-
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. -
How a preventive maintenance plan can prepare your condo for all seasons
Cold weather will soon be upon us, so now is the time to make sure your condominium maintenance program is on track. As brutal as Ontario's winters can be, you certainly don't want to discover a leak in your roof during a heavy snowfall or have a boiler stop working during a record cold spell. -
-
Avoid 5 Common Texas Association Budget Mistakes
We know budget season is stressful and we want to help! Avoid common mistakes & d ownload our budget survey results to discover key areas to consider when planning next year's budget. -
Discover Whether HOA Board Members are Personally Liable
If you’ve agreed to serve as a board member for your homeowners association (HOA), you may be thinking this is just like any other simple volunteer opportunity. However, there are certain fiduciary responsibilities and protocols that board members should be aware of to help protect the association and their own personal liability. Here we’ve compiled a few fundamental principles that every board member should apply. -
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? -
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. -
Preventative Roof Maintenance is Crucial to the Sustainability and Longevity of Your Roof
We can all agree there are many important elements to a housing structure, but your roof is probably the most important. Changing temperatures, snow accumulation, large amounts of rain, ice dams and high winds can all cause major damage to condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes. These harsh weather conditions can create all sorts of problems, from minor leaks to major cave-ins that can cost a condominium corporation thousands to repair. -
-
Setting Pet Policies for Your Community: What You Need to Know
Learn how to approach pet policies to ensure that they are respectful, safe and compliant with the law. -
6 Steps to Updating your Association Bylaws
Learn how to amend your association bylaws, including the practical logistics required to do so. -
Setting Pet Policies for Your Community: What You Need to Know
Learn how to approach pet policies to ensure that they are respectful, safe and compliant with the law. -
6 Steps to Amending Homeowners Association Documents
Learn how to amend your homeowners association governing documents, including the practical logistics required to do so. -
Florida HOA Laws 2020
Learn more about which Florida HOA laws passed in 2020, and how these new bills will affect your community. -
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. -
Tax Certiorari: Fast Facts for Boards and Owners in New York City
FirstService Residential managed properties have access to the tax certiorari experts at Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP, the premier firm in this specialized field. -
FISP (Local Law 11) - Understanding Cycle 9 Requirements in NYC
FirstService Residential has invested substantial resources to facilitate each of our managed properties with facade inspections and is here to help you navigate the many intricacies of FISP. -
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: -
Reserve Funds: Six Ways to Improve Association Returns
Are you really getting the best returns on your reserve funds? Most board members aren’t sure. Learn six ways to improve your reserve fund returns. -
Market Trends & Best Practices: Property Insurance for Boards & Building Owners in 2021
Around the world, the property and casualty insurance industry experienced record losses from 2016 to 2019, and consumers are now feeling the effects on both a macro and micro scale.