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How are repairs addressed with Property Managers in my building

How are repairs addressed with Property Managers in my building

  • Posted: Dec 09, 2018
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How are repairs addressed with Property Managers in my building

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Good maintenance and repairs keep tenants happy and preserve the value of your investment which make them a very important part of land-lording. By hiring a management firm you gain access to both their in-house maintenance staff, as well as their network of licensed, bonded and insured contractors who have already been vetted for good pricing and quality work. This can translate into significant savings compared to going through the yellow pages and hiring a handyman yourself.

*South Florida Property Management Association has our own Vendor & Business Member directories these members directly aid our Management members giving them cost savings for any work needed in the buildings they manage. This savings means savings for the building owners.

 

Increased inspections means happier tenants, It aids in the value of your investment

Preventative maintenance is achieved through putting systems in place that catch and deal with maintenance and repair issues early on, before they grow into larger more costly problems. This requires a written maintenance check program, detailed maintenance documentation and regular maintenance visits. The management firm can also offer you suggestions and feedback on upgrades and modifications, both how they will affect the rent you can charge, as well as their impact on maintenance and insurance.

[/accordion-item] [accordion-item title=”Services that Property Managers provide”]The following is a list of the tasks a Manager commonly perform for owners. You may only need some of these services, and the Management companies you interview may offer more or less than what is listed here.

Evaluate the property and determine an accurate rental rate

  • Perform detailed documentation of the interior and exterior including photos
  • Offer recommendations on repairs and cosmetic improvements that maximize monthly rent while providing good ROI.
  • Gather data on rental rates in the area and work with owners to determine the optimal rental rate. Rent research will vary, but should include looking at the recently rented comparables according to size and type.
  • Discuss with owners the pros and cons of different policies such as accepting pets, allowing smoking etc.

 

Market the property for rent

  • Prepare home for rent
    • Clean home and optimize interior appeal
    • Manicure landscaping to increase curb appeal
  • Create ads tailored to the property and advertising medium. Some of the mediums commonly used are:
    • Paid and free rental listing websites
    • Print publications
    • Signs
    • MLS
    • Fliers
  • Work with other realtors and leasing agents to find a tenant
  • Provide a 24-hour hot-line where prospective tenants can listen to detailed information about the property
  • Field calls from prospects for questions and viewings
  • Meet prospective tenants for showings throughout the week and weekend.
  • Provide prospective tenants with rental applications that are legally compliant with fair housing laws
  • Collection applications with application fee
  • Perform a background check to verify identity, income, credit history, rental history, etc.
  • Grade tenant according to pre-defined tenant criteria
  • Inform tenants who were turned down
  • Draw up leasing agreement
  • Confirm move in date with tenant
  • Review lease guidelines with tenant regarding things like rental payment terms and required property maintenance
  • Ensure all agreements have been properly executed
  • Perform detailed move in inspection with tenant and have tenants sign a report verifying the condition of the property prior to move-in.
  • Collect first months rent and security deposit
  • Receiving rent
  • Hunting down late payments
  • Sending out pay or quit notices
  • Enforcing late fees
  • Filing relevant paperwork to initiate and complete an unlawful detainer action
  • Representing owner in court
  • Coordinating with law enforcement to remove tenant and tenants possessions from unit
  • Advise in the event of a legal dispute or litigation
  • Refer owner to a qualified attorney when necessary
  • Understand and abide by the latest local, state and federal legislation that apply to renting and maintaining rental properties.
  • Perform periodic inspections (Inside and outside) on a predefined schedule looking for repair needs, safety hazards, code violations, lease violations, etc.
  • Send owner periodic reports on the condition of the property
  • Provide accounting property management services
  • Make payments on behalf of owner (Mortgage, insurance, HOA dues, etc.)
  • Detailed documentation of expenses via invoices and receipts
  • Maintain all historical records (paid invoices, leases, inspection reports, warranties, etc.)
  • Provide annual reporting, structured for tax purposes as well as required tax documents including a 1099 form
  • Advise owner on relevant tax deductions related to their rental property
  • Provide easy to read monthly cash-flow statements which offer a detailed breakdown of income and itemized expenses
  • Provide and oversee an in-house maintenance crew
  • Establish a preventative maintenance policy to identify and deal with repair needs
  • Provide an network of licensed, bonded and fully insured contractors who have been vetted for good pricing and good work that is up to code.
  • Assign jobs to different parties (in-house employees, handyman and professional contractors) based on who will do the best job for the best price.
  • Maintain outdoor areas
    • Leaf and snow removal
    • Landscaping
    • Removing trash and debris
  • Maintain and monitor a 24 hour emergency repair hot-line
  • Larger renovation or rehab projects
    • Provide recommendations on how the project can maximize rental income.
    • Prepare preliminary cost estimates
    • Get multiple independent bids for the work
    • Act as general contractor overseeing the work
  • Inspect unit and fill out a report on the property’s condition when the client moves out
  • Provide tenant with a copy as well as estimated damages
  • Return the balance of the security deposit to the tenant
  • Forward any portion of the owner’s portion of the tenant deposit to the owner or hold in owner reserves for repairs.
  • Clean unit and perform and needed repairs or upgrades
  • Re-key the locks
  • Put the property back on the market for rent

