Risk Management

As the coronavirus proliferated across the globe, community association managers have been reminded of the critical role they can play in containing the spread of germs. Whether during the COVID-19 crisis or future public health emergencies, their clients need help making some tough choices, particularly when it comes to managing the common areas in their…

In early April 2020, a Manhattan co-op prohibited the brother of one of the building’s owners from staying in his unit. According to the New York Times, the brother, a physician, had traveled to the city from rural New Hampshire to volunteer his services in the battle against the coronavirus. This incident may have struck…

In early April 2020, a Manhattan co-op prohibited the brother of one of the building’s owners from staying in his unit. According to the New York Times, the brother, a physician, had traveled to the city from rural New Hampshire to volunteer his services in the battle against the coronavirus. This incident may have struck…

Homeowners with an affinity for animals often pose problems for community associations and their managers. But it’s one thing when you’re dealing with domesticated pets — it’s another when the owners want to interact with area wildlife. As the president of a Florida gated golf community recently told the Panama City News Herald, “[i]f someone…

Proximity to wildlife is a draw for some community associations, with owners treasuring the opportunity to live close to nature. But that nearness can lead to destruction and the risk of bodily harm. As the president of a Florida gated golf community recently told the Panama City News Herald, “[i]f someone was to get hurt…

When community association managers get together, it doesn’t take much time before the conversation turns to their problem clients. Almost everyone has stories about the difficult client who tries their patience and professionalism. For many managers, these clients have become more common and less restrained. Some management companies are responding by taking a proactive, rather…

Just about every association manager has dealt with a problem client who’s difficult to work with, if not downright rude and obnoxious — probably more than one. These clients eat up time that could be spent more productively, create unpleasant and stressful work conditions, and lead to turnover. For many managers, these clients have become…

Community association managers carry a lot of risks, and, contrary to popular belief, they’re not all covered by their clients’ insurance policies. If you’re counting on those policies for protection, you could be left on the hook for defense and liability costs. “Many managers mistakenly believe they have adequately shifted all their risk to clients,”…

Community association boards of directors often rely heavily on their managers to help them obtain insurance coverage for the association and the board. But what about the managers themselves? According to insurance professionals, many managers have insufficient protection, whether because of misunderstandings about their coverage under association policies or other reasons. “Many managers mistakenly believe…

Architectural review committees play an important role for associations that strive to achieve consistent and pleasing aesthetics in their communities. But, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility — and the irresponsible use of that power by an architectural committee can prove costly for its association. As a recent case out of…