Mental health issues aren't new to community associations, but the pandemic has heightened these feelings and behaviors. It has become overwhelming for many managers and board members. I

It's without a doubt that COVID-19 continues to present challenges in homeowners' associations. There must be a delicate balance between cultivating community and making safety a priority when neighbors have guests over for dinner and want to use the clubhouse.

In most associations, the assignment of one or more spaces is for each unit. Boards should use their rule-making authority to adopt parking policies that require owners to park in their assigned areas. That gives the association the power to enforce the rules if an owner violates this provision.

Some condominium or townhome documents contain specific requirements for charging stations, but most don't specifically address the subject. When the documents are silent on the matter, installing a charging station is typically handled as a request to modify the general or limited common elements.

Associations that want to either limit or ban vaping in their community will need to take a careful look at their governing documents. Looking over these documents will determine whether they can do so through either rules and regulations or an amendment to their governing documents.

When it comes to determining who gets to put up what—and when—at homeowners associations, things have the potential to get complicated. Read on for tips about holiday decorations in your HOA.

There are good reasons for homeowners associations to obtain multiple bids for contract work. Proposals help the association create a budget for long-range planning and ensure that the board selects the best contractor to complete the required work within the timeframe and contract specifications. Some boards believe they need three bids for every contract, no matter how small or undefined the work's scope. That's not always the right thing to do.

Thanksgiving typically means family gatherings, festive decorations, and plenty of food. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the country and government officials advise people to stay home to protect themselves, more Americans rethink their holiday plans.

HOAs ask themselves: should an association make accommodations for people with neurological issues like early-onset dementia, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum? What special accommodations or exceptions are available under the Fair Housing Act?

Civility, like chivalry, is becoming extremely rare. Differences of opinion are no longer allowed—either someone agrees with the other person, or both may reject any polite dialogue. Today's society needs healthy ways to manage disagreements and relationships, especially in your community HOAs. Here are some tips to consider regarding the dispute and what it means (or doesn't).

Residents living in homeowners' associations tend to be more civic-minded and engaged with community governance. According to the Foundation's research, 2.4 million residents volunteer to serve on community association governing boards or committees. Read on to learn more.

Like any relationship, one built on trust is an important one between an association's board members and its community association management company. It's the primary reason this relationship exists in the first place. A board of directors calls on a management company to help execute the responsibilities it has to its residents. Therefore the way a management company pays its bills can significantly impact the level of trust and overall quality of the relationship—for better or worse.

As hurricane season ramps up, residents along the coastal U.S. should be prepared to respond to a natural disaster effectively and efficiently. Residents should brace for strong winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding. Read more on how you can best prevent damage caused by flooding, heavy wind, and other storm issues.

It is necessary to understand that construction defects can occur in brand new buildings, renovations, or small projects such as installing new locks throughout an apartment complex. The most significant challenge in dealing with a construction defect is prolonging the time it gets repaired. Read on to learn more.

Every HOA has different rules for displaying flags, whether they be the American flag, a garden flag, or a banner with a resident's favorite football team. These rules promote uniformity within community associations and avoid the potential proliferation of flags, banners, and emblems.

Proactive pet policies create responsible pet owners. Several community associations have rules about pets. However, regulations based on the size, breed, or the number of pets are not always fair for residents who want to have more options when choosing a furry companion.

You and your neighbors have the right to enjoy your homes in peace and stock them with the things you want. But remember, how you furnish your unit may be a nuisance to your neighbors in theirs'.

Significant expenses in development occur, and homeowners must cover the costs, one way or another. An HOA commonly maintains a type of savings account called the cash reserves or a reserve account for significant, infrequent, or unexpected common area costs.

Playgrounds may look a little different this summer. If your community is still following a strict protocol due to COVID-19, please be patient and abide by the mandates of the association leaders. Read more to learn what you can do to make your community a safe community.

Your community may have received insurance money from Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael. Or maybe you weren't directly affected by these two hurricanes, but others from the past. Floridians are continually facing the blows of hurricanes to their towns.