 

 

How does the community association manager track incoming resident maintenance requests and the subsequent work orders?

A software solution should be in place here. You want to find a manager with a system that does not allow maintenance requests to fall through the cracks and require multiple tenant requests before the work is done. Ideally, tenants should be able to submit maintenance requests online. ( Add the Page of all PM, Landlord Software )

 

How are after hours maintenance requests and emergencies handled and who handles them?

Make sure its someone qualified to handle the problem. The last thing you want is an answering machine or someone saying you will have to wait till Monday to get your or your tenants issue resolved.

 

What system do they have in place to practice preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance is the mechanism a manager uses to maintain the value of your property and avoid letting small issues become larger more expensive problems down the road. This involves things like a predefined maintenance and inspection schedule as well as promptly addressing known issues. This of course assumes owners are willing to make the necessary repairs when they come up. Slum lords may balk, but successful real estate investors know that when you’re in for the long haul you have to engage in sustainable practices that maximize property values, not short-term practices that delay (and multiply) costs.

 

Do they have their own maintenance crew?

If the answer is yes, are they covered by workers compensation and are they licensed, bonded and insured? Additionally are they available 24/7/365 for emergencies?  As a member of SFPMA we have a full listing of vendors & business members on our directories for them to choose from.

 

What contractors do they work with?

Do the contractors carry workers compensation and are they licensed, bonded and insured? Does the management company oversee the contractors’ work for quality, code compliance and cost effectiveness? Some owners like to take the extra step of researching the primary vendors that will be used to make sure there are no red flags. All SFPMA members are checked making sure they have the proper licenses and insurance a requirement for membership.

 

What rules do they have in place regarding contractors entering occupied properties?

Make sure they have an established policy here. Anytime contractors and maintenance personnel are entering occupied units there is potential for trouble if the situation is not handled carefully.

 

Do they provide itemized statements with receipts for the work performed?

This adds accountability and transparency to the billing process. You don’t want to work with a management company that is unwilling to provide solid documentation of where your money is going.

 

Do they let tenants perform repairs?

Tenants perform inferior quality work, and their lack of insurance coverage, liability or workers compensation could leave you liable in the event of an accident or injury. Why take the risk of having them accidentally fall off a roof or ladder, electrocute themselves, or flood your home? If they don’t allow tenant repairs, make sure this is written into the rental agreement. If you are comfortable allowing them, at least have the tenant sign a waiver and agree that the repairs must be approved by the manager.

 

Do they allow tenants to hire their own handyman?

This is also inviting trouble, and the rental agreement should prohibit this. In some cases written into a single family home lease some repairs are included in the rental agreement, Find out if there are any agreement such as this. Check to make sure this is not considered a liability hazard although providing these services eliminates the issue of tenant neglect and can improve tenant satisfaction which helps with retention.

