Category Archives: Regulatory Agencies

Ocean City MD condo owners file AG complaint over $2.6M project

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Three unit owners of an Ocean City condo building filed a complaint with Maryland’s Attorney General, shortly after they were hit with $18,000 – $40,000 special assessments per unit, slated for a $2.6 million exterior renovation project. Ocean Place Condominium Association plans an extensive renovation of the exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) over the next two years. Construction would begin this fall, with the work scheduled in the off-seasons. Continue ReadingOcean City MD condo owners file AG complaint over $2.6M project→

SC DCA collects HOA Complaints, but cannot prevent lawsuits

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   As of last year, South Carolina became one of a few states that collects housing consumer complaints involving homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The state’s Department of Consumer Affairs recently issued its 2019 report, summarizing 92 HOA complaints filed between June 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. By contrast, the DCA received 167 HOA complaints between January 1, 2014 – May 31, 2018. The sharp increase in complaints coincides with Continue ReadingSC DCA collects HOA Complaints, but cannot prevent lawsuits→

Colorado HOA legislation – manager licensing, xeriscape (March 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Highlights of two important HOA-governed, common interest community bills in Colorado Legislature: Extension of manager licensing and xeriscaping of limited common elements. HOA property manager licensing law The Legislature is considering an extension of community association manager licensing, which became active in 2013, under the “COLORADO COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP ACT” (CCIOA), ARTICLE 33.3 OF TITLE 38. As previously explained here on IAC, July 2018 was the start of a Continue ReadingColorado HOA legislation – manager licensing, xeriscape (March 2019)→

Can HOAs be reformed or should they be abolished?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities An interesting editorial written by David Sobotta in The News & Observer, entitled My descent into HOA hell in North Carolina, is both eye-opening and provocative. Sobotta explains how, after eight years of uneventful living in his HOA, everything quickly spiraled downward when the developer abruptly decided to hand over control to a volunteer homeowner board. Well, the way Sobotta describes it, it was more like dumping a lot Continue ReadingCan HOAs be reformed or should they be abolished?→