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Aruba Permit Services is your one-stop-shop provider for closing all your open building permits and code violations.

Aruba Permit Services is your one-stop-shop provider for closing all your open building permits and code violations.

  • Posted: Jan 12, 2021
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Aruba Permit Services is your one-stop-shop provider for closing all your open building permits and code violations.

 

We Specialize in Resolving Open or Expired Permits, Code Violations, and
Lien Negotiations!

 

  • Expired Building Permits
  • Code Violations
  • ”As-Built” Engineer Drawings
  • Garage Conversions
  • Unpermitted Work
  • Courtesy Public Notary 
  • Inspections
  • Repairs
  • Lien Negotiations
  • Complimentary Zoom Video Inspections
  • ”After the Fact” Building Permits
  • Illegal Additions
  • Re-roof Certifications
  • 40/50 Year Building Re-certifications 
  • Renovations and Remodels
  • Roofing

 

Call us at (954) 786-7292 or visit our website aruba-services.com to request a free quote!

View our SFPMA Membership Page Working with Condo and HOA in Florida’s Management Industry!

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Association Rules After Expiration of the Governor’s State of Emergency Order for COVID-19 by Kaye Bender Rembaum

Association Rules After Expiration of the Governor’s State of Emergency Order for COVID-19 by Kaye Bender Rembaum

  • Posted: Jan 08, 2021
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Association Rules After Expiration of the Governor’s State of Emergency Order for COVID-19

by Kaye Bender Rembaum

By the time you read this article, the governor’s declared state of emergency as related to the coronavirus may have reached an end. If not, well, hopefully it will soon enough due to significant diminution of the coronavirus. What then? What happens to the rules adopted by an association in an effort to combat the coronavirus? Can an association turn away guests of residents? Can the number of people allowed to use the amenities, such as the pool, be limited? Just how far can the board go in its efforts to create reasonable rules?

The emergency powers set out in §720.316 of the Homeowners’ Association Act, §718.1265 of the Condominium Act, and §719.128 of the Cooperative Act begin essentially the same. They each begin with the following phrase:

To the extent allowed by law and unless specifically prohibited by the declaration or other recorded document [or declaration of condominium, its articles or bylaws or cooperative documents, as the case may be], the articles, or the bylaws of an association, and consistent with the provisions of s. 617.0830, the board of administration, in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared pursuant to s. 252.36 in the locale in which the association [or condominium or cooperative as the case may be]   is located, may, but is not required to, exercise the following powers:…

 

In addition, they each end essentially the same, too, as follows:

The special powers authorized under subsection (1) shall be limited to that time reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the association and the unit owners and the unit owners’ family members, tenants, guests, agents, or invitees and shall be reasonably necessary to mitigate further damage and make emergency repairs.

 

Therefore, the emergency power legislation contemplates use of the emergency powers in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency has been declared by the governor and for a reasonable amount of time after the state of emergency is over, as necessary. But, as related to the coronavirus, can the emergency powers still be relied upon at the conclusion of the governor’s declared state of emergency? It is undisputable that the emergency power legislation was drafted in response to hurricanes, where actual damage to buildings and other property occurred, and not for the epidemic of an unexpected deadly virus. But, at least this ever-important legislation lent its applicability to the coronavirus situation and was relied upon by boards and lawyers alike to allow association board members to approve rules in an effort to contain the coronavirus. In response to the virus, some association boards restricted realtor showings and construction work, limited or even prevented guests, and the list goes on and on. Often these rules were adopted with limited notice to the members, sometimes outside of properly noticed meetings (which, depending on the situation may have been, was permitted at the time pursuant to the statutory emergency powers, which still require providing reasonable notice under the circumstances). The further in time we are from the end of the declared state of emergency, the less the emergency powers legislation can be relied upon…most especially because they were drafted with a different type of emergency in mind.

Therefore, in order to ensure your community’s, by now likely revised and lessened, coronavirus rules and regulations remain valid and enforceable, it is important to review the basics. Board members have a fiduciary duty to their association members. That duty supports board-promulgated rules that promote the health, happiness, and peace of mind of the majority of the members. Thus, rules can be adopted for different reasons. At times, a rule may be necessary under the circumstances. For example, say the local health department issues a special bulletin regarding a significant rise in coronavirus within a very limited geographic region in which an association has membership consisting of aged members. Likely, that association may reasonably adopt more stringent rules than an association located in an area with very few cases.

