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Statutory Meeting Requirements by Becker

Statutory Meeting Requirements by Becker

  • Posted: May 04, 2022
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Statutory Meeting Requirements

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Many condominium and homeowners’ associations’ activities are required to have a certain amount of transparency. One way that association activities are made transparent is through statutory provisions requiring most kinds of meetings to be open and noticed to the membership. In fact, applicable laws governing the operation of condominium and homeowners’ associations allow board members to communicate by email but prohibits them from voting on issues by email.

Notably, a gathering of a quorum of board members to conduct association business is considered a board meeting (whether taking place in person or by real-time electronic means) and is required to be noticed and open to association members. However, two important exceptions apply. Namely, meetings of the board or an association committee at which the association’s attorney is participating for the purpose of rendering advice upon proposed or pending litigation are not required to be open to association members. Similarly, board meetings held to discuss personnel matters are also not required to be open to association members.

Association members are entitled to speak at open meetings on “designated items” (HOA) or an item on the agenda in a condominium. However, the rights of members to speak at meetings is subject to any rules adopted by the association governing the frequency, duration, and manner of member statements. The right to attend open meetings includes the right to tape record or videotape them, as long as such recording activity is not disruptive. Furthermore, the Division of Florida Condominiums has adopted rules regarding recording condominium association meetings (found in Fla. Admin. Code Rule 61B-23.002(10)), and the Homeowners’ Association Act provides that homeowners’ associations may adopt their own pertaining to recording homeowners’ association meetings.

As such, there are statutory meeting requirements that must be followed for board meetings which must be kept in mind when an association is adopting or changing its procedures. Failing to follow the basic statutory requirements may result in problems. Questions about board meetings, committee meetings, which have their own set of requirements, and members’ meetings should be directed to legal counsel for guidance.

 

 

 

 

As leaders in Community Association Law, we not only helped write the law – we also teach it.

Did you know Becker provides over 200 educational classes per year throughout the State of Florida on a variety of topics ranging from board member certification to compliance, and everything in between? Our most popular classes are now available online!

To view our entire class roster, visit:
beckerlawyers.com/classes

As a service to the community and industry, we are pleased to offer some of our most popular classes online for you to participate in from the comfort of your own home.

 

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Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature could reduce insurance rates right now. A giant insurance company is standing in the way.

Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature could reduce insurance rates right now. A giant insurance company is standing in the way.

  • Posted: May 04, 2022
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Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature could reduce insurance rates right now. A giant insurance company is standing in the way.

Lawmakers have a way to save Florida homeowners $150 a year but State Farm doesn’t like it

Written By: Jason Garcia
In January, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature had a chance to save money for Florida homeowners who are struggling to afford the soaring cost of property insurance.
Members of a key committee in the Florida Senate were presented with a plan that could have cut the price of homeowner’s insurance by an estimated $150 a year. And it would have done so without simultaneously imposing hidden costs on homeowners — like insurance policies that won’t cover the cost of replacing a roof or legal changes that make it much harder to fight back against a big insurer in court.
The plan involved expanding a public insurance fund known as the “Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.” And it had support from a broad spectrum of industry interest groups and a bipartisan coalition of elected officials.
But the Big Business lobby hated it.
At Cohen Law Group, It’s About Justice!
It’s more than a slogan, it’s our firm’s mantra. We are zealous in protecting your rights. We offer 24-hour availability through our answering service. Call us today.
(407) 478-4878

 

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Is your community association prepared to raise dues 10-15% or more in 2023?

Is your community association prepared to raise dues 10-15% or more in 2023?

  • Posted: May 04, 2022
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Is your community association prepared to raise dues 10-15% or more in 2023?

Inflation is currently at its highest level in 40 years. And it does not appear to be going down anytime soon. Last year, the inflation rate hit 7% and by February of this year it increased to 7.9%. Consumers have seen prices of everything from gas to groceries increase.

As you can see from the chart below, we have been very fortunate with inflation rates hovering around 2% for the last 10 years, as represented by the green line.  While in the last 30 years, we have rarely exceeded 4%, as represented by the red line.  Now, we are faced with 8%, which again, we have not seen in over 40 years.

Inflation has already affected many community associations with many raising their dues between 3-5% for the 2022 budget year. But that increase was not enough especially with the continued impact of insurance, labor, and material increases. Most community associations need to be prepared to raise dues 10-15% in 2023 to combat inflation.

