Stop that Barking!
Dogs left alone all day get bored and restless, and many find relief in barking. Some respond noisily to any and all activity. But, nothing is as annoying as incessant barking—even for dog lovers. If your dog is a yapper or a yowler, please consider some of these bark-abatement ideas to keep the noise down […]
Assessments as Important as Mortgages and Taxes
When you sit down to pay your bills each month, do you consider your association assessment a low priority? If so, think again. According to the NationalConsumerLawCenter’s (NCLC) Guide to Surviving Debt, “Condo fees…should be considered a high priority.” In fact, NCLC considers community association assessments in the same category as mortgage payments and real […]
Tips for Successful Renting
Approximately four in 10 homes in suburban America are occupied by renters. If your unit is one of those homes—or about to become one—here are a few tips that will help you, your renters, and the association. Talk to the Manager The association manager can give you important information about what the association requires of […]
Homeowner Rights & Responsibilities
As a homeowner in a Homeowner association, you have certain rights—and responsibilities. You have the right to . . . A responsive and competent community association. Honest, fair, and respectful treatment by community leaders and managers. Attend meetings, serve on committees, and run for election. Access appropriate association records. Prudent […]
Working to Protect Your Money
One of the most important responsibilities of the board is to manage the association’s funds—your money. We take this responsibility seriously; these are the procedures we insist on to protect your money: Association financial records are audited annually by a certified public accountant. Bank statements are reconciled promptly each month. The balance […]
Reduce Threats to You and Your Children
Countless accidents, injuries, and deaths occur in and around the home, and our community is no exception. Our children are often at the greatest risk—even when we do everything we can to protect them. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 17 deaths and more than 181,000 toy-related injuries in 2010 […]
Government Support is One Click Away
You’ve probably heard the old joke, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you.” While there are times most of us would agree this is a contradiction in terms, government agencies do provide an unlimited variety of free advice, guidance, and information, and most of it is now just a computer click away. […]
Are You Adequately Insured?
Condominium owners sometimes assume that the association’s master insurance policy is all the coverage they need. The master policy actually only covers the building, not your personal belongings, or any upgrades you’ve made to your unit. For example upgraded flooring, new cabinets or appliances, or renovations are generally not covered by the master policy. Neither […]
Do You Know Where Your Association Documents Are?
When you bought a home in your community, you should have received copies of all of the governing documents—including the rules and regulations—prior to or at closing. Sometimes these documents get lost among all the other papers you received at closing. And many homebuyers are so involved moving into their new homes, they don’t take […]
Why Must the Association Approve My Fence?
Although the association may sometime seem like Big Brother when you want to build a shed or put up a fence, our design review program is actually a benefit—not a burden. The association’s design standards are based on harmony with the overall community, consideration for neighbors, and high-quality construction practices. The architectural review program exists […]
