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Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

Meet Peter Mollengarden, Esq., BCS at the Firm’s networking group’s free Breakfast & Education event at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach, Fri., April 12 at 8:30am.

Meet Peter Mollengarden, Esq., BCS at the Firm’s networking group’s free Breakfast & Education event at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach, Fri., April 12 at 8:30am.

Meet Peter Mollengarden, Esq., BCS at the Firm’s networking group’s free Breakfast & Education event at Drive Shack in West Palm Beach, Fri., April 12 at 8:30am.

One CE for CAMs and excellent info for Board Members. Door Prizes too!

 

ACE Palm Beach County Breakfast & Education | Hurricane Prep for Community Associations

Please join us for delicious hot breakfast, awesome networking, and DBPR approved credit, vital for CAMS and excellent information for Board Members. Course: “Hurricane Prep for Community Associations”. Course #: 9628954. By Plastridge Insurance (3730). One IFM or ELE CEU. The ACE pros in attendance will also offer input about the topic. Plastridge instructor is: Andrew Massie.

Location: Drive Shack West Palm Bch, 1710 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Date and time: Fri, Apr 12, 2024 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Organizer: Mariel and Lisa, ACE, (516) 666-1333, mariel@acebytsk.com

Register NOW

 

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Legal Update 2024  2:30-4:30pm | 2 CEUs in LU | No. 9632307 at the Palm Beach Condo HOA EXPO. by kbr legal

Legal Update 2024 2:30-4:30pm | 2 CEUs in LU | No. 9632307 at the Palm Beach Condo HOA EXPO. by kbr legal

Legal Update 2024

2:30-4:30pm | 2 CEUs in LU | No. 9632307

Get updated on the most recent legislative changes and discuss the statutory changes made by Florida Legislature and how they directly affect managers and their communities.

Instructor: Allison L. Hertz, Esq. BCS of KBR Legal

 

Learn the Legal Updates for 2024, Managers and Board Members this is a must!

Register / attend the expo

 

 

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People can be confused about the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors. | SFPMA

People can be confused about the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors. | SFPMA

For most members of the condo community, the Property Manager is the face of the condo corporation or home owner’s association. They are responsible for day-to-day running of things– they look after the bank accounts, handle the checks, field correspondence, and interact with owners more frequently than the Board does.

by 

Because of this, I find that people can be confused about the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors.

Are you confused about who does what?

For most members of the condo community, the Property Manager is the face of the condo corporation or home owner’s association. They are responsible for day-to-day running of things– they look after the bank accounts, handle the checks, field correspondence, and interact with owners more frequently than the Board does.

Because of this, I find that people can be confused about the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors.

 

Why can’t the property manager look after everything?

I’ve heard board members ask “Why can’t I just let my Property Manager look after everything?” and “Isn’t it their job to do this? I don’t have time to look after all of this stuff”. Owners also have trouble knowing who is responsible for what; when should they contact the Board and when should they contact the Property Manager?

In this post, I’ll answer these questions, and hopefully, the difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors will be clear by the end.

 

Understanding the different roles

To understand the different roles, I like to think of a condo like a coffee shop. The property management company is like the staff that keeps the shop running: baristas, managers, cleaners, etc.

They are the people that interact with everyone on a day-to-day basis and do everything to make sure that the coffee shop does everything a coffee shop should. While they have some flexibility to solve problems as they arise, they are not responsible for major decisions — financial or otherwise.

 

What does the board do?

The Board of Directors acts like the corporate executives at the head office. It’s up to them to set the prices, operating procedures, and make the decisions that shape the direction of the company. The success of the enterprise is their responsibility; the staff carry out their decisions.

It’s not the barista’s job to ensure the coffee shop is selling coffee for the optimal price or that the products are the best value. Similarly, the Property Manager isn’t responsible for making the best financial decisions for the condo corporation; they do not have a fiduciary responsibility.

 

What are difference between the roles of the Property Manager and the Board of Directors?

Property Management

  • Manages
  • Under contract to work as agent of condo corporation
  • Work within constraints defined by contact with the board
  • Provide options (e.g., quotes)
  • Implement decisions
  • Is not responsible for saving condo money

Board of Directors

  • Governs
  • Is a fiduciary to the condo corporation
  • Reviews options and renders decisions
  • Oversees the implementation of decisions
  • Seeks cost savings (asks Property Manager to help)

The condo board has the responsibility to make the choices that are in the best interest of the condo corporation. This is why the property management company can’t simply be left to look after everything.