 

What is involved in their process for preparing a property to be re-rented after a tenant has vacated? How long does this process take?

The property should get the usual cleaning, paint job, re-keying, etc. but this is also a good time to consider strategic improvements that will maximize your rental revenue. You want to find a property manager that will proactively offer this kind of feedback on an as needed basis. Obviously the quicker the turnaround time, the better.

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The focused nature of the multi-family industry

The focused nature of the multi-family industry

  • Posted: Dec 03, 2018
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The economy has been rapidly changing, and with it the demands from owners, investors, partners and tenants.

In no way have these dynamics become more evident than in 2018. Collectively, property managers represent many of the most successful and influential firms across the Florida, with some even having a State wide presence. A major factor for these firms was diversity across sectors. Due to the focused nature of the multi-family industry, apartment managers have many new properties in today’s market. What we sought to do with this month’s Investors Edition this was to determine where primary leadership was emerging and to identify those firms that had the right sense of growth, leases in place and management teams that are the standard in their market sectors. We were impressed by the number of owners that have shown growth in the past years under what would be described ideal circumstances. We focus our editions on the office, industrial, retail, mixed-use, vacation, and hospitality, and some miscellaneous uses. Not surprisingly, all but a small number of property management firms exhibited experience and capabilities with at least two of the sectors and more than a third of our members are active in three or more.

 

In this competitive environment, many of the managers were confronted with rapidly changing market demand and found the need to recruit, hire, train and provide an orientation to the industry so that they could remain competitive. Indeed, our list of the top property management firms represents the best in their sectors and showed that by improving occupancy rates. On a period-to-period measure, from 2010 through year-end 2017, occupancy increased for all of the firms, with those likely attributable to portfolio changes (another kind of challenge). The gains were substantial, with all firms approaching the mid-90 percent range. We believe that leaders rise during both positive and negative market events. Our evaluation of occupancy changes, changes in leases, square footage under management and other factors all suggest that acquisitions with strong management practices will continue to show growth into 2020.

Methodology

The Ranking of Property Management Firms utilized self-reported property characteristics for all firms. We measured square footage, number of leases, number and size of properties under management, property operations owned or managed participation in property sectors, sustainability practices and other factors. Preference was given to those firms that had strong fundamental growth and provided services to more than one sector. The overall size of the firm and the number of square feet figured in the rankings, and ultimately the firms were selected taking into account all of the submitted member information.

 

FIND TOP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES IN FLORIDA: https://SFPMA.COM

 

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Here are five holiday party ideas that are sure to please your residents

Here are five holiday party ideas that are sure to please your residents

  • Posted: Nov 25, 2018
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Want to throw a holiday party that will bring residents of your community together for a fun-filled evening?

Here are five holiday party ideas that are sure to please your residents:

 

  1. Tacky Sweater Party

While so cliché these days, hosting a tacky sweater party is a great way for residents to break the ice and start mingling with each other. The ugly holiday sweater that was once popular in the 80s is making a big come back, and residents can easily find this festive attire online or come up with their own creations. Encourage residents to channel their inner-tackiness by offering prizes for the ugliest sweaters. If hosting the party at your neighborhood clubhouse, you can spruce up your community amenities for the event with bright-colored lights, oversized holiday inflatables, and tinsel-filled trees.

 

  1. Holiday Caroling Party

Round up your neighbors to meet at the community clubhouse for hot chocolate (and perhaps a seasonal adult beverage) and holiday cookies. Once everyone arrives, head out for an evening of holiday caroling. Having several copies of sheet music on hand will be beneficial for the group. It’s also helpful if you notify neighbors ahead of time that you will be caroling in the community to ensure that you will have an audience.

 

  1. Beer Tasting Party

There’s a very good chance that residents in your community have been to a wine tasting party, but what about a beer tasting party? Craft beer is on the rise, and it seems as though there are new breweries popping up in Florida every day. Encourage your guests to make an unbiased vote on their favorite beers by concealing the beverages in brown paper bags. As the evening comes to an end, make a toast and reveal the winning beers.

