Jeffrey Kaman, Author at Kaman & Cusimano

The Growing Trend of Community Associations’ Digital Record Keeping

Like any corporation, community associations generate a tremendous amount of paper records and documents. Some larger and/or older associations must dedicate entire rooms to storing nothing but filing cabinets packed full of paperwork. Because inflow of paperwork knows no ends, as long as the association continues to operate, the records will continue to accumulate. Organization […]

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Ohio Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Homeowners

Court Cases / Jeffrey Kaman

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Ohio recently issued a favorable ruling for homeowners across the state. The decision also benefits community associations facing unnecessary repairs as a result of poor construction practices by their developer. In Jones v. Centex Homes, the Ohio Supreme Court reversed a decision by the Tenth District Court

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Recent Successes – 2012

Enforcement, Recent Successes / Jeffrey Kaman

Successfully resolved a lawsuit against an adjacent property owner for improperly removing trees and other vegetation from the association’s common elements. Facts: An association had a large “pond” as part of its common elements, which was surrounded by various vegetation and small willow trees. An adjoining landowner had an easement granted by the original developer

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Requesting Your Association’s Federal Tax ID Number

Federal & Regulatory, Financial / Jeffrey Kaman

Condominium and homeowner association board members and property managers are often asked for their association’s Federal Tax Identification Number. Community associations in Ohio are not-for-profit corporations that are registered with the Ohio Secretary of State. Just because an association is not-for-profit, however, does not mean that an association’s income is non-taxable; therefore, the association still may

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Association Thief Released From Prison

Financial / Jeffrey Kaman

After serving 44 months of a 51 month sentence in federal prison for stealing more than $3.4 Million Dollars from over 40 of Ohio’s community associations, former MultiVest Management owner Kathleen DeSalvo is being released today. By her production of fraudulent bank statements and online fund transfers, the losses related to Ms. DeSalvo range from

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Condo Associations Get Tough on Fees

Collections / Jeffrey Kaman

The increasingly large, grassroots push for community association rights to delinquent fees is beginning to receive national attention. The May 25, 2011 edition of the Wall Street Journal features a story entitled “Condo Associations Get Tough on Fees.” The story features communities in Nevada and Florida that have taken proactive steps to collect delinquent fees

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Ohio Introduces Legislation Protecting Service Flags

Recent Successes / Jeffrey Kaman

Recently, the Ohio General Assembly introduced House Bill 189 that would affect all condominium and homeowner associations within Ohio. If passed, this legislation would prohibit all community associations, through their rules or recorded declaration provisions from restricting the display of blue star banners, gold star banners, and other service flags. This prohibition would be in

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New ADA Pool Regulations Generally Don’t Apply to Associations

Federal & Regulatory, Operations / Jeffrey Kaman

Recently, the US Department of Justice revised its Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) regulations regarding pools. These new regulations require that public pools have sufficient access for the disabled, including ramps or lifts. Some pool companies have sent notices to community associations informing them of the new requirement, but neglecting to inform the association that

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Impact of “Robo-Signing” on Association Foreclosures

Collections, Financial / Jeffrey Kaman

Recently, there has been significant media attention regarding banks’ “robo-signing” procedures and the impact on pending foreclosure cases. In response, many Ohio judges have imposed strict new guidelines for banks and their attorneys to follow in an effort to ensure accuracy of loan documents. On Monday, the Columbus Dispatch reported that multiple Franklin County Court

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NPR Columbus – Condominium/HOA Special Report

Financial / Jeffrey Kaman

For those of you who were unable to listen live to Kaman & Cusimano, LLC Attorney Marie Rutkowski’s appearance on WOSU Columbus, the show’s archives are now available online. To listen and watch the round table discussion, please visit: http://www.ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=128655&returnTo=Collection On Wednesday, January 12, Marie appeared with host Ann Fisher on “All Sides with Ann Fisher.”

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Condo | HOA Lawyers

Jeffrey Kaman