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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. -
Preventing Condominium Issues When Snowbirds Fly the Coop
As Canadians anticipate spending the winter months knee-deep in snow and freezing temperatures, it’s likely that some residents in your condominium corporation community are anticipating spending some of their winter in a warmer climate. -
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 Important Things You Need to Know as a New Board Member
Some owners are reluctant to volunteer to be a condominium board member because they’ve never done it before. That’s why we developed these six essential tips for new board members to help them get up-to-speed quickly. If you consider these points as you get down to condo business, you will be successful in your new role ─ one in which you really can make a difference. -
The Condo Residents’ (Unofficial) Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
Life in a multi-family community is much more pleasant when residents and leaders each understand their individual rights and responsibilities. As in all aspects of life, respect for each other and adherence to the rules are key components to successful community relations. -
Getting the Right Training to Be a Successful Board Member
Most people who join the board of their condominium corporation aren’t experts. Rather, they are well-intentioned, dedicated volunteer-leaders who want to protect property values and ensure their community continues to be a great place to live. If you’re a new board member – or even a seasoned one – it’s important to get the training you need to govern effectively and address the issues you may face. -
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. -
Managing Package Deliveries During the Holiday Season
Managing package deliveries has become a necessity for condo corporations and as the holidays arrive it's more important than ever to be organized for the onslaught deliveries. Check out our tips for managing packages during this busy time of year. -
Managing Packages at Your Strata Corporation During the Holiday Season
Managing packages at your strata corporation has become a necessity and as the holidays arrive it's more important than ever to be organized for the onslaught deliveries. Read FirstService Residential BC's solutions to the manage holiday rush. -
Managing Package Deliveries During the Holiday Season
Managing package deliveries has become a necessity for condo associations and as the holidays arrive it's more important than ever to be organized for the onslaught deliveries. Check out our tips for managing packages during this busy time of year. -
Managing Package Deliveries During the Holiday Season
Managing package deliveries has become a necessity for condo associations and as the holidays arrive it's more important than ever to be organized for the onslaught deliveries. Check out our tips for managing packages during this busy time of year. -
Managing Package Deliveries During the Holiday Season
Managing package deliveries has become a necessity for condo corporations and as the holidays arrive it's more important than ever to be organized for the onslaught deliveries. Check out our tips for managing packages during this busy time of year. -
How to Set Snow Removal Expectations in an HOA
Communicate the details of the association's snow removal contract so residents know what to expect. -
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. -
11 Critical Questions to Ask About Your HOA’s Maintenance Plan
Is your preventative maintenance plan in need of a check-up? Read on to learn the 11 questions you should ask to assess your HOA’s maintenance health. -
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. -
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. -
Promoting Fire Safety in Your Community Association
Part of your job as a board member is ensuring the safety of residents in your community association. To that end, it’s important to educate homeowners about possible fire risks and the steps they can take to prevent fire hazards in their homes. Chances are that fire safety isn’t top of mind for residents. However, home fires are more common than most people realize. -
Ask the HOA Insurance Experts: Why are Premiums Spiking by 30%?
Insurance premiums are on the rise. Find out why the markets are hardening and find the right coverage for your Arizona association. -
Flood Insurance for Condos and Co-ops in New York City
The rising cost of flood insurance and forthcoming changes to FEMA flood maps is a topic of discussion for condos and co-ops in the New York City area. -
Want to Become a Florida Community Association Manager? Here Are 7 Questions and Answers to Consider
Are you interested in becoming a Community Association Manager? It requires a passion for helping others, empathy, and dedication to providing quality customer service, among other things. Read our article to learn if it's the right fit for you. -
FAQ: How New York City’s COVID Vaccination Requirement Impacts Boards & Building Owners
As of December 27, 2021, New York City’s Department of Health requires building workers who perform in-person work to show proof of vaccination to their employer.