 

  1. Holiday Cookie Exchange Party

A cookie exchange is a classic holiday party and provides guests with an opportunity to load up on a diverse selection of festive cookies. Ask each guest to bring two dozen cookies and copies of the recipe to trade at the party. You can choose to either ask guests to bring a separate container to collect the cookies or provide containers for the guests.

 

  1. Winter Wonderland Party

While snow is a rare site in Florida, you can still get into the holiday spirit by hosting a winter wonderland party. Choose food and beverages that correspond with the snowy theme, such as marshmallows for roasting, snow cones, cheese fondue, and a white party punch. Decorate your community amenities with an abundance of white string lights, and take the ambiance up a notch by renting a snow machine.

As you begin to plan the holiday party for your HOA community, take these five suggestions into consideration to throw a party that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

 

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VIOLATIONS! IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL

VIOLATIONS! IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL

  • Posted: Nov 20, 2018
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VIOLATIONS! IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL

by Enrolled Agent Steven J. Weil, Ph.D., EA, LCAM, president, Royale Management Services, Inc.

We know that the first thing most owners think when they receive a violation notice is that they are being targeted and that the board or management is out to get them. Nothing could be further from the truth. The board is charged by the governing documents with oversight of association operations along with protecting the property value and enforcing the rules.

Violation notices are not personal or targeted. They are simply the means by which the association lets owners know about rule violations and gives them a chance to correct a problem.  Violation notices can be generated by a manager’s observations, board observations and even from observations by fellow owners. While you may feel as though you are the only one to receive a violation notice, this is generally not the case. The truth is that most of the violation notices can be easily remedied by simply fixing the problem or complying with the rule and letting management know the problem has been resolved.

We are often asked why we sent a violation notice instead of simply knocking on the door or calling. There are several reasons we send written notices.  The first is that while it’s easy to misinterpret what is said, and it can often turn into “he said/ she said,” a written notice clarifies what is being said and assures that there is a written record. The second is that it’s inappropriate and unsafe in this day and age for association employees, managers and/or board members to confront owners in person. The purpose of a violation is to get the problems corrected and maintain community standards while protecting the safety and quiet enjoyment of all unit owners.

The board and management know that rules can sometimes be complex, and it’s easy to make a mistake and violate the rule or misunderstand the governing documents. No one enjoys sending violation notices, and we all know that it’s upsetting to get a violation notice; but in truth correcting the problem and letting management know that you have taken action is all that is required to relegate it to history.

 

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Having a Building Condition Assessment performed

Having a Building Condition Assessment performed

  • Posted: Nov 14, 2018
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Having a Building Condition Assessment performed

As buildings age they become more inefficient, which can mean unnecessary, out of pocket expenditures every month. Having a Building Condition Assessment performed by a P.E. is especially important for aging facilities. It is imperative to the overall health and future of your building to conduct a “checkup” every 3-5 years. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an assessment.

Find us on the Members Directory:  https://sfpma.com/listing/the-falcon-group/

 

40/50 Year Recertification for Miami-Dade and Broward County, Florida

Is your building approaching 40 years of age? Are you aware that there may be county requirements that as a building owner you may need to comply with, known as the 40 Year Recertification?

Even if you have not yet received a “Notice of Required Inspection” by the code compliance section of your county or city, it is the property owner’s responsibility to acquire the initial 40/50-year (re)certification and to recertify their building every 10 years thereafter. Because of this, the inspections must be done by or under the supervision of a qualified, Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA).

Florida – Miami
15405 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33169
P: (305) 663-1970

 

 

Falcon is here to help

We provide both Structural and Electrical inspection expertise in-house with Professional Engineers, Registered Architects and Licensed Inspectors. Our professionals are able to perform site visits, prepare reports, and provide repair recommendations and specifications. Falcon can also assist with the bidding process for the repair work, along with the construction oversight to ensure all repairs are being done with all recommended requirements enforced. We provide a list of the necessary repairs in the report at no cost to you.