Clearly, if an association is going to restrict vendor and guest access or the rights of the members to use amenities that they otherwise have a lawful right to use, then the board better be able to create the necessary nexus between the situation at hand and rule at issue.

 

Rules Must Be Reasonable

In Hidden Harbour Estates v. Norman, 309 So. 2d 180 (Fla 4th DCA 1975), unit owners challenged a board-adopted rule prohibiting the use of alcoholic beverages in certain areas of the common elements of the condominium. The trial court found the rule invalid, holding that rules must have some reasonable relationship to the protection of life, property, or the general welfare of the residents of the condominium to be valid and enforceable. The Fourth District Court of Appeal, however, held that the rule was valid because the rule was reasonable. The Court explained that there is a principle “inherent to the condominium concept” that each unit owner must give up a certain degree of freedom in a condominium in order to promote the health, happiness, and peace of mind of the majority of unit owners. The Court concluded that the test for the validity of a rule is reasonableness. An association is not permitted to adopt arbitrary or capricious rules that do not relate to the health, happiness, and enjoyment of the unit owners. However, if a rule is reasonable, the association is permitted to adopt it.

 

Rule Validity

In Hidden Harbour Estates v. Basso, 393 So. 2d 637 (Fla 4th DCA 1981), the association sought to enjoin unit owners from maintaining a shallow well on their property. The Fourth District Court of Appeal noted that there are two categories of use restrictions: (i) use restrictions set out in the declaration of condominium and (ii) rules adopted by the board or the refusal of the board to allow a certain use when the board has the authority to grant or deny such use. The Court concluded that use restrictions set out in the declaration are “clothed with a very strong presumption of validity” because unit owners purchase their unit knowing of and accepting the restrictions to be imposed. However, rules adopted by the board do not enjoy the strong presumption of validity and must be “reasonably related to the promotion of the health, happiness, and peace of mind of the unit owners.” In this case, the board articulated three reasons for refusing to allow the unit owners to install a well on their property. However, the Court held that the there was no evidence to support the association’s articulated reasons for denial, and therefore the association failed to demonstrate a reasonable relationship between the denial of the application and the objectives which the association argued the denial would achieve. Because the board’s denial was not reasonable, it was held invalid.

 

Rules Cannot Contravene Declaration or Rights Inferable Therefrom

In Beachwood Villas Condominium v. Poor, 448 So. 2d 1143 (Fla 4th DCA 1984), unit owners challenged two rules adopted by the board of directors of the association which regulated unit rentals and the occupancy of units by guests during the owner’s absence. The trial court held that the rules were invalid because they exceeded the scope of the board’s authority. However, the Fourth District Court of Appeal reversed the trial court and held that the rules were within the scope of the board’s authority. The Court looked to the decision in Hidden Harbour v. Basso, and the two sources of use restrictions: those set out in the declaration of condominium and those adopted by the board. The Court noted that board-adopted rules are reviewed first by determining whether the board acted within the scope of its authority and second, whether the rule reflects reasoned or arbitrary and capricious decision-making.

 

The Court determined that a board-adopted rule that does not contravene either an express provision of the declaration or a right reasonably inferable therefrom will be found valid. In other words, if the board has the authority to adopt the rule, and the rule does not conflict with the declaration or any right reasonably inferable from the declaration, the board is acting within the scope of its authority to adopt the rule. In this case, the unit owners did not challenge the reasonableness of the rules, so the Court ended its analysis with the question of the board’s authority to adopt the rule and did not move on to the reasonableness considerations discussed in Hidden Harbor v. Basso. As the rules adopted by the board did not contravene either an express provision of the declaration or any right inferable therefrom, the Court held that the rules were within the scope of the board’s authority, and were, therefore, valid.

 

Remember, when the board publishes an agenda which provides rules will be considered for adoption, that if the rule governs a member’s use of their property or unit then it requires a 14-day notice to all members. The notice must also be posted conspicuously on the property 14 days in advance of the meeting. Rules affecting the common area and common elements only require the typical 48- hour board meeting notice. Of course, your community’s governing documents may also have requirements regarding rule adoption, and if so, they likely should be adhered to as well. After board adoption the rules need to be sent out to the entire community. In addition, homeowners’ association rules should be recorded in the county’s official records, too.

