The idea that ‘form follows function’ is one of the basic concepts underlying nearly every design discipline—but function for whom? For many people living with disabilities, it often seems that ‘function’ covers a very narrow range of abili…

Q. Can a condo association that does not follow its bylaws as registered with the state of Rhode Island have the power to enforce its rules and regulations and fine a unit owner?      — Law-Abiding Owner A. “The Rhode Island Condo…

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…

When the sun seems to shine a bit brighter, warmer, and longer, and the first buds of spring start to appear on trees and bushes, many multifamily property managers, boards, and residents start to think about the landscaping at their buildi…

In multifamily properties where different households share in the use, visual enjoyment, and property value of landscaped outdoor elements, a lot of factors go into deciding what and where to plant, how to maintain it, and how much to spend…

Outdoor space, whether communal or private to individual units, has always been at the top of the most-desired amenities list for condominium and co-op purchasers.  A small terrace or balcony can add hours of quiet enjoyment to apartment li…

Q. My condo association has five board members. The term of service is three years, which is clearly stated in our governing docs. Our association was to have an election in November 2020, for three seats. Their three-year terms were endi…

Exterior maintenance and repair are some of the most extensive—and expensive—work that a condo, HOA, or co-op will undertake; they’re also unavoidable. So when planning such a project, two important factors should be considered: The first i…

You may have heard that thanks to cooperative corporations being included in the new federal Stimulus Bill passed at the end of December, residential co-ops can now obtain loans under the Fed’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). While this …

The board of any residential community has two prime directives: to maintain the financial health of the association, and to maintain the structural health of the property.  Both require a broad array of knowledge — much of which the averag…