Tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes—these are just a few of the devastating disasters that have made headlines already in 2011 and created emergency situations that many never thought possible. As the past year’s calamitous snows…
Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of the recent recession was the sudden evaporation of credit from major banks and lending institutions. The logic behind it was understandable: too much easy credit had led, in part, to the col…
Consider the following all-too-common scenario: your condominium association has one delinquent unit owner who owes three months of common charges totaling $915.00 before late fees. Statements have been sent without response, and telep…
New Jersey has a long tradition of being culturally diverse, and that tradition continues to evolve today. New Jersey's Gold Coast has large populations of Asian, Indian/Hindi and Hasidim. Other areas have large populations of Pakistan…
Years ago, when apartment residents wanted to do laundry, they gathered their basket and detergent, loaded up their pockets with quarters and perhaps a good book or their Walkman and trudged downstairs to the dark, dingy laundry room. A…
Like any major project in a co-op or condominium, installing a gym is made up of two separate yet equally important parts: The brass tacks of planning and executing the project, and the politics of running it through the board and resi…
It’s a different world for amenities, these days. Just a decade ago, if you were fortunate enough to live in a building with a gated entrance or a nicely-landscaped swimming pool, you thought you hit the jackpot. It was easy f…
You’ve all seen the ads, whether you’re over 55 or not. They’re called “active adult” communities, “retirement” communities, “over-55” communities, “active-lifestyle” communities or any number of other names. Popular locations f…
Q Owners who don't have dryer vents cleaned every two years are fined but they still refuse to hire a vent cleaner. In one case, an owner on the second floor had it done inside but the outside lint screen is clogged because some ven…
It's springtime, and the annual budget process for associations is quickly approaching. To avoid financial surprises, budgets should be as realistic as possible. With that in mind, one of the main goals of the budget process should be …