 

It is a given that as society progresses to normal, rules that were needed yesterday can become outdated today. Be sure to be in touch with your association’s lawyer regarding the continuation of any previously adopted coronavirus restrictions and any proposed new rules prior to board adoption to help ensure their continued enforceability.

 

The Kaye Bender Rembaum Team Remains Available To You and Your Community Association

The health and safety of your Community and all residents is very important to us.

We also realize that our clients have uncertainty and concerns around the continuing operation of your Community, and our team of attorneys will remain available to all of you during these times.

Be sure to check out our very useful and informative COVID-19 section on our website, which is updated regularly, as we continue to follow developments affecting community associations. You can visit it by clicking HERE.

 

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The Four Phases of Recovery We Can Expect Next Year: by Levy Realty Advisors

The Four Phases of Recovery We Can Expect Next Year: by Levy Realty Advisors

Everyone expects a rocky ride for the US economy for the first half of 2021 as the vaccine is distributed and policymakers weigh steps to boost the economy.

But, at least according to one account, the recovery will unfold in a series of stages. John Leer, writingfor Morning Consult, says the economy will experience four distinct phases in the year ahead. From January to April, the second coronavirus relief package’s initial spending will create a stimulus high as unemployment insurance and stimulus checks offset the virus’s negative economic consequences, according to Leer. .

 

“Consumers across the income spectrum will grow more confident in the economy once the money hits their accounts, driving increases in consumer spending and employment through the middle of April,” Leer writes.

 

By late April, Leer expects the effects of the second coronavirus relief bill to wane as unemployment benefits expire and the stimulus boost burns off, exposing weaknesses in households’ finances.

But once the vaccine is widely distributed by the end of Q2, Leer anticipates a bounce back as a wave of spending as Americans eat out and travel. That should drive a rebound through most of the remainder of the year. Restaurants and gyms are likely to see a resumption of activity before international travel increases later in the year.

By December, the economy should enter a period of normalization. Leer thinks that if large groups of unemployed workers can’t find work, then the pandemic’s economic scars will likely limit economic activity heading into 2022.

Unfortunately, not all workers will find jobs at the same pace even as the economy pushes through to normalization. The effect will be the continuation of the K-shaped recovery we have seen this year. The K-shaped recovery is characterized by two groups of employees: higher-paid workers, who are weathering the recession, and lower-paid laborers, who are struggling.

 

“Individuals with less education were more than twice as likely to be out of work as college graduates,” according to Marcus & Millichap in a recent research brief. “People without a bachelor’s degree are more likely to have been employed in lower-skilled roles that were disproportionately affected by stay-at-home orders.”

 

The uneven recovery has had the same disconnect with commercial real estate, with some asset classes recovering based on how well its users are doing, versus others that are still flailing. To use an oft-cited example, the retail and hospitality sectors have borne a heavy burden from Covid-19, while the apartment and industrial sectors not only survived but also flourished, in the latter case.

Recent pricing in these categories show these trends are unlikely to dissipate any time soon and will likely follow Leer’s four stages of US economic recovery.

In October according to the US National All-Property Index, the apartment sector rose 7.2% and industrial 8.5%. Retail prices were down 5.2% from a year prior. The office sector continued to fall at about a 1% annual rate, with suburban offices leading that slide, falling 1.6% year-over-year in October.

 

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An Association’s Response to Owners Requiring Additional Care by Becker

An Association’s Response to Owners Requiring Additional Care by Becker

  • Posted: Dec 14, 2020
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An Association’s Response to Owners Requiring Additional Care

Robyn M. Severs | 12.11.2020
Florida Condo & HOA Law Blog

 

Some older individuals choose to live out their final years in their personal residences, alone, rather than in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. Additionally, there are times that other individuals may experience certain mental health issues that make them unable to adequately care for themselves. Associations are often at a loss with how to assist these individuals. Plus, associations are not healthcare or mental health providers, so they are not equipped to address such matters. Instead, associations will need to request help from family, friends, or governmental entities.

