By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. There is a growing problem in community associations – owners who hoard books, newspapers, trash, knick-knacks, furniture, scrap metal, animals, rotting food and everything in between. The problem is common and has been identified as a serious behavioral illness. “Hoarders” are usually isolated and suffer from the psychological issues that produce the clinical definition of hoarding, [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Over the past few years, our firm has heard horror stories from association boards and residents regarding owners, residents and vendors speeding and/or failing to obey traffic signals on association streets. Drivers who do not obey the speed limit within an association are a growing problem for community associations. Association residents want to feel safe in their [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Unfortunately, board meeting conflict is becoming a common question that our law firm receives. First, it is important to establish that name calling, interrupting and personal attacks should be prohibited at all board and committee meetings. Sometimes, the conflict is between Board Members themselves. Board Member to Board Member Conflict will bring the association board meeting productivity [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. As you may know, in 2013, the State of Florida adopted a new law that requires board members to follow certain “certification procedures”. Under Florida’s law, within 90 days after being elected or appointed to the board, each director shall certify in writing to the secretary of the association that he or she has read the [...]
• The president must set the example and follow all governing documents and rules and regulations. • You cannot do it all. You are the leader and guide, but you must accept responsibility for getting things done. You have been elected to execute decisions made by the board and to hold yourself and association members accountable to the provisions in [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. I am often asked whether a board member code of conduct is a good idea or a bad idea. It really depends… Some boards need a code of conduct to clarify appropriate and not appropriate conduct by board members. Other boards don’t seem to need or want a code of conduct. Unless an association’s documents state [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. During the Summer months, there are occasionally emergencies (such as flooding or monsoon/microburst damage) that require immediate board action. In these circumstances, the board can suspend the 48 hours notice of meeting to the membership required by Arizona law and conduct an emergency board meeting. Under Arizona law (A.R.S.33-1804 and condo A.R.S. 33-1248), an emergency meeting [...]
The normal emotions that rise to the surface when served with a lawsuit are fear and anger, but this is not a time to allow emotions to take control. There are clear actions that the association should take to protect the board and the association. 1. Immediately contact the association’s attorney and insurance carrier. This will allow the attorney time [...]
by Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Our association board is considering hiring a company to prepare a reserve study but we aren’t really sure what a reserve study is. Can you define a reserve study for us? How much do reserve studies cost? A reserve study is a budgeting guide that provides a comprehensive plan that shows an association how much is reasonable to [...]
By: Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Does your association have nagging questions regarding the Fair Housing Act? How should associations handle "group homes", service animals, emotional support pets, and "55 and Over Housing"? Has your association's board recently received a complaint regarding a Fair Housing violation? If so, this article provides an excellent overview of the Federal Fair Housing Act. FEDERAL FAIR [...]
