<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Condos &#8211; HOA ALLIANCE</title>
	<atom:link href="https://www.hoaalliance.org/tag/condos/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:33:11 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://www.hoaalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-HOA-Alliance-Favicon-2-100x100.png</url>
	<title>Condos &#8211; HOA ALLIANCE</title>
	<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Q&#038;A: Which Document is actually controlling the Condo Board?</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/qa-which-document-is-actually-controlling-the-condo-board/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:33:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=322997</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In a condominium (condo) community, the controlling document is typically the condominium declaration or bylaws. The condominium declaration is a legal document that establishes the condominium as a separate legal entity and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the condo association, unit owners, and other stakeholders. It typically includes information on the common areas and facilities, the ownership and use of individual units, and the governing of the association. The condo bylaws, on the other hand, outline the rules and regulations for the operation of the association, including details on the powers and duties of the board of directors, the election and removal of board members, and the financial management of the association. Together, the condominium declaration and bylaws form the legal framework for the management and operation of the condo community. They are typically more controlling than any rules or policies established by the board of directors, and take precedence over any conflicting provisions in those documents.]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>New 2023 condo and HOA laws for U.S. states</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/new-2023-condo-and-hoa-laws-for-u-s-states/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2023 21:13:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=322989</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[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 social media posts to approval deadlines for minutes. Check out the new laws coming into effect in 2023. -Arizona -California -Florida -Hawaii -Illinois -Maryland -Missouri -Nevada -Pennsylvania Arizona Owners can fly some types of flags Flags are a contentious issue in most governed communities. That’s why many have very specific rules about the size, type and placement of flags that are permitted in the development. A new law (part of House Bill 2010) has given Arizona homeowners the right to fly flags supporting the country, military, first responders, and law enforcement, even if the HOA says otherwise. This law was actually passed in 2022, but it’s worth noting again since some associations may be unaware of it. Potential ban on non-functional grass A Tucson proposal is considering banning “non-functional” grass planting in some developments, including HOAs. Other dry and hot cities, including Las Vegas, have already passed such a law due to the major water shortage issue in the west.    Non-functional grass is considered any irrigated grass area not providing functional use. That would include turf managed by an HOA that does not provide recreational value for people or pets. Watch for updates in the new year. California Residents can freely discuss HOA matters on social media Assembly Bill 1410 makes a couple of changes to California law. This first law is a bit strange, and shouldn’t actually have much of an impact on anyone. The bill adds a subpart (6) to the list of protected free speech activities in Section 4515(b), which will not allow HOA governing documents to ban the use of social media or other online platforms to discuss the HOA, legislation, public elections, or other association matters. The new subpart makes it clear that HOAs are not required to host a social media platform or website forum for members. A new Section 4515(e) is also added, which prohibits retaliation against members or residents for exercising the right to talk about the HOA online. Enforcement actions paused during emergencies New Civil Code Section 5875 makes it illegal for HOAs to pursue enforcement actions during a declared emergency if the event would prevent an owner from remedying the situation. For example, if there were a flood, an owner wouldn’t be expected to change the color of their front door to one approved by the association, even if the due date was set for the following day. The exception is assessment payment enforcement. This law, like the first, is a bit strange, as most associations have more pressing matters to attend to during an emergency than enforce violations. Florida Time to complete the first step of condominium building reporting system Senate Bill 4-D was signed into law in May of 2022. The laws, created in response to the Surfside condominium collapse, aim to protect owners and help prevent another tragedy like the one that occurred in 2021 from ever happening again. While most provisions will not take effect until the end of 2024, condo associations that are 3 stories or higher will need to complete a simple task on or before January 1, 2023. Condos subjected to the new laws are expected to report some basic information to the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The state agency has officially begun collecting information through its new Building Reporting Form, which can be submitted online. You can find the form here . Hawaii Amendment of declaration Act 62 amends many parts of existing Hawaii condominium law, effective January 1, 2023. The first change relates to amending condo declarations. Section 514B-32 has provided that a condominium declaration may be amended by at least 67% of owners. However, the problem was that many declarations adopted prior to chapter 514B required support from 75% of owners. Since 75% of the owners is at least 67% of the owners, there was some confusion as to which number condo associations could use. The second issue was that section 514B-32 did not specifically permit the amendment of declarations by written consent, although it did permit the amendment of bylaws by written consent. Act 62 attempts to erase confusion by clearly stating that a condominium declaration may be amended with 67% of owner approval at any time, unless the declaration is amended by owners to require a higher percentage.  