As an entity, the condo Board of Directors is responsible for making all the critical decisions regarding the maintenance of the building/grounds, condo’s finances, and must uphold the Condo Act (provincial legislation), the declaration, bylaws, and rules. It is up to the board to make sure that all the relevant documents are accessible by the owners.

A good Property Manager is a tremendous asset for any condo corporation. They can simplify the job of the board, but they cannot assume the responsibility for that job.

 

 


Pat Crosscombe, Founder & CEO  https://boardspace.co/   Thanks Pat for a great article we republished on sfpma for our readers.

 

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When Law Enforcement Wants The Association’s Records

When Law Enforcement Wants The Association’s Records

When Law Enforcement Wants The Association’s Records

This week, we dive into recent legislative changes. Discover how recent changes bring clarity to HOAs’ responses to law enforcement subpoenas and introduce audited financial statements for larger associations. But that’s not all – brace yourself for a surprising twist: could mandatory board membership for all homeowners be on the horizon? Tune in to find out more!

Join us on Sunday at 11am for an all new episode of Condo Craze and HOAs

EPISODE 12 LIVE YOUTUBE LINK
https://youtube.com/live/gcPb-k2lTrg

As always, we’ll be taking your calls on whatever topic you need answers to or whatever you need to get off your chest.

Call in with your question & comments or ask them in the live YouTube chat! (717) 452-9378

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Condo Craze and HOAs YouTube channel and hit the notifications bell so you never miss a moment.

VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

 

 

 

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“Video Cameras—for Surveillance Purposes Only”  by Kevin L. Edwards of Becker Lawyers

“Video Cameras—for Surveillance Purposes Only” by Kevin L. Edwards of Becker Lawyers

“Video Cameras—for Surveillance Purposes Only”

Many associations have installed video surveillance cameras within the community common areas as a means to provide security for their residents. However, good intentions often lead to unanticipated consequences. In fact the use of video cameras may expose an association to liability.

Generally, an association is not a guarantor or insurer of any person’s safety and is not obligated to provide “security” to its residents. However, once an association assumes a duty to provide security, it must do so in a non-negligent manner. This may very well be the case with installing “security cameras.” Florida courts have routinely held that if an association undertakes, or appears to undertake, the duty to provide security for its community, it must also take certain measures to prevent criminal activity from occurring on the premises.

For example, the court in Vazquez v. Lago Grande Homeowners Ass’n, 900 So. 2d 587 (Fla. 3d DCA 2004), ruled that the association had a duty to exercise reasonable care to guard its residents against crime or criminal activity because the association had undertaken the responsibility to provide such security. In this case the association was a gated community with a guardhouse staffed 24 hours a day. The developer marketed the complex on the basis of safety, and the association collected a specific part of its assessments to provide for security. A resident of the association moved into the community because it appeared safe and was gated. The resident had many visitors, including a former neighbor and the neighbor’s children. One day the  former neighbor’s estranged husband came into the community to pick up his children and got into an argument with the resident. Thereafter, the resident instructed the association’s security guards not to let the estranged husband into the community. Despite this, the security guards allowed the estranged husband to enter the community, and he shot the resident, shot and killed his ex-wife, and killed himself. The court found that the association had breached its duty to provide security because it continued to employ the security guards despite knowing that they routinely let unauthorized individuals into the community. Therefore, the association was found liable for the death of a visitor and  injury of a resident.

Thus, associations may wish to be careful not to label the video cameras as “security cameras” and instead let the owners know that the cameras are for surveillance purposes only. As previously mentioned, associations have no duty to provide security, and having “security cameras” will lead owners to believe that the association is providing security.

Regardless of whether the association uses video cameras, it is still liable for criminal conduct that is reasonably foreseeable. In Czerwinski v. Sunrise Point Condominium, 540 So. 2d 199 (Fla. 3rd DCA 1999), the court ruled that a landlord generally has no duty to ensure the safety of its tenants or to protect them from the criminal acts of third persons unless the criminal occurrence is reasonably foreseeable. The court further noted that the landlord’s knowledge of prior crimes, against both persons and property, is relevant to the issue of foreseeability, even if the prior criminal acts are lesser crimes than the one committed against the plaintiff.

Based on these cases, community associations have been held liable in tort for failure to take precautions against criminal activities committed against the owners and residents if those criminal activities are reasonably foreseeable; and in addition they have been held liable when they voluntarily provide security services but fail to provide them in a reasonable manner.

Thus, if the association is inclined to install video cameras, it must do so in a reasonably prudent manner and should make sure the cameras are always being maintained in good condition and repaired as needed.

