The discovery of fire is considered a major turning point in man's evolution from cave dweller to outer space explorer. Control of fire allowed early man warmth for his habitat, a way to cook his meals, and light for his surroundings. …
For most people, nothing is more important than knowing that they and their families are safe and secure in the place they call home. Boards, management and security firms all must work together seamlessly and cohesively to create that…
The issue of intellectual property and an individual’s right to privacy has become a greater concern since more and more people conduct their lives online—whether for banking, social media or dating. While the aforementioned generally h…
It’s still all about the economy. The foreclosure avalanche seems to have slowed in New England, but community associations continue to fight a seemingly endless wave of financial issues as 2012 ends and 2013 looms. For this year-end e…
Anyone who’s clocked lots of hours at association meetings has a story or two about high passion and heated arguments—but a police detail at an annual meeting? “If someone’s just too disruptive,” reports Henry Goodman of the Dedham, Mass…
In a condo or community association, socializing among owners sometimes is limited to quick chitchat by the mail slots or saying hello over eggnog in the lobby come December. That’s why some residents who live there—whether in…
Like any community, large or small, condominium associations can face a wide array of emergency situations. They may be internal conditions such as fire, water pipe breaks or stuck elevators, or external events such as floods and hurri…
Q I am the president of an association in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. We have been under the impression that if an owner is delinquent in paying a monthly fee that an automatic lien is created on the property, thus preventing such owner …
Water, Water Everywhere? Q We moved into a condo that was a gut rehab and have had leaks from the roof and exterior walls hit multiple rooms in our apartment for the last decade. We are the first owners. The various boards ha…
Q We have had an ant problem since the spring. A problem that began in the unit upstairs has now spread to several units including ours. Who is responsible for the removal and extermination? Is it the original unit or the associatio…
Q Our condo community is considering converting a large community room into a gym and kids play space, separated from each other by a child fence. Are there any Massachusetts codes surrounding establishing gyms in residential buildings …