To determine if a home is in an HOA community, check the deed and closing documents. If recorded, the annual fee is required; if not, it’s optional. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We just bought a house in a nice neighborhood that we thought didn’t have a homeowners association. One of the neighbors told us … Read more
RE Q&A: Owners are required to pay special assessments. Boards may allow payment plans, while options such as reverse mortgages or selling may help manage costs. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: Our condo board just passed a huge special assessment to fix the roof. I live on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay … Read more
TAMPA, Fla.— As the scenario of a higher-than-average hurricane season is again upon us, the property insurance scenarios for homeowners and business owners in Florida are definitely getting better, insurance experts say. Some even say the industry has recovered. If so, that’s saying quite a lot. This follows several years of devastating storms making various … Read more
Associations must maintain common elements like parking decks and may raise dues or assess fees to cover costs, including reimbursing related resident expenses. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We live in a 20-story condominium where every unit has one assigned spot in the garage, and we all share a large upper parking deck. Last year, … Read more
Constant dog barking may be a legal nuisance. Try talking to your neighbor, then the HOA or city. Document incidents if legal action is needed. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our next-door neighbor lets her three dogs live in the fenced-in backyard, and they bark constantly, even late into the night. They are good neighbors, … Read more
MIAMI — For decades, Florida home buyers have relied on the honor system — or lawsuits — to ensure the house they bought didn’t have a secret history of floods. That could change this year, if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs into law a new policy requiring sellers, as well as landlords, to inform new residents … Read more
Property taxes are typically prorated at closing. Even if you only lived there a few months, you’re responsible for the full tax bill, but can seek reimbursement from the seller. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: We purchased our first home late last year. We have been getting notices in the mail telling us that our real … Read more
A co-op board can stop maintaining a shared AC system if allowed by governing documents and approved by required votes, but actions must be reasonable. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: I live in a 16-unit co-op with a water-cooled AC that runs throughout the building. My unit and one other are still on the system. … Read more
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When you think of termites, you probably don’t imagine them aboard yachts, cabin cruisers, sailboats or other watercraft floating across oceans. A new study by a University of Florida scientist reveals that termites are not simply spreading through natural processes of building new colonies, suggesting humans may be helping them “conquer the … Read more
A verbal promise of a dog-walk area in a condo, not included in the written agreement, limits legal recourse. Residents may appeal as a group. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We, along with others in our new construction condo, were all told there would be a dog-walk area. There was none when we moved, and … Read more
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