Depending on the severity and facts of a particular situation, the association should attempt to contact known relatives to determine if there is someone available to assist, as it is best that the association allow the family to intervene. Associations should consider having owners complete a form that would list relatives, friends, emergency contacts, to assist in such situations. However, there are many cases where the resident does not want their family to help, where the family is unwilling or unable to help, or where the association does not know of any relative or friend of the owner. In those instances, the association may need to see if there is any governmental assistance.

The association can contact Code Enforcement if the property is in so disrepair that it is a code violation. Some counties also have Elder Helplines that could be contacted. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs has an Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.

 

For issues regarding self-neglect, the Adult Protective Services, Division of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) Abuse Hotline can be called at (800-962-2873). They should send out an investigator to investigate and perform assessments pursuant to Chapter 415 of the Florida Statutes, which allows the state to intervene in the instance that “senior neglect” is suspected. “Neglect” is defined in Section 415.102(16), Florida Statutes as follows:

  • “Neglect” means the failure or omission on the part of the caregiver or vulnerable adult to provide the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the physical and mental health of the vulnerable adult, including, but not limited to, food, clothing, medicine, shelter, supervision, and medical services, which a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of a vulnerable adult. The term “neglect” also means the failure of a caregiver or vulnerable adult to make a reasonable effort to protect a vulnerable adult from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by others. “Neglect” is repeated conduct or a single incident of carelessness which produces or could reasonably be expected to result in serious physical or psychological injury or a substantial risk of death.

Finally, local law enforcement should be contacted if the association is concerned for an owner’s safety. They can perform a “welfare check” to check on the safety or well-being of a person. Such a check could lead to involuntary commitment pursuant to the Florida Mental Health Act, also known as the Baker Act. This is occasionally a viable option when a person’s inability to care for themselves presents a danger to themselves or others.

 

If the resident refuses to accept the assistance offered by family or applicable agencies and, instead, continues to cause problems for other residents, or create hazardous conditions, the association could theoretically attempt to enforce the relevant provisions of the association’s governing documents, usually through a nuisance provision.

As you might imagine, the travails of the elderly or those with mental health issues are rarely optimal cases to take before a judge or an arbitrator. However, at least in some cases, it may be worth taking the initial steps necessary to proceed with legal action including a “cease and desist” or “opportunity to cure” letter. The association could also use the legal action as a way to get a legal guardian appointed for the owner. Perhaps the association could seek a determination from a court as to whether the association could cure the violations themselves. While this may not be an attractive option for the association, it may be the only available option.

Unfortunately, dealing with residents that need help is a difficult situation for associations with no clear answer as to how to resolve the problem. Hopefully, the above options will be able to provide some guidance and assistance.

 

Robyn M. Severs represents community association clients throughout Florida’s northeast region. She has significant experience representing and assisting condominium and homeowners associations in a wide variety of legal areas, including document review, document drafting, turnover of association control, reserve funding, and maintenance issues. Robyn also handles community association bankruptcy cases and appellate cases that include some notable decisions. Earlier in her career, she served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Tenth Judicial Circuit, and as a Senior Attorney for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate, where she prosecuted cases before the Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Real Estate Commission and Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board. Ms. Severs is also one of only 190 attorneys statewide who is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

Robyn M. Severs

Shareholder / Orlando
tel:904.423.5372
RSEVERS@beckerlawyers.com

 

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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Nov 19, 2020
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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement

By SOLitude Lake Management, Nov 19, 2020

AS SEEN IN National Community Association Institute’s (CAI) publication, Common Ground

The very first fish I remember catching was a bullhead catfish. It was in a small pond in my grandparents’ HOA community that is still there today. Well, sort of. Though the pond had once been deep enough for fishing and stormwater collection, its depth is now best measured in inches rather than feet. The cattails that were once clustered near the outflow are now abundant throughout the pond. Today, the waterbody resembles the nearby wetland more than it does a pond. In the 55 years of its existence, no measures have ever been taken to mitigate against the natural process of succession.

Lake and pond succession is the natural lifecycle of any waterbody. The very tributaries that supply a waterbody with its water also carry sediment, which over time accumulates and decreases the water depth. Aquatic weeds and nuisance vegetation decompose and create additional organic sediment. And the shallower the pond becomes, the more vegetation it produces—accelerating the aging process.