Our services are provided in these South Florida Cities:

  • Aventura
  • Boca Raton
  • Carol City
  • Coconut Creek
  • Coconut Grove
  • Cooper City
  • Coral Springs
  • Dania Beach
  • Davie
  • Deerfield Beach
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Hallandale Beach
  • Hallandale
  • Hialeah
  • Hillsboro Beach
  • Hollywood
  • Homestead
  • Lauderhill
  • Miami Dade and Broward Counties
  • Miami
  • Miramar
  • North Lauderdale
  • North Miami Beach
  • North Miami
  • Oakland Park
  • Parkland
  • Pembroke Pines
  • Plantation
  • Pompano Beach
  • Sunrise
  • Tamarac
  • West Park
  • Weston

 

“The Falcon Group is one of the best for all of your Buildings. When you need architectural, Engineering Services and Structural including 40 Year Recertification. They should be the number one choice. In Florida, William Pyznar and the Team who are members of SFPMA are the type of company we stand behind for our Property Management Industry.” SFPMA

 

 

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DON’T LET TAXES COMPOUND THE PROBLEM OF A NATURAL DISASTER

DON’T LET TAXES COMPOUND THE PROBLEM OF A NATURAL DISASTER

  • Posted: Oct 10, 2018
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DON’T LET TAXES COMPOUND THE PROBLEM OF A NATURAL DISASTER

by Enrolled Agent Steven J. Weil, Ph.D., EA, LCAM, Royale Management Services, Inc.

In the unlikely event that you or someone you know becomes the victim of a natural disaster, and where you or where they live becomes a federally-declared disaster area, you will want to know all the ways to mitigate the results.  Not only can preparation help to protect life and property, it can also guard against staggering financial loss.

The key is to know what to expect.  If you live in a condo or HOA, you will want to know what the association’s master insurance policy covers and what it does not.  Insurance may help defray some of the costs associated with restoring and replacing damaged and destroyed property, but to keep monetary losses as low as possible, it helps to understand the relevant sections of the tax code.  Under the new Tax Cut and Jobs Act, for example, there is tax relief for victims who suffer casualty losses and are living in a federally-declared disaster area.

Claims require documentation.  You will surely want to make an inventory of the valuables in your home to help you document losses for insurance and tax purposes.  Take photos or videotape not only the interior of your home but also the property and structures outside it.  Damage to your vehicles, landscaping and other possessions may also be tax deductible.

If there’s a chance you might have to evacuate your home, take important documents with you or move them to a safer location, like a bank safe deposit box or a waterproof or fireproof container. Consider photographing important documents like birth certificates, car registration, driver’s license, proof of home ownership, insurance policies, important contracts, medical information, passport, tax documents, etc., and upload these electronic records to a secure cloud-based service.

Tax deductions for homes and buildings with structural damage require a qualified appraisal and records of the repairs to restore the building to its previous condition. Homeowners insurance will cover some personal goods in many cases, whether or not the home is covered for the type of disaster that occurred. Keep in mind that all claims for damage must first be submitted to the property owner’s insurance carrier, even if the property is not covered, in order to take a casualty loss deduction. In other words, your disaster loss may be tax deductible but only to the amount over any insurance reimbursement.

Two additional limitations may be waived in certain federally-declared disaster areas:  You must deduct $100 per event and reduce the total of all personal use property losses by 10 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Be aware that the IRS may extend tax filing deadlines, permit easier access to victims’ funds held in workplace retirement plans, and make other provisions designed to provide financial relief to those affected by a natural disaster.  The IRS website can help you learn about any special announcements, bulletins or special relief being offered during ongoing disasters.

Disaster-related losses can be deductible on your tax return, but only if you follow the rules and provide the appropriate documentation.  You also may be permitted to choose either the current year or the previous year to claim your losses, and your refund could be greater in the non-disaster year than in the current disaster year.