Homeowners are usually not happy when dues go up. However, as expenses for communities increase, so does the need for an increase in the dues. Now is the time to prepare your residents for an increase in dues in 2023 so they are not blindsided.

Here are some of the items in most community associations that are increasing in cost:

  • Landscaping costs – Prices for materials, gas and fertilizer have all increased causing landscape companies to raise prices. Supply shortages fueled by the Ukraine-Russia conflict (Russia is one of the main suppliers of fertilizer around the world) have caused fertilizer prices to go up 30%.
  • Property Management – Labor shortages for maintenance, janitorial and even admin and property manager positions mean the cost of labor has gone up as property management companies try to attract talent with higher salaries and better benefits.
  • Labor costs – The great resignation has played a major role in the rising cost of labor. Legions of workers, especially those in low-wage positions leaving their jobs means employers need to pay more to get workers to show up.
  • Maintenance and repair costs – As a direct result of the global supply chain shortages, prices have soared. Associations need to factor in higher costs for the regular maintenance of their communities. Outside vendors such as pool companies have raised their prices and many parts are simply much more expensive than they used to be.
  • Premiums for insurance – Insurance increases are on the rise; where there is an incumbent on the deal, we are seeing 15-30% increases on insurance. And, where there is a replacement carrier required, we have seen rate increases in the 50-100%+ range. Click here to view a recent webinar we held on the current insurance market.
  • Project costs – There is no doubt that any large projects your community needs to get done are going to cost more. Material prices overall are up 20.3% since 2021. Add in the labor shortages and supply chain constraints and not only are projects going to cost your association more, they are also going to take longer to complete.

For most community associations, the budget for 2023 will reflect higher anticipated expenses, which means dues will need to increase. Now is the time to prepare your residents for this increase. This year is unlike any other year. You CAN NOT rely on “standard” budget raises and expect to be able to pay your bills in 2023. You should NOT wait until the end of the year, hoping this will change. You need to start planning NOW and letting your owners know NOW.

Throughout the remainder of 2022, we will have a blog post each month discussing this inflation storm and offer tips for your association to ride it out.

by Ashley Dietz Gray, VP Marketing

 

FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM — FAIR WARNING?

FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM — FAIR WARNING?

  • Posted: May 03, 2022
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FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM — FAIR WARNING?

A serious DEADLINE (January 1, 2024) is creating another serious expense for Condo owners in the near future: FS 718.112 (l) — Firesafety.—Any high-rise association building must ensure compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code. That means that these buildings must retrofit either a fire sprinkler system or an engineered life safety system as specified in the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

But make no mistake: These buildings in question got ample warning: Since 2014 bills are being discussed and enacted creating this requirement. The deadline for the necessary retrofitting changed a few times – some ill-advised board members who didn’t care about the safety of their neighbors had the law firm of Becker& Poliakoff (former Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff, now an attorney with the Becker Law Firm) lobbying against this requirement, trying to remove this requirement in the statutes or minimum trying to postpone this deadline “forever”.

In 2017 then Governor Rick Scott even vetoed a bill that would have actually allowed residents to vote to end sprinkler and other safety requirements.

Let’s make no mistake: Safety requirements, especially in high-rise buildings, are absolutely necessary – even if some high cost is involved. We have seen in Surfside that neglecting safety requirements – or even ignoring them – can have deadly consequences.

Hopefully all these high-rise condominium buildings had board members that took care of creating reserve funds for installing the required Fire Safety System. They surely had long-time warnings.  We don’t want to see families losing their home because they were unable to pay the special assessment because the board members failed to collect the necessary funds over all these years.

 Need a Fire Safety Company for your Buildings?

Search our Members Directory – top companies can be found all over Florida that work with Condo and HOA’s.

When you are looking for companies to take care of your buildings fire safety, Our members are here to help.

ASAP Fire Sprinkler Protection LLC

Premier Fire Alarm Systems

Premier Fire Alarm Systems

  • Posted: May 02, 2022
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Premier Fire Alarm Systems

Premier Fire Alarms & Integration Systems Installation Division Inc. has been a leader of innovative systems for over 27 years. Our Fire Alarm Company serve and install most major brands of fire alarm systems and security products. Our licensed and certified staff is available 24 hours for emergency system repairs. We are factory authorized dealers for various manufacturers of low voltage systems.