Read more »

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How Do You Stop Pavers From Being Slippery by CoverTec Products

How Do You Stop Pavers From Being Slippery by CoverTec Products

  • Posted: Oct 27, 2020
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How Do You Stop Pavers From Being Slippery

Almost every day, I get this question from customers calling our office. Even though the customers’ environments vary, my responses are usually similar. My advice is usually something like this.

 

 

There are 3 methods you could use to stop pavers from being slippery.

  1.  First, you could clean the paver every time you notice anything on the surface that could be slippery – if you had that kind of free time.
  2.  Second, you could use a surface treatment that manages the causes of slippery conditions.
  3.  And third, you could use a sealer to increase the friction on the surface. All of these are useful solutions, and it all depends on your goal.

With the cleaning method, obviously you need to get the mold and mildew, food contaminants or water spills off the surface. This can be done by sweeping or mopping to minimize the “slippery when wet” conditions. However, this is not always possible. This is when you need to look at the second option of using surface treatments.

Applying treatments on the surface of the paver should change its characteristics to manage water and other slip-causing agents more effectively. The result being that when you walk or run on the surface – rather than aquaplaning – you have adequate traction to be safe.

The third option is to use sealers. And there are 2 basics types you need to be aware of:

  1. Topical sealers
  2. Penetrating sealers.

If you choose to work with a Topical sealer, use one that contains an anti-slip additive that increases the friction on the surface. This will make it much harder for you to slip when moving across the surface. Otherwise, you can use a Penetrating sealer that soaks into the pavers’ pores and does not leave the surface slick or in a slippery condition.

 

Is Paver Sealer Slippery?

Paver sealer products can be slippery if applied too thick, leaving behind a slick film on the surface. Avoid this situation by using thin mil sealers that penetrate deep into the surface and leave a very thin film on the surface.

You can also use additives in the sealer itself to increase the friction on the surface. Again, you can always use a penetrating sealer that will soak into the sub-surface, without leaving a slippery film behind.

We can scientifically measure how slippery a paver or tile surface is.  Watch this video to see how we do this on a customer’s pool deck pavers – before and after – they use our pro-grade products.

 

It’s all about finding the right anti-slip product for the floor surface you are walking on.

As always, if you have any questions about which product is the best for your unique situation, call us at: 754-253-3401

View our Membership Page on sfpma members directory

Read the Full Article – Learn through Product Videos – Find the Products

 

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Can Political Flags Be Flown? Q&A by DAVID G. MULLER / Becker

Can Political Flags Be Flown? Q&A by DAVID G. MULLER / Becker

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2020
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Can Political Flags Be Flown? Q&A

by DAVID G. MULLER / Becker

Q: I went on a walk in my community and saw at least 8 homes flying either Trump or Biden flags.  Is it legal to fly a political flag on a home located in a homeowners association? I.B.

A: Sections 720.304(2)(a) and 720.3075(3) of the Florida Homeowners Association Act specifically permit the flying of the US flag and other types of governmental flags, including flags of the various military branches.  These statutes do not address other types of flags, such as political flags.

The governing documents for some communities prohibit owners from flying non-exempt flags, such as political flags or flags with sports team logos.  There is an open and rather complicated legal issue as to whether it is an infringement of a homeowner’s First Amendment free speech rights to restrict political speech.

The First Amendment only applies by its terms to Congress, and, by virtue of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, to the states and their local governments. In legal jargon, “state action” is required before constitutional rights come into play.  There are several Florida cases which have held that a community association is not a state actor.

Your association’s attorney should be able to determine if these political flags are indeed regulated by the governing documents, and if so, guide you through the constitutional law analysis that is part of deciding your options.

 

Q: Your February 2020 column addresses the cap on transfer fees for condominium associations.  Is there a similar cap for homeowners associations? D.P.

A: No.  My February 2020 column referenced Section 718.112(2)(i) of the Florida Condominium Act, which states that no charge shall be made by a condominium association in connection with the sale, mortgage, lease, sublease, or other transfer of a unit unless the association is required to approve such transfer and unless a fee for such approval is provided for in the declaration, articles, or bylaws. Any such fee (in the condominium association context) may be preset but may not exceed $100 per applicant other than husband/wife or parent/dependent child, who are considered one applicant.  There is no similar provision found in Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes, the Florida Homeowners Association Act.

