With election season upon us, the topic of political signs is bound to come up at your association. This time of year, political signs start popping up in the yards on individual lots and on common and limited common elements as well as in owner’s windows. Many homeowner and condominium associations have deed restrictions on […]
Political Signs and Free Speech Read More »
At the end of every calendar year, board members for community associations gather around conference tables, dining room tables, or tables in local libraries to have the unpopular and often dreaded discussion of how to explain to owners in their communities that their association monthly assessments are going to increase for the upcoming year. We
When the Board Decides to Raise the Monthly Assessments – Telling the Owners Read More »
It’s no secret that this hot and humid summer weather poses a health risk to many members of our community associations. Extreme heat is likely to cause or exasperate health problems, particularly in older adults, young children, or those with chronic health problems. As the temperatures hover at or above ninety degrees, here are some
The Hot Days of August Have Arrived in Ohio Read More »
As the weather warms up, community association pools are open and ready to be enjoyed. In addition to cleaning the pool furniture and testing the chemicals in the water, boards are tasked with the responsibility of creating rules to protect against harm to those using the pool. Boards must remain diligent so their well-intended rules
Swimming the Dangerous Waters of the Fair Housing Act Read More »
As a member of a community association board, it is important for you to preserve the association’s attorney-client privilege. The attorney-client privilege generally prevents the unwanted disclosure of communications between an attorney and their client. For example, if an attorney provides their client an opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of a potential case, third
Preserving the Attorney-Client Privilege Read More »
When it comes to year-end financial obligations of associations, most boards are aware of general requirements, such as providing financial statements to the owners, finalizing a budget for the upcoming year, and completing a board-review of the association’s financial records. From time to time, boards may also opt for a more thorough assessment of the
An Audit of the Association’s Financial Records is Always Wise Read More »
The general operations practice encompasses the broadest spectrum of work the firm handles. The operations practice includes every aspect of running a community association. A brief sample of just a few of the topics recently handled by our attorneys include: Bank Loans – since 1995, Kaman & Cusimano has been involved in over 100 community
Association Operations Read More »
When a board member is present at a meeting and abstains from a board vote it is usually a “Yes” vote. Board members often deal with complicated decisions that directly impact other owners in the association. Board members are often tasked with making hard decisions regarding such issues as assessments, hiring contractors, taking enforcement action
A Board Abstention is Generally a YES Vote Read More »
For condominium associations, mechanic’s liens can be tricky. A mechanic’s lien is a security interest that attaches to property to secure payment for the value of work performed or materials furnished in erecting or repairing a building or other structure. The timing and notice requirements of mechanic’s liens differ depending on whether the project is
Condominium Notice of Commencement Read More »
One of the most important parts of the agenda at an association’s annual meeting is the election of board members. Most association’s Bylaws provide an agenda for the annual meeting, which includes the election or appointment of inspectors followed by the election. When there are more candidates than available board positions, owners complete their ballots
Election Results in a Tie – Now What? Read More »
