Community associations that fail to meet the January 1, 2025 deadline for obtaining an Elevated Structure Inspection are asking for trouble for at least the following reasons: (1) They will be subject to financial penalties; (2) They will be placing their members, guests, and visitors at unnecessary risk; (3) They will make it extremely difficult for owners to refinance their property; and (4) They will make it far more difficult for owners to sell their property at a good price.

For reasons unknown, some people who reside in condominiums, choose to live without email service. These people do not get timely notices of emergency actions such as water shutoffs or changes in gate codes necessitated by criminal activity. If you live in a condominium you need to have email service and you need to check it at least once each day.

Homeowners should be aware that roofs cannot be patched or repaired while wet because roofing adhesive will not adhere to anything that is wet.

In addition, tarps cannot be placed on roofs if it is raining, or the roof is very wet due to the danger involved. It is for this reason that preventative maintenance should be completed during the late summer months.

It is highly recommended that HOA board members authorize their property manager to take certain actions well in advance of the winter season. The cost will be less during the dry season and the chances of property damage will be reduced . Following is a checklist: (1) Roofs should be inspected for needed repairs; (2) Roof gutters and drains should be cleaned and inspected for needed repairs; (3) Decks for which the association is responsible, should be inspected for needed repairs; (4) Sump pumps should be tested after the area around them is cleared of debris; (5) Drainage lines in the common areas should be cleared so they will be able to carry the maximum amount of water; (6) Slopes should be protected with additional plant material or sand bags, if needed; and (7) Sand bags and tarps should be acquired from the local hardware store or fire department, for emergency use, before supplies become scarce. The cost of preventive maintenance performed now could save your HOA members substantial dollars later. Remember, once the rain starts, roofing companies will be swamped with calls. This is when prices increase.

HOA master insurance policies do not cover your personal property such as furniture, computers, window coverings, finish flooring, clothing, and certain other improvements you have made to your unit. It also does not provide you with liability insurance, loss assessment coverage or water damage legal liability coverage If you want to be protected, you must obtain your own insurance.

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It is the duty of the board of directors of every homeowner association to do what is reasonable to protect its members. See: What Do Condominium Association Insurance Companies Care About?

Important reminder to boards intending to increase their association’s assessments in 2025: See: Assessment Limitations – 20%.

Water Damage Legal Liability Insurance is usually an endorsement to an existing homeowner’s insurance policy, or it may be a separate policy. It usually covers items not covered in most homeowner policies such as damage to adjacent properties caused by such things as leaking water heaters, condensation lines, shower pans, water lines to refrigerators, angle stop valves, and more. Owners of condominiums should seriously consider acquiring this form of insurance coverage.

HOA board members are reminded to update the signature cards on all reserve bank accounts after every election of board members. See: Frequently Asked Questions About Reserve Studies.