 

Q: I am considering purchasing a home in a community with a homeowners association, but I have been told that there is a “capital contribution” fee of $1,500 charged to all purchasers.  Is such a fee legal? T.F.

A: Sometimes referred to as a “flip tax”, these charges are not uncommon in the homeowner association context. There is neither authority for nor prohibition on this type of fee in the law applicable to homeowners’ associations (the condominium law does address this issue).  If the authority to charge the capital contribution fee is contained in the appropriate governing documents, the prevailing view in the legal community is that such charges are legally valid.

 

 

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The City of Surfside wanted to revive the look of their Municipal Building. by Chucks Painting

The City of Surfside wanted to revive the look of their Municipal Building. by Chucks Painting

The City of Surfside wanted to revive the look of their Municipal Building.

by Chucks Painting

Hollywood, FL 33020   Phone: 954-923-8409

This building is the Headquarters for the Town of Surfside Police Department. With our commercial painting services, we added a fresh coat of paint and with the bold blue accents this building is now a staple for the City of Surfside.

 

SERVICE AND QUALITY FROM FLORIDA’S TOP PAINTING CONTRACTOR

Military Discount! – Any veteran or active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces is eligible for a discount on our home and commercial painting services!

Since 1979, the professional painters at Chuck’s Painting, Inc. have provided quality interior and exterior painting services to the Broward and Dade County area. At Chuck’s Painting we complete both residential and commercial paint applications. We are your Miami Painting Contractor.

From private residences to large commercial structures, our professional painters have the skills needed to get the job done. We specialize in townhouse communities, condominium communities, commercial buildings, shopping plazas, and business parks.

 

Residential Painters

From traditional painting projects to intricate, high-end residential paint finishes, our paint professionals are ready to work on your next residential painting project. Unlock your home’s potential with a fresh coat of paint, stunning contrast walls, or highly detailed faux finishes. Schedule a consultation with our expert paint and designers today

Commercial Painter Pros

Take the hassle out of your commercial property’s paint maintenance by using the professionals at Chuck’s Painting. Our dedicated painting crews can handle your paint maintenance and new paint projects efficiently. We work with you to ensure that your painting tasks are completed while disrupting your work and your clients as little as possible.

 

Recognized Paint Specialists in the Dade/Broward Area

After over three decades of painting, we’ve had some great reviews. In 2011, Chuck’s Painting was featured in Painting Contractor Magazine for our excellent interior and exterior painting of the Miami Beach Convention Center. With the building stretching over 1,350,000 square feet and with archtectural accents reaching nine stories high, we had our work cut out for us. But, no matter how large or small the project is, we are dedicated to superior service. All of our clients are treated with the same level of service and quality.

 

 

 

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BuildingLink – Case Study – Opening Common Areas in a Pandemic

BuildingLink – Case Study – Opening Common Areas in a Pandemic

  • Posted: Oct 01, 2020
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BuildingLink – Case Study – Opening Common Areas in a Pandemic

Re-opening Common Areas in a Pandemic

“Avery and the entire BuildingLink Team were incredibly helpful as we began to set up our processes and procedures for the reopening of our amenities. They worked diligently and quickly with all of our Property Managers – across our entire portfolio – to ensure that our reopening was successful and safe.”

      – Brian Dashnaw | GDC Director of Property Management

The Issues:

Brian Dashnaw, Director of Property Management at Ginsberg Development Company, reached out to BuildingLink on behalf of his 12-property portfolio. After months of full closure of all the common spaces, such as pools, fitness centers, and community rooms, there was an urgent need to begin shaping some sort of plan for the safe reopening of these facilities – a plan that was compliant with all the local regulations and pandemic best-practices for social-distancing.

A list of requirements was compiled, which included (a) gathering the necessary attestations of health from residents looking to use the facilities, (b) limiting the maximum number of residents using a space at a given time, and (c) distributing access to limited resources equally and fairly across all residents.

The Solution:

The BuildingLink Support Team crafted customized suggestions and implementations to meet GDC’s goals of a smooth and controlled reopening, which included implementing some of these useful platform features:

·                     Rolling out a slotted, limited-quantity reservation structure for previously “Come one, come all” spaces, like pools and fitness centers.