Below are the systems and services we provide:

 

  • Annual certifications for fire alarm systems
  • Service contract fire alarm systems.
  • Fire alarm and burglar alarm monitoring contracts.
  • BDA frequency testing (bidirectional amplification systems installed).
  • BDA installations of existing buildings.
  • 24 hour emergency service.
  • Engineered fire alarm system installations, engineering department.
  • ELSS engineered reporting for compliance.
  • Fire alarm systems installations all types.
  • U.L- ETL certifications.
  • Runner service contracts.

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Why You Need Pest Control (6 Important Reasons to Consider) by Hulett

Why You Need Pest Control (6 Important Reasons to Consider) by Hulett

  • Posted: May 02, 2022
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Why You Need Pest Control (6 Important Reasons to Consider)

by Hulett Environmental Services

 

In South Florida, pest control is a necessity year-round. The hot and humid weather keeps bugs active all the time. There are many reasons why pest control should be a consideration for your home. Homeowners need pest control as part of their regular home maintenance routine to help protect themselves, their family, and their biggest investment, their home. This is especially true in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and all the way up to Fort Pierce and the rest of South Florida, where ants, termites, roaches, spiders, silverfish, and other insects that are so prevalent.

There are many good reasons for pest control, from the health benefits to preventing property damage. Read on to learn more about why pest control is an integral part of responsible homeownership from the bug experts at Hulett Environmental Services and their internal training department, Bugs University.

 

Top 6 Reasons for Pest Control

You may be asking yourself, “Do I need pest control?” We’ve got you covered with the top six important reasons to take advantage of pest control service in your home.

1. Rodents and insect pests can be a health hazard.

Pests can make you sick. Insects and rodents forage for food in unsanitary places and can pick up bacteria and germs along the way. When they travel into your home, they can spread pathogens that may cause diseases through bites, droppings, or contact with humans. Their presence can also exacerbate specific health problems, such as German cockroaches and asthma. Some bugs produce allergens that make it difficult for people with respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies to breathe easily. Regular pest control can help eliminate these pests that are associated with health hazards, making a better environment for your family.

2. You can Prevent Food Waste.

Keeping a well-stocked pantry is part of good home economics, but unfortunately, many everyday pantry items are attractive to bugs. Many common pests, including ants and roaches, or even rodents, enter your home to forage for a food supply. When they find food in your living spaces, they’re likely to stick around.

Bugs often crawl through garbage and other unsanitary environments. If they’ve been scurrying around in your pantry, you’ll need to throw away and replace any contaminated items. Unless the pest control problem is addressed, the insects will likely continue to eat your food.

As an added layer of protection, in addition to regular pest control service, you can store your food in sealed plastic or glass containers to keep out pests such as the roaches. Desirable foods like cereal, flour, and sugar are easy for bugs to infiltrate, such as ants and other pests. You’ll save yourself the expense of having to replace these foods by storing them in containers that are impenetrable to bugs.

3. You Can Prevent Property Damage.

Insects can wreak havoc on your home. Some of the more destructive home invaders can eat away at or gnaw on the finishings or building materials in your home. They may even cause structural damage.

Structural damage from termites and other insects such as powderpost beetle and other wood destroying organisms can cause your property value to plummet. Some destructive bugs can be difficult to spot until they have caused significant damage. Trained pest control technicians, like those at Hulett, know what to look for and can help catch pest problems that arise earlier than the average homeowner. Not to mention rodents, that can gnaw on wood, chew through wires and plumbing, and also make a compete mess of your attic or kitchen with feces and urine.

Unfortunately, your homeowner’s insurance policy is unlikely to cover damage from bugs. Most insurance policies consider pest control measures to be part of the regular maintenance of owning a home. Consequently, they won’t pay for damage that results from a homeowner’s failure to perform this maintenance. If insects cause structural damage to your home, you’ll have to pay for costly repairs yourself.

4. You’ll Get Customized Pest Control and the Most Effective Products and Techniques.

The internet is full of DIY pest control tips that homeowners can use to prevent infestations. However, the problem is that these tips are often a one-size-fits-all approach to keeping your home pest-free. It won’t address any issues that are specific to your property and the types of insects it attracts. That’s where Hulett is different.

Customized pest control is key to eliminating a pest infestation quickly and effectively. Our experienced, well-trained pest control technicians have the skills to rapidly:

  • Identify the insects.
  • Determine their entry points.
  • Locate their nests.
  • Note any features of your property that contribute to the problem.
  • Develop a pest control solution tailored to your property and the needs of your family and household.
  • Use the latest, most effective pest control products, equipment, and techniques.
  • Answer your questions and address any concerns.
  • Give you customized tips for preventing the insects from returning to your home.