The act also confirms that declarations can be amended by written consent. Reserve contributions included in the public report Anyone buying a new condominium unit receives a public report from the developer outlining all the material facts and relevant information relating to the condominium project. This information allows the prospective buyer to be fully informed about the building before they buy. While the public report will generally include a budget and an estimate of future maintenance fees, it does not always have an estimate of the anticipated reserve contributions that will be required from the owner. Act 62 changes the law to require that financial estimate to be included in the breakdown of the monthly estimated costs for each unit. Additional requirements for petitions to amend bylaws   The current law allows condo owners, outside of an association meeting, to submit a petition requesting amendments to the bylaws.  Act 62 will create more stringent requirements: Owners signing the petition must also indicate the date of their signatures The petition will only be valid if it is submitted within 120 days of the earliest signature on the petition Additional requirements for electronic voting and meetings; calling special meetings  Act 62 includes additional requirements to promote the accuracy and security of electronic voting. As part of that process, Act 62 also imposes requirements for petitions by owners to call a special meeting that are similar to those imposed for petitions to amend bylaws.     Owners signing the petition must also indicate the date of their signatures  The petition will only be valid if it is]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Miami Beach condo building evacuated near deadly collapse</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/miami-beach-condo-building-evacuated-near-deadly-collapse/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:30:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321945</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[MIAMI BEACH — An evacuation order has abruptly forced out residents of a 14-story oceanfront building on the same avenue where a condominium collapse killed nearly 100 people last year. The city posted an unsafe structure notice at the Port Royale condominium, Miami Beach spokesperson Melissa Berthier said in an email. A structural engineering report prompted the evacuation of the 164-unit structure, which is in the process of undergoing a required recertification. An engineer discovered that a main support beam identified for repair 10 months ago had shifted and that a crack in the beam had expanded, and other structural supports may need repair as well, the report said. At least one observer said the damage extends beyond a single support beam. “There’s cracks in the column, cracks in the base, I mean in the garage, in the two storage garages, there’s cracks in the beams, everywhere,” Marsh Markaj, a building resident who said he works in construction and noticed the problems, told WPLG-TV. Inspection Engineers Inc. said in a letter to the city that it’s working to obtain a city permit so that “comprehensive shoring” can be installed within 10 days. That will be followed by another inspection of the building, which was constructed in 1971. During an inspection about 10 months ago, engineers found “areas of concern that we designated as a priority to be repaired,” Arshad Vioar said in an email sent to the Miami Beach Building Department. The building’s association selected a contractor and the repairs started about four weeks ago. The firm that inspected the building was asked to supervise the work and this week “noticed that one of the main beams in the garage had experienced a structural deflection of approximately ½ inch and also the existing crack that was marked for repair had extended,” Vioar said in the email. The Port Royale is about 1.3 miles south of the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Florida, also on Collins Avenue, where 98 people were killed in a June 2021 collapse. The disaster at the 12-story oceanfront condo building in Surfside drew the largest non-hurricane emergency response in Florida history, including rescue crews from across the U.S. and as far away as Israel to help local teams search for victims. Other buildings in South Florida have been evacuated in similar safety scares since the Surfside collapse. The Champlain Towers South collapse focused scrutiny on the structural integrity of aging condominium towers throughout Florida, especially along its coastlines, and the state has since moved to strengthen laws requiring inspections and periodic recertification of buildings. Miami-Dade County had required the first recertification only after 40 years, and the Surfside building was undergoing that recertification process when it collapsed. New state rules signed into law in May require buildings to have their first recertification after 30 years, or 25 if they are within 3 miles of the coast, and then every 10 years thereafter. Miami-Dade also now requires building owners to provide up to three months of housing and associated costs if officials determine their building was unsafe as a result of negligent maintenance.]