·                     Implementing mandatory liability waiver consents regarding compliance with health regulations, for all residents placing reservations.

·                     Tweaking the rules regarding advance reservations, to guarantee that new reservations slots opened up each day.

The GDC portfolio also includes special situations where pools and other amenities are shared across multiple properties. BuildingLink’s “Shared Amenities” functionality allowed for these new rules to be applied seamlessly across all buildings and all residents seeking to access these common spaces.

Service Uninterrupted:

Introducing these and other changes helped GDC smoothly reopen their facilities. Similar “reopening adjustments” were undertaken with many of our 5,000+ properties and property managers.

Please contact BuildingLink at sales@buildinglink.com.

Thank you,
Richard Worth
Regional Sales Director – Florida
407-529-6063
Richard@BuildingLink.com

 

BuildingLink is currently used in over 5,000 properties in the U.S. and worldwide, offering efficient management, seamless communication, and an enhanced living experience for residents.

 

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I Have A Roof Claim But I’m Worried About The Attorneys Cost

I Have A Roof Claim But I’m Worried About The Attorneys Cost

I Have A Roof Claim But I’m Worried About The Attorneys Cost

by Cohen Law Group / Kailey Evans

A windstorm, hailstorm, or hurricane happens and you are worried about your roof.  You talk to a roofing contractor and they tell you that you have damage on your roof following the storm. You have been paying insurance premiums for years and decide you are going to file a claim. You file the claim and someone suggests (or you decide) that hiring a lawyer is a good idea. You start thinking “I want to hire a lawyer, but how much will it cost? What if I hire a lawyer and the insurance company does not ultimately pay my claim? Will I have to pay the fees for the insurance company’s lawyers?”

 

At Cohen Law Group, we want our clients to know up front and right away what their financial responsibility will be in a property damage case.  We understand that our clients already have the stress of trying to get repairs/replacements done at their home and we do not want financial worries to add anything else to their plate. So, we make sure that we address all personal financial obligations with our clients at the beginning of the case and during the case if the possibility of additional financial obligations arise.

Providing Statewide Professionals to Handle All Condo and HOA’s Storm Damage Claims for Florida Properties!

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I want to hire an attorney at Cohen Law Group, but how much will it cost?

At Cohen Law Group, we work on a contingency basis.  In the simplest terms, that means that we do not collect fees if you (our client) do not recover insurance benefits. It is a no-risk relationship in the sense that we front the cost of preparing your claim, instead of billing you for the costs, and collect the costs from the insurance benefits at the end of the claim. Therefore, as long as you proceed with your claim, you will not be obligated to pay out of pocket for any of the attorney’s fees or costs.

 

What if I hire a Cohen Law Group attorney and the insurance company does not ultimately pay my claim?

At Cohen Law Group, if we work on your claim and are ultimately unsuccessful in obtaining any insurance benefits for you, you are not responsible for our fees or costs. Again, because of the contingency basis that we work on for our clients, we do not collect fees or costs unless we recover insurance benefits on our client’s behalf.

 

Will I have to pay for the insurance company’s lawyers if my case goes into litigation?

A question we are often asked is whether or not our clients will be responsible for the insurance company’s attorneys once the case goes into litigation.  The answer is, it depends.  In most cases and based on Florida law, the insurance company is typically responsible for paying the homeowner’s attorney’s fees.  However, once a case is in litigation, there are certain situations where the insurance company’s attorneys can file something that opens our clients up to potential financial exposure (including paying the insurance company’s fees and costs).

 

One particular scenario is called a Proposal for Settlement.  After a case is in litigation, either side can file a Proposal for Settlement, which is a court document making a formal offer to the other party. If the insurance company files a Proposal for Settlement and a homeowner rejects the proposal, there is a possibility that the homeowner could be responsible for the insurance company’s attorney’s fees and costs of litigation.  The specifics of the law are best left for another blog post (so be sure to keep checking back in to get more information – or call us to discuss further).  However, whenever a Proposal for Settlement is filed by an insurance company in one of our cases, all of the attorneys at Cohen Law Group are excellent at reaching out to their clients and explaining the potential consequences of rejecting the proposal (including financial obligations) to their clients.  We want to make sure that before our clients incur additional financial expenses, they are fully informed and prepared for the possibility.

Kailey Evans, esq.

 

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