Q. We see how combative national, state, and even local elections can be, but they still feel tame compared to some of the elections we’ve had at our association. It seems every election is contentious, and sometimes they get downright n…
In many ways co-op, condo, and HOA living represents the most basic form of representative democracy. Like the ancient Athenians, we gather periodically to elect a small group from among us to represent our joint interests and to oversee th…
Even among otherwise conscientious, community-minded condo, HOA, and co-op residents, the idea of running for and serving on their board often ranks somewhere between taxes and dental work on their list of things to look forward to. It conj…
Q. Can a current board member advertise his re-election, or go around knocking on each door and telling owners who to vote for? Is this legal? —Feeling Pressured A. “The short answer to this question is: yes, it is leg…
Social distancing, lockdowns, quarantine, remote work, distance learning—these once unfamiliar terms have changed the way we live our everyday lives in the time of a global pandemic. In a society where a handshake is the social gesture that…
Some associations may have an urgent need to conduct particular business during the COVID-19 outbreak, perhaps even in response to the crisis. Unfortunately, in the upcoming days and weeks, the governing boards of community associations wil…
Q. The election of officers did not occur at our condo’s annual meeting, nor was a date and time set for the election. The election of officers has not occurred within the 10 days as stated in our bylaws or state statutes because there wa…
The board of a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association has a fiduciary duty to make decisions in the best interest of the community as a whole. While laws obviously vary between cities and states – and of course each multifamily…
If you live in a condominium, cooperative or HOA, you’re effectively acting as part of a participatory democracy run by an elected group of volunteers. And as with any democracy, those affected by the board’s decisions are encouraged to get…
Q. The last presidential contest may have rocked the nation, but it seemed tame compared to some of the elections we’ve had at our association. It seems every election is contentious, and sometimes they get downright nasty. Opposing “camp…