One of the certainties of living in a co-op, condo, or HOA is that despite all having an equal stake in the financial and administrative success of the building or association, only a small percentage of residents choose to take an active r…
The term ‘diversity’ encompasses an expansive range of demographics within a population, from ethnicity, age, gender and orientation, ability, religion, and socioeconomic status to culture, language, and personal lived experience. These fac…
Author and former presidential speechwriter James Humes once said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” In multifamily communities, transparent and open communication helps ensure smooth operations and leads to greater …
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…
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…
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…
CooperatorNews New Jersey has been reporting on matters related to multifamily living, governance, and operations for the better part of four decades, expanding from the New York City metro area to various east coast, midwest, and western m…
At the heart of every shared interest community is the person who makes it run. That person is known by many names: superintendent (or just ‘super’), building engineer, resident manager, community manager. Their duties and responsibilities…
Along with competent, engaged leadership, good management is fundamental to the successful operation of any shared interest community—and the basis of good management is in large part spelled out in the contract between the community and it…