New England’s trustees and managers know what a tall order it is to run an HOA, condo association or co-op; from structural maintenance to interpersonal communication and conflict resolution, the skills and strengths that make for effective…

Q. I pay HOA fees for maintenance that includes landscaping, but not all areas of our development are the same; some streets have ornamental trees and a minimal amount of leaves falling, while my block is swamped with leaves on the ground…

Q. I live in a mid-rise condominium, and my next door neighbor is a hoarder. She frequently leaves her door open, so it’s easy to see that there’s a serious problem. I complained to the building management several times, but nothing has i…

While condo associations in many parts of the country occupy towering high-rise buildings or sprawl across vast suburban acreages, small condominium associations—those consisting of 10 units or fewer—are more the norm in New England; indeed…

Just as a ship cannot steer without its captain, a board cannot function effectively without its president. Serving as the administrative head, this volunteer position is vital for ensuring the smooth operation of a condo, co-op, or HOA boa…

As autumn sets in and we savor the crisp air and vibrant foliage, it is time for co-ops, condos, and HOAs to focus on the essential maintenance tasks that can help protect their properties during the winter months. Winter, especially in reg…

As members of co-op corporations and condominium associations, we often hear the term fiduciary duty bandied about.  But what does it really mean to be a fiduciary? Stated simply, the term ‘fiduciary’ means trust. When a person managing the…

Homeownership is a long-term commitment for most. In the context of a multifamily community like a condo or co-op, it’s not unusual for many owners and shareholders in the building to have purchased their units around the same time in early…

A community’s governing documents, including its bylaws and house rules, are like a country’s constitution and laws. They are—or at least they should be—‘living’ documents that like our state and national laws and constitution, occasionally…

Q. I own a condo. My building has charged me a fee of $300 and I don’t think it is fair. A friend visited me in my apartment a month ago. She was cooking a meal and inadvertently left one of the burners slightly on without a flame. A neig…