This more targeted, professional company proactive approach is more likely to resolve your pest control problem. DIY methods often require more knowledge, and a variety of products, that most consumers are not aware of. Hence, severe infestations are nearly impossible to eradicate without the help of professionals.

5. Experts Apply the Most Effective Pest Control Products.

Professionals have the necessary equipment, training (e.g., Hulett’s Bugs University), and products to get the job done right. It can be intimidating to apply pest control products on your own. With a qualified technician from a professional pest control company, you know you’re getting the most current products and that they are applied by someone who knows the best locations and quantities to use them in. They can also select products or other pest control solutions tailored to your family’s needs.

6. You Get Peace of Mind.

Taking care of a home can be overwhelming. For most Americans, their home is their biggest investment, and maintaining their property comes with many responsibilities, including pest control. When you hire a professional pest control service, there’s no need to worry about insects and the costly damage they can do to your home, your most important investment. You know that your technician has your back. That way, you can rest assured that you’re doing your due diligence and protecting your family and property from bugs.

 

Why Pest Control Is Important

As you can see, there are so many reasons to take advantage of a regular pest control service. It can help you maintain your property and peace of mind. Pest control is a good investment because it can prevent property damage and help to promote a healthy environment. Some insects like termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural or cosmetic damage that insurance won’t cover, so protection against these insects is a great investment, especially in South Florida.

Why Choose Professional Pest Control?

Is professional pest control worth the expense? People choose professional pest control because it offers a quick and convenient solution to an existing infestation or helps prevent one from developing. Pest control customers opt for the service because they think it’s a good value.

Tackling an infestation on your home can get complicated. Identifying insects can be tricky, and if you get it wrong, you may use the wrong strategy for eliminating the bugs. With so much that can go wrong, you may not be comfortable applying treatments yourself.

Additionally, the problem can actually worsen if pest control products are not used properly. If insects sense a threat and their colony is not entirely wiped out, the bugs may evacuate their current nest and set up several new ones on your property, leading to a more severe infestation.

The best and quickest way to eliminate or prevent an infestation is to hire an experienced pest control company. They have the tools and know-how to get the job done right.

Why Choose Hulett?

At Hulett, we take bugs pretty seriously. You can rest assured that we will work hard to eliminate insects from your property. We will deliver a quick and effective solution that works for you and your family. There are so many reasons to choose Hulett.

We offer free, no-obligation home inspections.

Our technicians get ongoing training through the experts at Bugs University on the latest, most up-to-date products and methods to ensure that you get the most effective pest control solutions.
Your friendly Hulett technician will take the time to listen to your questions and concerns and thoroughly address them.

Hulett offers pet- and eco-friendly pest control services that use integrated pest management.
We’ll work with you to prevent the bugs from returning.

For more than 50 years, our family-owned business has helped so many South Florida homeowners maintain their properties by preventing infestations. See why so many families choose Hulett — for pest control treatment in South Florida, Just Call Hulett!

Hulett Environmental Services

305-710-8916

The Best Pest Control and Prevention in South Florida

Hulett Environmental Services is South Florida’s leading local pest control company that guarantees results. We provide effective Healthy Home solutions for all types of pests: ants, termites, spiders, roaches, fleas, ticks, rats, mice and more!

Call our Member: 
Kristof Czeczko
kczeczko@bugs.com
South Florida Account Manager
305-710-8916
Hulett Environmental Services
5580 N Pine Island Rd, Lauderhill, FL 33351
http://www.bugs.com

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How To Prepare Your Trees For Hurricane Season by Arborology Inc

How To Prepare Your Trees For Hurricane Season by Arborology Inc

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2022
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Hurricanes can cause massive damage to trees and landscape. Trees often end up hitting homes, power lines and other important property. If you live in Florida or any other location that is prone to Hurricanes you need to take steps to prepare your trees.

The most important step is even before you have planted the first tree. You should select the right tree for the right location. You should always select trees that are wind tolerant and have good branch structure. Trees with good branch structure will have less overextended limbs, included bark and tree defects. Some trees handle decay from pruning better than others making species an important factor in the right tree. If your trees don’t have all the desired characteristics don’t worry you can still have the tree pruned by a Certified Arborist to remove or reduce the defects in the tree. So many people overreact and remove their trees out of fear of the unknown. This isn’t always necessary and is a waste of money.