Help in determining the best course in your situation is always available from a qualified tax professional to help you make sure you are taking advantage of every relevant tax provision available to you.

 

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Escaping The Towering Inferno – Condominium Fire Sprinkler Retrofit and Engineered Life Safety System Requirements

Escaping The Towering Inferno – Condominium Fire Sprinkler Retrofit and Engineered Life Safety System Requirements

  • Posted: Oct 05, 2018
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Escaping The Towering Inferno –

Condominium Fire Sprinkler Retrofit and Engineered Life Safety System Requirements

There appears to be some confusion surrounding the compliance date of the Engineered Life Safety System for those condominium associations that previously voted to opt out of the requirement to install condominium fire sprinkler retrofit. What is not confusing is that the safety of all occupants living in high-rise condominiums is paramount. No one wants to be responsible for death or injury caused by an incident that can be minimized with necessary precautions. How should the board of directors of a “high-rise” condominium balance the needs for fire safety against the considerable expense incurred in the implementation and installation of fire safety systems?

A high-rise building is a building where an occupiable floor is greater than seventy-five feet (75’) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Pursuant to Florida law, condominiums that are considered high-rise buildings are required to have, or otherwise install, a fire sprinkler system, unless the condominium association had previously opted out, or is otherwise exempt, as further addressed below, by following the proper statutory protocol for which the deadline to do so has long since passed. However, for those high-rise condominiums that did successfully opt out, the association is still responsible for the installation of an Engineered Life Safety System (the “ELSS”).

A caveat, and for some condominium associations, a blessing, is that the fire sprinkler system (or ELSS) is not required if every unit in the condominium has exterior walkway access. Therefore, if the only access into the condominium unit is through an interior hallway, the condominium association would need to install a fire sprinkler system (or have already opted out and thereby need to comply with the requirements of the ELSS).

Section 718.112(2)(l), Florida Statutes, is quite clear on the requirements to install a fire sprinkler system, but the statute does not address the condominium association’s requirements for the implementation of the ELSS – that comes from the Florida Fire Prevention Code (the “FFPC”). The FFPC defines an ELSS as a system which contains any or all of the following systems:

1) partial automatic sprinkler protection,

2) smoke detection alarms,

3) smoke control,

4) compartmentation, and/or

5) other approved lifesaving systems.

An ELSS must be developed by a registered professional engineer experienced in fire and life safety system design and authorized by the local compliance authority. Typical examples of ELSS within a high-rise condominium building could be a partial fire sprinkler system that serves the common areas, fire and smoke alarms that are in compliance with the local fire authority standards, and fire proof walls, floors and corridors designed to prevent the flow of the fire and smoke throughout the condominium building.

As to any high-rise building required to install the automatic fire sprinkler system that did not opt out, the FFPC requires that any condominium that meets the definition of a high-rise building, must, by December 31, 2019, have installed the automatic fire sprinkler system. As to those who opted out, the exact date for ELSS compliance is anything but clear. The Condominium Act does not provide a date, and while the FFPC provides a clear deadline for the installation of the automatic fire sprinkler system, the FFPC does not patently provide a similar date for the installation of the ELSS. Some lawyers and fire safety professionals take the position that, because the ELSS is a substitute for the automatic fire sprinkler system, December 31, 2019 is, therefore, the ELSS compliance date. However, others may take the position that the lack of patent clarity in the FFPC means no deadline is provided.

Whether the local fire safety authorities will actually interpret and enforce the Florida Fire Prevention Code to require an ELSS approved plan, or ELSS completed installation by December 31, 2019 or even still, take the position that no ELSS deadline is provided at all is anyone’s guess. The answers might even vary by jurisdiction. What is clear is that:

  • The Florida legislature needs to address the ELSS compliance deadline to provide clarity for the betterment and safety of all of Florida’s high-rise communities; and
  • Any board member of a high-rise condominium association with questions regarding any of the issues addressed herein needs to consult with both their association’s legal counsel and with the local fire safety officials with jurisdiction for enforcement of the ELSS.

