Generally Board Members Cannot be Compensated
Q: Can the members of our board of directors receive a holiday bonus? (G.M, via e-mail)
A: Not to be the “grinch,” but this is generally not a good idea and is usually not legally permissible. …
Short-Term Rental Developments: Profits Not Necessary to Violate Residential Use Covenant
Short-term rental arrangements continue to plague community associations, with owners and powerful lobbying groups for companies like Airbnb constantly devising new tactics for avoiding restrictions.
“With Airbnb and those platforms becoming such a huge percentage of rentals,” says Jennifer …