You should always have a Certified Arborist inspect your trees on an annual basis. A Certified Arborist will be able to identify tree defects and make recommendations on corrective actions. Be sure the Certified Arborist you are working with has the TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) credential. Ask your Certified Arborist to provide you proof of his qualifications so you are sure your getting sound advice. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion before you commit to having work done. We recommend you first work with a consulting Certified Arborist that doesn’t perform tree service work so they have no financial interest in the recommendations made to you.

So now were ready to prune. I know you have tons of questions and I’m here to help you answer them.

Should you thin your trees so the wind can flow through them? No this can lead to overextended limbs which can fail during wind events.

Should you top your trees? Absolutely not, this is one of the biggest mistakes tree owners make. Topping trees will lead to weak attachment points, heavier upper canopy growth and reduced tree vigor.

Should you have the dead, broken, cracked or overextended limbs pruned or removed? Yes you should. Overextended limbs are long and have most of the weight at the end. Cracked or broken limbs have a high likelihood of failing during wind events, Dead limbs can break off and impact important property.

Should I prune my palms so they will survive the hurricane apocalypse? No palms are adapt to wind storms and have zero benefits from hurricane pruning. You will want to have them inspected by a Certified Arborist so any defects can be pointed out to you.

What can you do to help your trees survive a windstorm event? Plant the correct tree for the location, Have a Certified Arborist inspect them annually, prune only when you have a valid reason to prune them, provide fertilization when necessary and most of all don’t fall victim to fear or bad information.

If you are in need of a Certified Arborist to inspect your trees or help you determine what the best course of action is for your trees please contact our Certified Arborist at http://www.arborologyinc.com. We will be glad to meet you and empower you on managing your trees.


Ronnie Simpson
Board Certified Master Arborist
Arboriology Inc
http://www.arborologyinc.com

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The Hurricane season starts on June 1 but it’s never too early to prepare.

The Hurricane season starts on June 1 but it’s never too early to prepare.

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2022
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The Florida hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOOA), this year is predicted to be another above-normal season.

The Hurricane season starts on June 1 but it’s never too early to prepare.

Take a moment to go to out web page for the top professionals /members ready to help. Remember to SAVE to your favorites, this way you will be prepared if you have damage to your buildings/HOA homes and condos.

http://FloridaAdjusting.com – A division of SFPMA

Damage from a hurricane can be costly for all businesses and can pose hazards for you and your employees. Fortunately, there are ways that you can fortify your business against a hurricane to minimize losses and reduce risks for workers.

As part of “Planning Ahead” for a Disaster, the SBA encourages you to consider taking these simple steps to prepare: Assess your risk; Create a plan, Execute your plan. Statistics show that 25% of small businesses don’t re-open after a disaster. Visit the SBA’s Prepare for Emergencies website to learn more about how to prepare and recover if a disaster strikes.

NOOA officials also encourage consumers to take the following steps:

  • Visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov for useful and valuable disaster preparation resources including checklists and templates for your business and your home.
  • Download the FEMA app to sign-up for a variety of alerts and to access preparedness information.
  • Consider purchasing flood insurance.

Visit the National Hurricane Center’s website at hurricanes.gov throughout the season to stay current on watches and warnings.

SHOULD I USE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER? While it would be wonderful if no one ever suffered damage to their property, it would be unrealistic to expect such good fortune.

SHOULD I USE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER? While it would be wonderful if no one ever suffered damage to their property, it would be unrealistic to expect such good fortune.

  • Posted: Apr 26, 2022
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SHOULD I USE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

by Steven Sarasohon of Sarasohn & Company Public Adjusters

 

Most states license all insurance adjusters, whether they work for an insurance company or for the public. Adjusters working for the insurance companies are obligated to treat all claimants fairly and impartially. However, they are paid by the insurance companies for their efforts. The state recognizes that you, the policyholder, are entitled to representation and you may retain the services of a licensed public adjuster to assist in the claim process. Sarasohn & Company, founded in 1924, is a fourth-generation public adjusting company based in Boca Raton, FL.  As such, we can provide unparalleled expertise to get you the best possible settlement.

Our president, Stephen Sarasohn SPPA, is the third generation in his family’s business. His son, Bernard, joined the firm several years ago and is following in his footsteps. Stephen has been a public adjuster for 51 years and has held the professional designation Senior Professional Public Adjuster since it was first created in 1987. Stephen’s father, Ira Sarasohn SPPA, was one of the founding members of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Both Stephen and Ira were founding members of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters.

