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Adoption of NYC Local Law 147 Smoking Policy: Memorandum from General Counsel Ben Kirschenbaum
NYC's latest Local Law #147/2017 requires all owners of class A multiple dwellings, including all coops and condos, to adopt a “smoking policy” no later than August 28, 2018. The purpose of implementing such a policy is to outline the requirements of this law so board members may consider how their coop or condo will comply. -
Getting Your Building’s Spring Cleaning Started
As building managers begin property inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community. The spring season is a time for renewal and a fresh look, so being able to properly landscape around the building is of utmost importance. -
Scary Fun: Halloween Safety Tips for Your Family and Community
Halloween is right around the corner and before it arrives there are many precautions we must take to ensure our kids and community are safe. As we prepare to celebrate let’s go over a checklist of safety measures we can take to make sure the little ghosts and goblins throughout our community are safe. -
EV Charging Event Top Takeaways
Missed the event? Discover our top takeaways for adding or optimizing EV Charging for your high-rise building. -
HOA Landscaping and Property Maintenance Tips to Add More Green to Community Property Values
It’s often said that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, the front-line curb appeal of a community can make a difference in the value of every property in a neighborhood. This is one reason current and potential homeowners consider landscaping and common-area maintenance so important. -
Municipal Duties Move to ‘Burbs as HOAs Must Step In
John Friedrichsen, Senior Vice President & CFO of FirstService Residential parent company FirstService Corporation, is quoted in USA Today about how HOAs benefit from the value-added services provided by leading professional management companies. -
3 Ways to Fund Your Condominium Corporation Replacements and Major Repairs
At one time or another, every condominium corporation has to spend money on replacing equipment or making major repairs. Whether that means replacing a roof, installing a new ventilation system or any other big-ticket project, they are a necessity. But how should your condo corporation pay for them? -
Getting Your Building's Spring Cleaning Started
As community managers begin property inspection, they note the necessary repairs for winter damage as they make their rounds through the community. T -
Potted Plants are Not Ashtrays
It seems innocent, but a surprising number of balcony and backyard fires are unintentionally started by disposal of smoking material in a potted plant or planter box. In a condominium environment this can have, and has had, disastrous consequences. And it's not just a summertime problem. -
Renting Your Condominium
When renting your condominium, both owner and tenant have responsibilities under the Condominium Property Act of Alberta (CPA). These are in addition to rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants covered in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). -
Seven Tips for Preparing an Effective Annual Budget
Proper condominium management depends upon the annual budget for both short- and long-term financial planning. It’s important to follow some guidelines to ensure the success of the community and protect the investment of the owners. -
What Your Condo Corporation Needs to Know About the Legalization of Recreational Cannabis
The Canadian Senate passed Bill C-45 , known as the ‘Cannabis Act’, in June 2018 which legalized the recreational use of cannabis across Canada. The first G-7 country to do so! When Bill C-45 goes into effect on October 17 th , Canadians will be able to purchase, consume and grow up to four cannabis plants, as well as make cannabis-containing products at home. -
Florida HOA Laws 2020
Learn more about which Florida HOA laws passed in 2020, and how these new bills will affect your community. -
Florida Phase 3 Guidlines for HOAs and Condos
Get the latest Florida phase 3 property management guidelines to ensure your association is compliant. -
HOA Rental Policy: 5 Steps to Adopting HOA Rental Restrictions
HOA rental restrictions can bring several benefits to a community association if done properly. Here are five steps to follow when adopting HOA rental restrictions successfully. -
4 HOA Strategies to Cut Costs and Maintain Assessments
There are valid reasons to raise assessments, but in some cases, you may be able to go a different route. Here are four strategies to save your HOA money and keep assessments stable. -
Don’t Be the HOA Bad Guy: 4 Proven Policy Enforcement Tips
Enforcing HOA policies is nobody’s cup of tea, but having good policy enforcement in place helps improve the resident experience and elevates your reputation. Follow these 4 principles for healthy policy enforcement: -
Delivering Value: FirstService Residential Energy Aggregation Purchasing Program
FirstService Residential has helped boards and building owners save millions of dollars in energy costs, in part, through our Energy Aggregation Purchasing Program. -
Mitigating Board Liability & Personal Exposure – Part One
A capable management company will enforce procedures and invest in technologies that help limit legal liability for the condo or co-op, and also mitigate board member personal exposure. -
Mitigating Board Liability & Personal Exposure – Part Two
Policy exclusions introduce increased risk to the board and often render a contractor’s policy meaningless. Properly vetting a contractor’s insurance is critical. -
New York’s Climate Mobilization Act | Frequently Asked Questions
FirstService Residential helps condo and co-op boards navigate CMA compliance, avoid costly fines and identify incentive programs that reduce the cost of building upgrades. -
Local Law 97 Updates: Building Energy Grades & Emissions Compliance
Local Law 97 impacts roughly 50,000 buildings across the city, a majority of which are multifamily residential properties. -
New York City Council Extends Local Law 152 Inspection Deadlines for Boards & Building Owners
As of November 2021, the New York City Council has extended Local Law 152 gas pipeline inspection deadlines for boards and building owners through June 30, 2022. -
The 2022 Florida Legislative Session And Why It’s Important For Community Associations
On January 11, state lawmakers will assemble for the annual 60-day legislative session. This session will cover a list of key issues and promises to be an active one for community associations for two particular reasons: the impact of the collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside and the skyrocketing cost of property insurance.