As the leaves change and the weather cools, it’s time to make like the squirrels and start preparing for winter. For shared interest communities, that often means dusting off the winter snow-removal supplies and equipment, from shovels and …
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 decade ago, I was elected onto the board of a condo of a fairly young building that was plagued with assessments, lawsuits, and other issues. A previous board member—happy to pass on the troubled torch—came over to hand me a binder as pa…
The impacts of climate change are vast and interrelated. While natural factors like solar variations, the planet’s orbital shifts, and volcanic eruptions occur cyclically and have nothing to do with people, human activity adds significantly…
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…
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, occasionall…
At the heart of volunteerism is the notion of doing something for the common good. For many, choosing to live in a co-op or condo community is also choosing to volunteer for board service, helping to guide and govern the community they call…
In response to the 2021 Surfside Condominium tragedy in Florida, many states and municipalities have adopted, are considering adopting, or are updating existing rules governing reserves, reserve studies and maintenance schedules for multifa…
When a condo or co-op resident runs for a seat on their board, the decision to do so generally comes from a desire to ‘step up’ and participate in the governance of the place they call home, and the building or association community as a wh…
In a multifamily building, residents who compulsively collect and hoard items - whether it be old newspapers and magazines, canned goods, pets, or even garbage - pose a threat to the safety and health of their neighbors, as well as a liabil…