Jeffrey Rembaum, Esq. of Kaye, Bender, Rembaum attorneys at law, legal practice consists of representation of condominium, homeowner, commercial and mobile home park associations, as well as exclusive country club communities and the developers who build them. He is a regular columnist for The Condo News, a biweekly publication and Legal Writer for Florida Rising Magazine, was inducted into the 2012, 2013 & 2014 Florida Super Lawyers. He can be reached at 561-241-4462.

Re Published with Permission: JR / KBR Legal

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Now That You’re Elected to the Board, Are You Aware of the Reporting Statute?

Now That You’re Elected to the Board, Are You Aware of the Reporting Statute?

  • Posted: Aug 29, 2018
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Now That You’re Elected to the Board, Are You Aware of the Reporting Statute?

Congratulations! You’ve succeeded in being elected as a member to the prestigious world of your Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors! But are you aware of the certification requirements of Fla. Stat. 720.3033 that could suspend or even end your newly “elected official” career before it’s even begun? As a newly elected Homeowner’s Association Board Member you are required to comply with the reporting requirements imposed by the Florida Legislature through the enactment of Florida Statute 720.3033 as amended on July 01, 2013 and that requires all HOA directors to verify that they are prepared and qualified to serve their respective association board in one of two ways.

The first option via §720.3033(1)(a) is that 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 association’s declaration of covenants, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and current written rules and policies; that he or she will work to uphold such documents and policies to the best of his or her ability; and that he or she will faithfully discharge his or her fiduciary responsibility to the association’s members.

Board Member Courses can be found on our Calendar of Events

The second option via §720.3033(1)(a) is that within 90 days after being elected or appointed to the board, in lieu of such written certification, the newly elected or appointed director may submit a certificate of having satisfactorily completed the educational curriculum administered by a division-approved education provider within 1 year before or 90 days after the date of election or appointment. Furthermore, according to §720.3033(1)(b), the written certification or educational certificate is valid for the uninterrupted tenure of the director on the board. It would behoove the newly elected or appointed board member to pay heed to this requirement because a director who does not timely file the written certification or educational certificate shall be suspended from the board until he or she complies with the requirement and the board may temporarily fill the vacancy during the period of suspension. However, as a side note, it would be prudent and diligent for the newly elected director to be familiar with and understand both their own associations governing documents and the Florida Statutes applicable to homeowner’s associations.

After you have complied with the reporting requirements of §720.3033, the association shall retain each director’s written certification or educational certificate for inspection by the members for 5 years after the director’s election. However, the failure to have the written certification or educational certificate on file does not affect the validity of any board action as provided in §720.3033(1)(c). It bears noting at this juncture that if for any reason you are removed from or surrender your position as a director prior to the termination of your elected term that you will have to re-certify upon being re-elected or appointed back on the board of directors in the same manner as your initial election or appointment.

Read other Articles for HOA Board Members

 

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Keep Everyone Up to Date and Connected

Keep Everyone Up to Date and Connected

  • Posted: Jul 21, 2018
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Keep Everyone Up to Date and Connected

What’s on your Desk? Members should send us information and news, We use this to post and send to our industry.

Keep everyone up to date and connectedSFPMA using Mail Chimp and Direct E-Mail makes it easy to send timely, personalized, relevant messages to large groups, small groups, or specific individuals. Recipients can customize how they receive messages and they can respond via the links within. Keeping everyone up to date and connected is key.

Add to our Events Calendar
Members can send us an Email and fill out the form on the Members Portal when they are having an event, meeting, and seminars. We add this to our events calendar a place that everyone can view. The events are also sent to our Social Media pages and the Many Groups we are part of. If you look at any social media group they have hundreds and some have thousands of members our goal is to let many people view the events and show up, We believe in information and through these events many companies get new clients once they find out what you do and how you can help Managers, Board Members, Condo and HOA professionals.

Just click this link to List your company.

