Social media has transformed the way people communicate. In restaurants you can look around and see people “dining together” while on their cell phone. I was at a movie theater this weekend and even noticed the white glow of cell …
Condominium Termination: Don’t Let the End Catch You by Surprise
We all know how condominiums begin—with renderings, design and finishing selections, friendly sales agents, and, of course, so many documents. However, once a condominium becomes an aging project, particularly one rife with escalating maintenance needs and expenses, it is worth …
Can 55+ Communities Avoid Compliance With Federal Laws Which Prohibit Age and Familial Status Discrimination?
In 1988, Congress added “familial status” – defined to include those family groups with children under 18 – to the list of protected groups under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”). Since that time, condominiums and homeowner’s associations have been discovering …
New Hurricane Protection Law Questioned
Q: What is the penalty, if any, for a Florida condo association that refuses to adopt hurricane protection specifications? We have none and there is no interest in doing so. Seems to fall into “they won’t find out about …
Life on The Other Side – A Resident’s Candid Take on Condo Living and Community Governance
Everyone knows that boards and management are the decision makers in community associations—but what’s it like to be on the receiving end of those choices?
In this week’s episode of Take It To The Board, …
Association Mold Remediation Role Questioned
Q: What are the powers and duties of a condominium association in Florida regarding unit repair and reconstruction to treat mold after a hurricane? (L.N., via e-mail)
A: Like many legal issues, “it depends.” Mold has …
Retroactive Application of Rules Explained
Q: My condominium association is considering implementing a new rule. They are unsure if the new rule can be applied retroactively to violators who broke the rule before it was enacted. If the board decides to enforce this rule, …
Meeting Motion Starts Fireworks
Q: At the recent annual meeting of our condominium association, the president asked at the end of the meeting if there was any “new business.” I raised my hand and made a motion to appoint a committee to audit …
Smoking Ban Raises Questions
Q: My condominium association board recently implemented a “no-smoking” policy after receiving numerous complaints about second-hand smoke. Several residents continue to smoke in their unit and on their balcony, insisting they have the right to do so in their …
“55 and Over” Housing Explained
Q: I have a question on people moving into a “55 Plus Park” at age 55 or older. Can I later give the home to a younger relative with children? (G.A., via e-mail)
A: The federal …