-
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). -
The Difference Between Operating Costs and Condo Reserve Fund Expenditures
Sometimes confusion exists over what expenses the operating budget covers and those that are reserve fund responsibilities. If board members understand the difference between the two, it's much easier for them to make the correct decisions when managing the affairs of the condominium corporation. -
Seven Important Things to Know About Condominium Boards
Each condominium corporation in Alberta is required by law to elect a board of directors to manage the corporation on behalf of all the owners. This article gives more detail about the election process and the role of the board. -
The Sharing Economy Part 2: Reducing the Risks to Condo Associations and Residents
Short term vacation rentals are popular with both travelers and the homeowners that rent to them. Perhaps you have stayed in a home that was advertised on Airbnb or VRBO. Maybe you have rented your home this way. For the most part people love this alternative to staying in a hotel or a B & B. But what are the implications when the home is part of a multi-family community? What about the common areas and amenities for which all the owners pay upkeep? There can be insurance implications as well. This article discusses some ways the risks to the condominium and its residents can be reduced. -
Should You Consider Moving to a High-Rise Condo?
There are many things to consider when it is time to move. Maybe you’re moving to a new neighbourhood or a new city. What if you want a complete lifestyle change and are thinking about leaving your single-family home or townhome and considering moving to a high-rise condominium? Depending upon your goals, this may or may not be the right move for you. -
Six Simple Steps to Develop Your Condo Budget
A good budget provides the framework for the successful operation of a condominium corporation. Sometimes condo board members are daunted by this important undertaking. We have broken the task down into manageable steps to help you create a financial plan that will accomplish your goals. -
5 Ways to Stop Disagreements from Taking Over Your Board Meetings
If you’ve ever been a volunteer board member, you probably know the importance of board meetings. However, sometimes they are not as productive and professional as they could be. Delicate situations can arise. To keep your meetings focused, respectful and collaborative, put these helpful tips into practice. -
The Nuts and Bolts of Running a Great Condo Board Meeting
Love them or hate them, if you are a condominium board member you know that board meetings are essential to the successful operation of the community. But not all meetings are as effective as they should be. With some planning and guidelines in place this can be improved in short order. -
What are Your Property Manager’s Responsibilities
What are your property manager's responsibilities? Find out if they have what it takes. Upcoming Condominium Management Licenses and more. -
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. -
Ask the Expert: Cyber Liability Insurance Policy
Learn about cyber liability insurance policy, how to protect your HOA or COA from data breaches, and more ways to stay safe online. -
Common Social Media Risks Texas HOAs & COAs Should Avoid
How do boards mitigate social media risks? We asked the expert. Watch the webinar to learn how to promote online engagement and avoid legal pitfalls. -
Florida HOA Laws 2020
Learn more about which Florida HOA laws passed in 2020, and how these new bills will affect your community. -
Winterizing Your Community Association
Now is the time for building engineers to winterize their buildings to protect them from harsh Illinois winters. -
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. -
Watch the Webinar: Lifestyle Trends for 2021
Catch our latest online discussion with our lifestyle gurus, who'll discuss this year's lifestyle trends, best practices and hosting virtual events. -
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. -
HOA Committees and Volunteers: 8 Tips to Rally Residents
An effective Utah homeowners association will not only recruit great volunteers and committee members, but will empower them to help improve the community. The question is – how do you get there? -
Staying Connected: Communication Best Practices for Board Members
These four components of a successful communication plan will help your board create and deliver effective messaging throughout the year. -
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. -
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. -
Ask the Expert: Storm Cleanup in Texas HOAs and COAs
Who's responsible for storm cleanup in Texas? We asked the legal experts in this video on disaster recovery, state laws, insurance, liabilities, and more. -
Ask the Expert: Storm Damage Insurance Claims
Join Jamie George, Vice President of Insurance, FirstService Financial, for an Ask the Expert online dialogue about overall claims process, best practices and how to prepare for similar events in the future. -
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.