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>In case of emergency: How to prepare your condo or HOA</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/in-case-of-emergency-how-to-prepare-your-condo-or-hoa/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2022 18:08:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321818</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[We all hope that we never have to navigate through an emergency or natural disaster, but everyone found themselves unprepared when the 2020 pandemic hit. The pandemic taught us that it’s impossible to plan for every emergency, but it’s equally important to be proactive when possible. Download our free emergency planning guide Condos and HOAs, much like businesses, must do all that they can to plan for emergencies ahead of time. That’s because they will be responsible for guiding hundreds, or even thousands of people, during a stressful and uncertain time. It’s far easier to have a plan in place before something goes wrong and make small adjustments as needed than design a strategic plan on the fly. It’s also easier to coordinate with board members, insurance companies, and property managers when you’ve got time; working with a group when stress is high can be unproductive and less effective. With a current and detailed emergency or disaster plan, condo and HOA communities can better prepare themselves for unpredictable events. Emergency plans outline what the community should do in case of an emergency, as well as how to proceed following the incident. It includes standard procedures and a chain of command to follow. At its core, an emergency plan serves as the community’s road map when normal life veers off course. While associations hope they won’t have to use these plans often, they’ll be glad they have them when they need them. Condo/HOA emergencies When preparing for an emergency, most condos and HOAs plan for natural disasters. California, Florida and Texas are all susceptible to natural disasters, and communities here almost certainly have prepared for the dangerous weather that impacts these states. But there are other emergencies that associations may need to factor into their preparedness plans. Pandemics (we hope we don’t see another in this century, but have a better idea of how to respond now) Toxic chemicals or gases leaking near the condo or HOA Building collapse Violent threats such as active shooters Determining risks Associations aren’t expected to create a plan for every scenario (though it never hurts if you can have plans for a number of different emergencies). It’s up to the association to identify which emergencies have the greatest probability of impacting the residents and property. Every condo and HOA should have a fire plan since people and nature can start fires, but not every community needs a detailed plan for earthquakes. Creating a preparedness plan After identifying the emergencies that could have the most immediate and/or significant impact on the association, the next step is to create plans for each emergency. Make sure to include the following items in each plan: Chain of command Leaders need to know who is responsible for doing what if an emergency hits. That way, instead of wasting valuable time trying to determine responsibilities and roles, everyone already knows what is expected of them. Many communities will elect to have the president as the primary leader, but that may not be the best option for your community. Contact information The phone numbers and email addresses of your property manager, attorney, insurance company and board members should be in every plan. Condos and HOAs will also need to have an up-to-date list of residents, and their contact information as well. Having a property management software like Condo Control is particularly helpful during emergency situations because boards and managers can reach every resident who has an account in seconds. Residents can also update their own phone numbers and email addresses at any time. Every second counts in an emergency, and the faster you can reach your community members, the more likely they are to avoid danger. Site plan The site plan should highlight where lift stations, generators and shut-off valves are located so that someone can get to them quickly. Evacuation plan If there is a natural disaster and people need to leave their homes, the evacuation plan will help people get out safely. The plan should include instructions for an organized evacuation, and locations for shelters and gas stations. Include a map to make it easier for everyone to get where they need to go. Insurance policies Make sure you keep a copy of the association’s insurance policy online, ideally on a cloud-based platform. This way, the policies can be accessed even if there is no way to get to the physical copies. Make sure to also include information on how to file claims. Debris management and removal Some disasters can cause significant damage and will leave the association in complete disarray. Have at least two debris management vendors in your disaster plan. Chances are they will be in high demand and it may be hard to get an appointment right away. Consider designating a specific area for temporarily keeping debris as well. Recovery plan Highlight the tasks that will need to be completed when the emergency is over. If the emergency forced residents to leave their homes, make sure to coordinate with local authorities before allowing residents to return to their homes. Powers and limitations A condo/HOA may have access to additional powers during an emergency. These powers will be dependent on the community’s governing documents, state law, and the nature of the emergency. Associations cannot simply grant themselves additional powers in an emergency, and these special powers do have limits.   