As election season approaches, differences in opinion can escalate into conflicts, testing the harmony in community associations. Attorney Cang N. Le shares the steps that board members and managers can take to mitigate conflict and prioritize safety, while still respecting freedom of speech.
California’s “balcony bill,” SB 721, requires balcony inspections within all multifamily residential buildings containing three or more dwelling units no later than Jan. 1, 2025. David Swedelson, founding senior partner at Swedelson Gottlieb firm, provides details to help communities prepare for and transition to these new requirements.
Federal legislation was introduced earlier this week to provide condominium associations access to insured building rehabilitation loans—a move that would help board members make critical structural and safety-based condo repairs.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued new requirements to secure loans in condo buildings. The guidance relates to structural integrity and financial stability and is in response to the condominium collapse in Surfside, Fla., in late June.
Addressing unexpected maintenance often results in boards having to approve large special assessments, which can cause a financial strain to homeowners. A report from the Foundation for Community Association Research details why the unanticipated expense of repairing hidden damage can be so overwhelming.