Property owners can certainly try to prepare and adjust their insurance claims themselves. However, as with most things in life, a great deal of benefit can be realized by hiring an expert to assist with a difficult and complex task. No public adjuster in Florida has as much experience as Stephen Sarasohn. Stephen has been certified as an instructor by the Florida Department of Financial Services and has taught insurance courses to the other public adjusters for their continuing education requirements. Sarasohn & Company has adjusted claims ranging from burglaries to plumbing leaks, to fires, to hurricanes, to airplanes crashing into buildings. The valuable experience we’ve gained, in our 98 years, benefits every client. We’ve adjusted a great many claims in excess of a million dollars, some of them in the tens of millions.

Not every professional is the same. When you need the assistance of an expert, you should hire the best expert. Contrary to another article on this site, damage caused by your negligence is not excluded.

While it would be wonderful if no one ever suffered damage to their property, it would be unrealistic to expect such good fortune. That’s why we all buy insurance. If you make a claim, the insurance company will have experts to represent their interests and you’d be well advised to do the same. For a free consultation regarding your damage or for a free review of your policy coverages, please contact us at any time at 561-368-5000

 

To Make it easy: You can contact us through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sarasohn-Company-Inc-1571655336409086

On our Website or by Phone:   http://www.sarasohn.net/           (561) 368-5000

And on our Membership Page on SFPMA

 

 

 

 

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Delinquencies are starting to pick up so, Comply with Changing State Association Collections Laws Using Axela Technologies

Delinquencies are starting to pick up so, Comply with Changing State Association Collections Laws Using Axela Technologies

  • Posted: Apr 26, 2022
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Easily Comply with Changing State Association Collections Laws Using Axela Technologies

Are your community association’s collections in compliance with changing regulations?

Community association collections laws are changing. For many years, condominium associations and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) had a lot of freedom when it came to handling unpaid assessments. Community associations were able to pursue home and unit owners who fell behind in a variety of ways, because few state regulations interfered with the association’s right to collect overdue assessments. They were largely free to levy late fees, interest, collection costs, and legal fees against the delinquent home or condo owner. Condominium and HOA management firms, when acting as agents for their association clients, were similarly able to offer a collections process as part of their routine service offerings for their clients. This could include issuing warning letters, demand letters, and other collection notices, or even recording liens.

To say those days are over is an understatement. Although there are no federal regulations in place, many states now have condominium or HOA association collections laws that are designed to protect delinquent home and condo owners. While this type of consumer protection is really important, it’s created an unintentional side effect: community associations are more regulated and challenged than ever before when it comes to collecting the fees and assessments that are the lifeblood of their association.

Compliance 1

Community Association Collections Laws Vary by State

Make no mistake, these state laws must be obeyed and the consequences for violating them can be severe. Some states, like Florida, now require additional notices to be sent for certain types of collection activities, delaying the whole process. Other states, such as Texas, have such rigid requirements that many association management companies would rather pay a small fortune for an attorney than seek out cost-effective collections options, believing this is their best option to avoid risk.

Then you have states like Maryland where community association management firms are actually expected to acquire and maintain collection agency licenses in order to send out bills on behalf of their association clients. This is a huge burden being to place on management companies and creates yet another layer of risk. Maintaining a collection agency license requires extensive knowledge and practice of the current community association collection laws regarding the collection of delinquent fees from HOA and condominium unit owners–management companies should not be expected to shoulder that responsibility.

Compliance 2

Choose an Industry-Specific Collections Partner

Axela Technologies is licensed and insured in every state that we service.  Maintaining that knowledge of association collections law is a sacred duty that we take to heart so we can best serve the industry. We even offer indemnification to the associations and association management firms that retain our services to collect from their delinquent homeowners. This concept is so important, it merits serious consideration for any association management firm that wants to focus on delivering service excellence to its association clients without risking being sued for violating a state collection law.

Keeping up with the law changes in your state can be tedious and difficult. Let a specialized HOA and condo association collections agency handle that worry for you. Talk to one of our condominium and HOA delinquency collection experts to learn how best to collect those overdue fees and assessments while keeping your association management business and your association clients safe from the risk of handling collections without a license.

Compliance 3

 

Get your free collections analysis today and start working with one of our many HOA and condominium association collections experts.

Axela Technologies handles all collections on a merit-based system. We’ll help you make sure you aren’t putting your association at risk by violating federal or state consumer protection laws for your condominium or HOA.

 

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