The board will need to balance its obligation to prioritize the best interests of the community against the limitations on the association’s authority as a non-governmental actor. Finances Emergencies can be costly. Repairs aren’t cheap, but they must be completed, and the condo/HOA will need to find the money somehow. Monthly dues paid by owners are always essential to the well being of the community, but they become even more significant after an emergency has occurred. While it is a tough ask, owners should make every effort to pay their fees during and after an emergency. If payments cannot be made, owners must reach out to the board or]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Condo association vs HOA: Discover the 4 differences</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/condo-association-vs-hoa-discover-the-4-differences/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:31:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321723</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[When a person is in the process of deciding where they’re going to live, they will have a variety of factors to consider. One of these includes whether they will reside in a private or public neighborhood. Inside a private neighborhood one can decide to live in a Condo association or HOA.   Condo Association and HOAs are both community associations that people reside at. Due to this similarity people often use the two words interchangeably. Nevertheless, they have their fair share of differences. In the article below you will find some of the main characteristics that set them apart. CONDO ASSOCIATION HOA Condo association A condominium or Condo Association is a private building with multiple units resided by residents or renters. All of the members have ownership and access over the common areas in the building. A condominium will normally include elevators, swimming pools, gym, roofs, and hallways. All of these common areas need to be managed, so the board will determine how much the residents should pay for each. After buying the unit, the resident has to agree to all of the Covenants, Conditions and Regulations (CC&#038;Rs) and the dues required to be paid.  A Condo Association will have a group of members from the board who are required to maintain the property and quality of the neighborhood. Since  managing an association is a very arduous and time consuming task, sometimes the board can contract a management company to assist in its various responsibilities. HOA An HOA is an acronym for Home Owner Association. This community is composed of homes where rules are established about how residents can manage their homes. The association has to manage the common areas for the residents to enjoy them. Each homeowner will have a certain lot that their house will occupy and this usually determines the price one will have to pay for living there. Differences Since these two terms can be quite similar there are certain characteristics that will help differ both types of associations. Below you will find out the 4 main differences between a Condo Association and an HOA.   OWNERSHIP Condo Association In a Condo Association, a homeowner has ownership over their unit and they share ownership with the association over the common areas available like the lobby, restaurant, court, etc. Every resident in this association is a member and shares what it owns.   HOA An HOA, on the other hand, is independent or it is owned by the developer of a community. This means that, apart from owning their property and unity, residents don’t own common areas.  This difference is quite significant since it can impact how certain procedures and policies work as well as determining taxes and insurance, for example. MANAGEMENT Condo Association Since a  Condo Association manages structures with various units included, like a high rise with condo apartments, or a mixed community with townhomes. Often they have lobbies, hallways, roofs, elevators, swimming pools, etc. A community association manager, as previously mentioned, is a demanding job that requires a variety of skills in order to successfully manage their community.  Time management, adapting to problems and situations, communicating with residents, and digital skills are all some examples of qualities a manager can have in order to increase their chances of being more successful. Condo inspections are also extremely important when managing your condo association. It ensures that every aspect of your COA is in great condition which reduces security issues and can save costs. Click this link if you want to know more about condo association management! HOA An HOA, however, doesn’t manage an individual’s homes, which is why their maintenance is prioritized to the common areas and amenities. For instance, there are often a variety of amenities such as a community garden, meditation area, and a space for recreational activities. Common areas , which include amenities and shared areas in a community (such as sidewalks), all need maintenance. These can include irrigation, sewage, trash collection, and landscaping. HOA asset management is also extremely significant to any association. It helps the board know what the HOA owns, making it easier to keep track of everything, makes budgeting more organized, and it helps with planning. FEES Condo Association Every year the board of directors plan the annual budget, This includes the expenses that the common areas will require. Unit owners will pay for part of the upkeep through their fees. They may be calculated using the percentage an owner has  of the common area. This means that the bigger the common area owned, the bigger the expenses. Because condo owners will have to pay for professionals who help maintain their units as well as the common areas , their fees tend to be higher than HOA fees. In short, condo fees are paid monthly, quarterly or annually and will cover the maintenance, common area utilities, inspection, property management company fees, security, and repairs – this cost will be split up amongst all the condo owners. HOA In HOAs the board of directors determines the amount of fees, enforce rules/guidelines for residents to follow and maintain the HOA. Condo Association fees are usually more expensive because every resident has to pay to maintain the building and unit they’re living in. In an HOA, residents often don’t have to pay as much because the community doesn’t have to pay to maintain each home. Owners are responsible for the maintenance of their lot and home. HOA fees can be a monthly, quarterly or annual charge that is used to maintain the common areas, facilities, reserve funds, gardening, and workers salaries. Depending on thelocation of the HOA, and how many amenities it has, fees can go as high as over $4,000/month, but they typically range from $100-$400/month. RULES Condo association Since everyone in a condo association lives in the same building, architectural guidelines aren’t as strict as the ones in HOA. Instead, they mostly enforce rules regarding noise levels, smoking, and pets.   