Another issue with providing cameras in the community is whether or not the cameras record audio. Florida law (Section 934.03, FS) makes it illegal to intentionally intercept, attempt to intercept, or procure any other person to intercept any wire, electronic, or oral communication through the use of a device if one does not have the prior consent of all parties. Therefore, the association’s cameras must be limited to visual images. The process of taking and recording video is perfectly legal, and you do not need to notify the owners or post signs upon the property that the association is taking or recording video. There is no privacy issue as long as the cameras are not directed into a resident’s home or into a bathroom, shower, changing room, or other area where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. There is no reasonable expectation of privacy for persons who use the common areas or come onto the association’s property (with the exception of bathrooms, showers, units, etc.).

Lastly, a surveillance camera’s video recordings are not part of the association’s official records. The association’s official records are limited to written records, and a video recording is not a written record. As such, video camera recordings are not open for review by the association’s membership. Moreover, an association is not legally obligated to store the recordings for any specific period of time. However, if stored for any amount of time, the association must be sure to preserve the video in case it may be used as evidence in a court proceeding. Video footage should, therefore, be made and stored in a location where it will not be tampered with or duplicated. The footage should be stored in a secure location with access limited to authorized personal. Any footage that is to be kept should be preserved in an original and unaltered version by saving it in a secure manner that is incapable of being edited.

 

Mr. Edwards manages the community association practice in Becker’s Sarasota office and serves as corporate counsel to hundreds of condominium, cooperative, mobile home, and homeowners’ associations located in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and Highlands Counties. Mr. Edwards is also one of only 190 attorneys statewide who is a board-certified specialist in condominium and planned development law.

In addition to his extensive experience as a community association lawyer, Mr. Edwards has trial and appellate experience in many areas of corporate and civil litigation, construction litigation, covenant enforcement, real estate, and foreclosure law.

For more information email kedwards@beckerlawyers.com, or visit www.beckerlawyers.com.

 

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2024 Multifamily Property Management Trends: 4 Key Insights to Know by Buildinglink

2024 Multifamily Property Management Trends: 4 Key Insights to Know by Buildinglink

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2024
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In this post, we share our trends and predictions for multifamily in the upcoming year, offering you a detailed view on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

1. An Amplified Need For Resident-Centric Solutions

 

In recent years, especially during the pandemic, the multifamily space has been increasingly prioritizing the resident experience. This upcoming year, property management companies will face an increased demand for resident-centric solutions that align with their growing needs and expectations. Today’s residents are seeking amenities that support remote working and their health and wellness goals. Moreover, there’s a heightened focus on building a positive resident culture that fosters community and social engagement. When residents feel connected to their neighbors and surroundings, they’re less likely to move, helping improve retention.

Property onsite teams are significantly enhancing the resident experience by improving their communication methods. This makes it easier for residents to report issues, request maintenance services, and receive timely updates. Consider using BuildingLink’s Communication Tools to effectively deploy important messages, ensuring your residents are always up-to-date and informed.

Amenities and services are also poised for significant improvements, reflecting residents’ expectations for greater value from their living spaces, especially with the rise in rents. From remote work spaces and podcast rooms to wider coffee options and fitness centers that host spin or yoga classes, residents are looking for conveniences that cater to their daily lives. Use BuildingLink’s Analytics & Reports to gauge the usage of your amenities, guiding you in making informed decisions to improve specific areas and optimize your investments. From there, remember to offer your residents an easy way to reserve spaces using the Amenity Reservations tool.

2. Continued Staffing Challenges

 

Like many industries, property management faced considerable staffing challenges last year, impacting overall operations. High employee turnover can be just as costly as high resident turnover, leading to a shortage of skilled staff and overburdening existing employees. This can then affect the ability to provide high levels of service quality and efficiency.

In response, some property managers are working to improve employee retention by creating development programs. The goal is to provide employees with additional training and learning opportunities that lead to career advancement and promotions. However, leveraging technology can also enable your current employees to achieve more with less. For example, equip your front desk team with BuildingLink’s Front Desk Instructions , which even allow them to view visitor photos, ensuring smoother check-ins regardless of the volume. Similarly, BuildingLink’s dedicated Staff App will help them process packages 80% faster than other package tracking solutions, reducing their workload while keeping your mailrooms organized.

3. Embracing Technology For Smarter Maintenance

 

One of the biggest predicted trends for property management in 2024 is the increased use of technology for improved maintenance, which is key for resident satisfaction and lease renewals. Properties are expected to adopt more smart home devices, such as smart thermostats and locks, as part of eco-friendly initiatives. On top of that, as part of their focus on the resident experience, property and maintenance managers will make it easier for employees and residents to submit and track maintenance requests. BuildingLink’s Preventative Maintenance is a valuable tool here, allowing you to reschedule recurring tasks, assign them to team members or vendors, and, ultimately, keep up with your maintenance needs.

