Break the rules. Pay a fine. Repeat. That’s not the way it’s supposed to work—but community associations that don’t keep penalties for rules infractions up to date may find that residents consider it easier (and possibly cheaper) to …
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you: It’s the golden rule taught to children, but it bears repeating for adults considering board positions with condominium associations. Anyone in a board position is bound by fiduciary…
Many if not most boards of trustees get along famously. There are boards that have had the same members for decades and run their communities without a hitch. But sometimes boards don’t get along so well. We frequently get calls from…
Recycling has become an entrenched part of solid waste management for communities everywhere, and condo managers report that, in general, unit owners have been steadily moving into compliance. Often though, it’s difficult to find a t…
Q In 2008, the board of trustees of my building took out a loan to fix the roof after a hurricane. It is my understanding that it was a 5-year loan with a balloon and they had to refinance it in 2013 and the loan now is extended to 2017. …
The New England Condo Expo, now in its sixth year at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, brought together thousands of trustees, board members, managers and service providers from all over the New England region on May 20th, for a fu…
Many people dream of a place to call their own, and thanks to a rebounding housing market and a birth of new developments under construction, shiny new condominiums await. However, despite the appeal of a new condo development—such as wire…
Q Last year I became disabled and applied to the board for approval for a companion dog. Upon approval, I signed an agreement that restricted the dog from certain areas and reiterated the dog could not be a nuisance to neighbors. I instal…
You’ve just been elected to your condo board of trustees. On the one hand, you’re honored. A few neighbors have offered a congratulatory handshake, and now you’re in the mood to pop the bubbly. On the other, there’s a sense of hesitation. …
Q I was wondering if you had any information about whether a co-op management company is required by law to answer questions about random fees appearing on a monthly statement. I've been struggling for 6 months with my management company …