A condo association will have governing documents that contain its]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Owners Fighting Chicago City Hall Over Massive Condo Water Bill</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/owners-fighting-chicago-city-hall-over-massive-condo-water-bill/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:52:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321515</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[A massive condo water bill has sparked outrage among a group of condo owners in Chicago, Illinois. Although the owners suspect it’s due to a faulty water meter, City Hall has remained unresponsive.   750,000 GALLONS WORTH OF WATER In June 2020, a group of North Side condo owners was slapped with a water bill for more than $10,000. According to the bill, the owners had allegedly used 750,000 gallons of water for that billing period. In comparison, a typical billing period sees the condo owners using an estimated 60,000 gallons of water, which equates to about $800 for the building’s four units. The owners suspected that there was an error in the reading, so they contacted City Hall. However, City Hall stuck to the reading and suggested that the building may have an undiscovered leak. All of the condo owners then hire plumbers to look at everything. But, the plumbers discovered no broken pipes or leaks that would result in a reading of 750,000 gallons of water. A REPEAT MISTAKE? Back in 2019, the city discovered that the water meter in the condo building was giving out incorrect, high readings. In response, the city had the water meter placed. Owners now suspect that the same thing happened this time around. However, when contacted, the city concluded that the water meter worked fine. City Hall then ordered the residents to settle their condo water bill, which has now grown to $23,000 and counting. UNRESPONSIVE OFFICIALS Kate Saeva, one of the condo owners, feels frustrated because of the lack of response from city officials. According to Saeva, they can “never get in touch with anyone that’s able to engage in a constructive conversation.” So they turned to their alderman, Daniel La Spata of the 1st ward. La Spata’s office has been attempting to help the condo residents, but the city is making it difficult to resolve the issue. City Hall stuck by their conclusion that the bill was “valid.” Their next step is to offer the condo owners a payment plan.]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Condo Inspection: 5 Important Things You Need to Know</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/condo-inspection-5-important-things-you-need-to-know/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2022 20:17:11 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321309</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[A condo inspection helps you assess the current condition of a condominium building and its units. It is essential to ensure safety, save costs and identify potential issues. This article goes through the benefits of conducting regular inspections, tools that help you perform them, and new key legislation for condo associations.   General information about condo inspections  First, you should know that there are two types of inspections in condominiums. Interior only condo inspection, which usually includes: Doors, windows, floors, and walls in the unit Kitchen and bathrooms Water heater, water flow, and drainage Electrical &#038; HVAC systems Smoke alarms Check for signs of damage and unusual smells Full inspections which include all of the above and: Common areas Common elements Roofing Parking space Attics Prospective buyers usually ask for an interior-only condo inspection before they purchase a unit. However, experts recommend doing a full one. In condo associations, each unit owner also owns a share of the common elements, so it is important to be aware of the condition of the overall property.  The condo board is in charge of making sure that common areas are inspected and well maintained. They usually hire a certified home inspector to do this process. In addition, the condo board can also conduct less formal and more frequent assessments. They can check the property now and then and report any issues.  The board needs to hire different kinds of professionals for specific inspections. To check the structural condition of a building, you should hire a licensed engineer or architect. Whereas, if your condo has trees and plants, you need the service of condo landscaping experts. Frequent condo inspections help save costs &#038; maintain property value Preventive maintenance involves frequently checking and fixing common elements in your condo to prevent unplanned repairs in the future. It’s a proactive way of dealing with maintenance activities in a condominium. Being preventive rather than reactive has a lot of benefits.  Saving a lot of money  Minimizing the risk of hazards  Offering unit owners pleasant common areas Doing inspections can be considered preventive maintenance. By checking common areas frequently, you can spot any issues that require attention before they become bigger problems. It also helps you with your asset management . A condo inspection is an excellent opportunity to keep track of the useful life of your condo’s components. It helps the board to prepare financially for future replacements or large maintenance projects.  “Every dollar you spend on preventative maintenance, you could pay up to 4 dollars for corrective maintenance” Ricardo Moncada, Chief Consultant at RMS Last but not least, preventive maintenance helps you maintain your property value. It also enhances curb appeal (attractiveness of your property’s outside area). When you have high curb appeal, current residents are happy about where they live, and you attract prospective buyers. Preventing hazards and damages by inspecting your condo regularly  Natural disasters can be more common depending on the state or region the property is located. For instance, condos in Florida need to prepare themselves every year for hurricane season. Whereas in California, they should watch out for potential wildfires.  Inspecting your condo is a way to prepare for any disaster. By doing so, you can identify any aspect that could pose a threat in case of a disaster.  Documenting the condition of the building and taking pictures can also serve as proof for insurance companies or disaster relief funds. You sometimes need to show evidence that this occurrence caused the damage.  It is also important to do a thorough inspection after the event happens.  Some damages aren’t immediately apparent. Natural disasters sometimes leave behind unseen impairments that can worsen over time and increase the risk of hazards. Condo Law on inspection – ensuring compliance at all times  New legislation are sometimes enacted in response to tragic events. The 2015 deck collapse in Berkeley led to the California Senate Bill 326 (SB326 ), which requires inspection of all Exterior Elevated Elements of common interest communities prior to January 1, 2025 and every nine years thereafter.  Following the tragic 2021 condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida passed a bill requiring stricter condominium inspections. a.  A Milestone Inspection must be performed by December 31st of the year the building reaches 30 years of age, based on the issue date of the building’s certificate of occupancy, and every ten years after that.  b. Buildings within 3 miles of the coastline must perform a milestone inspection by December 31st of the year they reach 25 years and every ten years after that.  A regular condo inspection is an essential maintenance practice, but when it comes to the structural components of the building, the government usually requires mandatory inspections to ensure citizens’ safety. Each state has different legislation. So it’s important to keep up with your state’s laws and comply with them. Working efficiently using property inspection software  An inspection process involves several stakeholders. Using technology can facilitate collaboration between these different parties. Nowadays, you can find various online solutions that help you manage this process more efficiently and transparently.  A good example is property inspection software, which helps you capture property conditions, store files, and issue instant reports. You can also assign tasks and responsibilities to different individuals and track them.  Here is what you can do with such a tool: Use personalizable inspection templates Track inspections and assignments  Convert voice recording to text  Store pictures, files, and other data Collect signatures  Issue reports instantly and keeps records Access the portal on the go via mobile and tablet  Using technology helps you streamline your condo inspection process. It saves everyone a lot of time. It also makes property managers, owners, and board members more accountable.  Wrapping up on condo inspections Keep in mind that a property that is uncared for makes it harder to sell units and keep its residents living there long term.So, performing regular condo inspections are essential for the well-being and satisfaction of residents.It’s also the best practice to save money on maintenance. Make sure]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Condo Door Sparks Dispute in Florida Community</title>
		<link>https://www.hoaalliance.org/condo-door-sparks-dispute-in-florida-community/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[HOA Alliance]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2022 16:37:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hoaalliance.org/?p=321114</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[A couple in Margate installed a new condo door to prepare for hurricane season. However, the change quickly triggered a dispute between the two owners and their association.   SECURED APPROVAL Frank and Nicole Torres are residents of Viewpointe of Margate, a condominium in Florida. The couple replaced their front door with an outward swinging one on the advice of a salesman. According to Frank, strong winds during hurricane season won’t blow the outward swinging door open. The couple followed the condo association’s rules and sought approval first before purchasing the door. The plans they submitted came with a note informing the association that the door swung out. The property manager approved the plans on the condition that they secure a city permit and paint the door. After receiving approval, the couple had the door installed and painted, ready for final approval. LETTER OF VIOLATION Frank and Nicole then received a letter from the condo’s attorney, saying that they had violated the rules with their condo door. This came as a shock to the couple, who thought they did everything according to the condo’s rules. Nicole responded to the attorney by sending the approval letter that they initially received. The attorney, however, gave them two options: either replace the door at their expense or change their insurance to cover injuries caused by the outward swinging door. Replacing the door would cost the couple another $2,800. For an Army vet and a schoolteacher wife with a baby on the way, that’s a lot of money. RESOLVING THE DISPUTE Not wanting to fight with their association any further, Frank and Nicole offered to pay half the cost of a new condo door. After their story reached the local news, the condo board accepted the offer. The property manager, who made the mistake of approving the door in the first place, will pay for the other half. Frank and Nicole already received the check. While the couple does regret offering to cover half the cost, they are satisfied that the matter has been resolved and that they are now less stressed.]]></description>
		
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