4. Increased Emphasis On Automation And Proptech Consolidation

 

For property management companies, digital tools that incorporate automation are becoming increasingly essential for enhancing operational efficiency. Automation significantly saves time, reduces costs, and improves accuracy. However, using multiple, disparate platforms can lead to major losses in efficiency. Each tool, with its unique interface and features, creates a learning curve, leading to inefficiencies as users jump between platforms and struggle to remember multiple logins.

In contrast, consolidating your proptech solutions will create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to managing your various processes, responsibilities, and tasks. Property managers want a user-friendly platform that automates workflows and provides reliable analytics and reporting. Be sure to take a unified approach when adding new tools to maximize your return on investment.

That’s why many property managers today are using BuildingLink to streamline their Front Desk & Staff OperationsCommunicationsRecord-KeepingMaintenance, and more. With more than dozens of integration partners, our platform seamlessly connects with various tools in access control, accounting, payments, and package management. Even better, we offer a mobile option for property teams on the go, allowing them to seamlessly access our powerful features no matter where or when the need arises. Let’s make 2024 a year of unparalleled success and growth, with BuildingLink by your side every step of the way.

Partner With BuildingLink

Trusted by HOAs, co-ops, condominiums, and multifamily properties around the globe, BuildingLink helps property managers deliver superior resident experiences while streamlining maintenance and operations. We offer tools that will simplify your record-keeping and administration, communications, maintenance, and front desk staff operations.

When you’re ready to run your community better, smarter, and faster, book your BuildingLink demo today.

 

Four reasons why hydrojetting can be important for winter maintenance in the state of Florida. by GreenTeam Building Services.

Four reasons why hydrojetting can be important for winter maintenance in the state of Florida. by GreenTeam Building Services.

Hydrojetting is a method of cleaning and maintaining pipes using high-pressure water to remove debris, sediment, and other buildups. While Florida generally experiences milder winters compared to many other regions, there are still reasons why hydrojetting can be important for winter maintenance in the state:

1. Preventing Clogs from Cold Weather Effects: Hydrojetting prevents winter temperature-related pipe blockages by breaking down and flushing out materials that can solidify in colder water.
2. Clearing Debris from Storms and Heavy Rain: Heavy rain and storms during Florida winters can lead to debris accumulation in sewer systems. Hydrojetting clears these obstructions, preventing potential flooding.
3. Maintaining Sewer System Efficiency: Regular hydrojetting as part of winter maintenance prevents blockages and backups, ensuring the optimal year-round operation of sewer systems.
4. Addressing Potential Tree Root Intrusions: Hydrojetting is effective in removing and preventing tree root intrusions into sewer lines, reducing the risk of disruptions during winter months.
Hydrojetting is crucial for Florida’s winter maintenance, addressing challenges like temperature-related clogs, storm debris, and tree root intrusions. Stay proactive in preserving your commercial properties sewer systems’ efficiency by contacting us today!
📍 North Andrews Avenue Extension
Pompano Beach, Florida 33069
📞 Call us at (954) 210-4100
📧Email us at Service@getgreenteam.com
For other inquiries email us:
Projects@getgreenteam.com
Backflow@getgreenteam.com
Vacservice@getgreenteam.com
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FLORIDA MEMBERS DIRECTORY: Find top companies for your next Condo or HOA project!

FLORIDA MEMBERS DIRECTORY: Find top companies for your next Condo or HOA project!

  • Posted: Apr 07, 2024
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Find all the New Member Companies we have added, This week April 8-13, 2024 – we will be posting all the New Member companies. Open and View. Learn how they can help you with your properties.

FLORIDA MEMBERS DIRECTORY

Find Members ready to help with Management, Business and Services for your properties.

Property Maintenance is an integral part of managing the day to day operations for every type of property. Search the Members Directory for Companies working with Property Management, Condo and HOA properties in Florida from Tallahassee to the Keys. 

 

Brand Ambient Scenting

Ambient Scenting
Olfactory Branding

 

Finding the top Companies working in our Industry is important for Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members.

Many Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members use our members in the buildings and communities they manage, for them this equates to happier residents, fewer high-priced emergency repair bills and cost savings overall. Through membership marketing its all about forming relationships that lead to increased business for your company and lasting relationships for you.

Become a listed member of SFPMA Today!

 

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