For most people, after a long winter, warm weather cannot come soon enough. But, if you are a trustee in a community association or a property manager, spring means more than barbecues and patio furniture—it means tough decisions and exp…
In Florida and the District of Columbia, among other states, property managers are required to be licensed in order to do business. As of now, managers in New Jersey have no such requirement; however, the topic does generate great debate…
After almost a decade of explosive housing activity thanks to home loans requiring only ten, five or zero percent down, just about the entire country was faced with financial setbacks in the housing market. Subprime mortgage loans shot u…
In today's litigious society, it seems like almost anybody can be sued for almost anything. Co-ops and condos are no different. And no matter what side of the legal battle you're on, knowing the role of your community's manager is vital …
Like concierges or travel agents, professional residential managers provide a service to their customers—building managers operate in the service industry, after all. And as in all quadrants of the service industry, some companies perfor…
It's not always easy for an HOA resident to know if a troubling situation calls for contacting the association's management company, especially during non-business hours. But you'd think it would be pretty clear that a Christmas Day call…
Remember those old TV variety shows from the 1950s where someone spins a dozen plates while juggling and riding a unicycle? Sometimes being a property manager can be a bit like that, especially when handling multiple clients and dealing …
Q I just attended our yearly condo meeting. The minutes were not read and there was no election of officers. The board claimed that they don’t have to have elections—only every two or three years. Issues that we have had over the last ye…
Q What does New Jersey state law say about any requirements that a company that leases a garage from a condo play fair with a waiting list? And must such lists be published for unit owners to see? Our garage has a highly suspect …
Q Our condo has prohibited the use of doormats. They say they are a hazard. Is this legal? How can we fight this nit-picking rule? —Tracking Dirt in New Construction A “The New Jersey Condominium Act grants the govern…