A lawsuit was recently filed in Florida against a management company that was, allegedly, somehow able to embezzle multiple millions of dollars from 34 community association clients. When we first saw this news item, we couldn’t believe it. How could a single management company keep such pervasive and extensive crimes hidden long enough to pull…
In the practice of community association law, attorneys face special ethical considerations with respect to representation of community association clients and the attorney’s relationship with community association management companies. Certain attorneys may receive a large portion of their business through referrals from one or two management companies, and if a dispute arises between one of…
Guest Blog Post by Jane Gawlik, Dryer Vent Wizard According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 15,500 clothes dryer fires every year in the U.S., resulting in an average of 34 deaths, 430 injuries, and over $209 million in property damage. Failure to clean (34%) is the leading factor contributing to the…
Most management companies recognize that in this dog-eat-dog world, marketing and advertising are extremely important in order to attract community association clients. In the old days, it was always the cheapest management company that had a leg up on getting the account. Nowadays, community associations tend to be more sophisticated in deciding which management company…
By Robert M. Meisner, Esq. It has always been the position of this law firm that a community or condominium association should get all of the help it possibly can in running its affairs. The directors and officers are generally volunteers who are not compensated for their efforts, are incurring potential liability, and are often involved…
Michigan has been blessed with the Great Lakes which has resulted in numerous condominium projects being developed on or near the water that are intended for daily or weekly use by temporary occupants. These condominium projects are often referred to as “Condominium Hotels”, “Resort Condominiums”, “Condotels” or “Vacation Condominiums” despite the fact that the Michigan…
By Robert Meisner By giving property managers the power to oversee a community, they become potentially liable to persons who may be injured, or for property that may be damaged. Consequently, property managers are often named as defendants in premises liability and other lawsuits. Therefore, it is imperative that property managers understand their potential for…
By Robert Meisner Picking a management company for a community or condominium association is one of the most important decisions that the board, in behalf of the membership, will make. Remember, the board still has a fiduciary duty to use good care and judgment in establishing effective management. Not all management companies are created equal…