The key to reducing disputes between the "crazies" (and also rationale) homeowners and boards and managers is to rely strictly upon governing documents and set reasonable expectations. Consistent and uniform enforcement is also important. read more

Homeowner association boards often struggle with enforcing certain rules, such as improper parking, failing to pick up after pets, littering and similar conduct. Electronic surveillance can be a highly effective and cost-efficient tool for homeowner associations to use in enforcing their CC&Rs. read more

On November 6th, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) finally issued major changes to its revised guidelines on mortgage insurance requirements for condominium associations. Because the Administration is extending the "Spot Approval" process through January 31, 2009, we highly recommend any association that was contemplating obtaining FHA certification to act without delay before the comprehensive certification process is enacted. read more

It is currently unknown whether HUD/FHA will require a specific type of methodology for determining percentage of reserve funding in approving FHA certified condominium projects. We suggest that the use of a particular funding method does not dictate a particular result; what's most important is funding results. read more

FHA/HUD's revised condominium certification regulations originally slated to take effect on October 1, 2009 and pushed back to November 2nd, are now scheduled to be implemented on December 7, 2009. read more