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Recruiting Potential HOA Board Members

Recruiting Potential HOA Board Members

  • Posted: Jun 26, 2018
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Recruiting Potential HOA Board Members

Interview qualifications a candidate must be given are communication, education, willingness and other skills necessary for a new position on the Board

One of the best ways to enhance your community and make it the best that it can be is to volunteer as a member of the HOA board. Becoming a board member can take up a lot of valuable time, but it is well worth the investment of energy and passion. At times, filling positions on the board can be a challenge because homeowners have a lot of demands on their time, but having a stable and energetic board is one of the most crucial parts of a successful homeowners association. Here are a few tips for recruiting potential HOA board members.

Appeal to the Specific Talents of Your Homeowners

Sometimes homeowners may not be getting involved in their community because they believe they do not have the right strengths or talents for the job. However, an HOA board does not simply need people who are good at accounting (although this is a very important skill for HOA boards to possess), it needs people with all manner of skills. Find people in your community who are skilled at construction, design, information technology, or gardening and appeal to their specific skill-set to help get them involved

Direct Complaints into Participatory Roles

When a homeowner expresses discontent in the way the association is being run, far from being a bad thing, these complaints are actually opportunities for wonderful, passionate residents of the community to get involved. If you find that a particular homeowner is often politely complaining, try to see if you can encourage them to get involved so that they can have an active hand in improving the community.

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Three Kaye Bender Rembaum Attorneys Receive New Florida Bar Certification as Specialists in Condominium and Planned Development Law

Three Kaye Bender Rembaum Attorneys Receive New Florida Bar Certification as Specialists in Condominium and Planned Development Law

The law firm of Kaye Bender Rembaum announced that the Florida Bar has confirmed that three of its attorneys, founding and managing member Robert L. Kaye, firm member Andrew B. Black and senior associate Allison L. Hertz, are among the inaugural class of esteemed attorneys to be officially certified in the new area of Condominium and Planned Development Law. The new certification is effective as of June 1, 2018.


Robert L. Kaye, Andrew B. Black and Allison L. Hertz

Board certification is the highest level of recognition by the Florida Bar and recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Only certified attorneys may utilize terms such as “specialist,” “expert” and/or “B.C.S.” (Board Certified Specialist) when referring to their legal credentials. Board Certified Florida Bar Members are rigorously evaluated for professionalism and tested for their expertise in their areas of law. According to the Florida Bar, certification is the highest evaluation of attorneys’ competency. Attorneys must meet stringent application criteria before officially becoming certified, including satisfactory peer review as it relates to character, ethics and professionalism, satisfying the certification area’s continuing legal education requirements and passing a rigorous examination.

“For more than 30 years, I focused my practice on community association law. I am honored and proud to be recognized by the Bar for this high level of expertise in this area, as demonstrated by being awarded this certification,” said Kaye. “I am also proud of Allison and Andrew joining me among The Florida Bar’s inaugural class to receive this particular certification. We are pleased to not only offer our clients the high-quality legal services that they are accustomed to receive from all of our attorneys but to also have available board certified legal services in this area of law.”

Kaye, Black and Hertz are among the first lawyers obtaining the Condominium and Planned Land Development Law certification by the Florida Bar. They account for less than one percent (1%) of nearly 118,000 Florida lawyers. Thus far, only 127 lawyers obtained this certification. The Florida Bar website maintains a free online directory of all board certified attorneys, categorized by specialty area. Find it at FloridaBar.org/certification.

Kaye Bender Rembaum is a full-service commercial law firm concentrating on the representation of more than 1,000 community associations throughout Florida. With offices in Broward and Palm Beach counties, the Firm was recently presented with the 2018 Readers’ Choice Award for Legal Services by the Florida Community Association Journal, an award they’ve received annually since 2014. Members of State of Florida Property Management Association (SFPMA.com) For more information, visit www.KBRLegal.com, call 954-928-0680 and follow the Firm on www.facebook.com/KayeBenderRembaum.

 

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