What Should Landlords and Condo Boards Consider When Adopting a Pet Policy?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 19 November 2019

68% of US households own a pet. So, it is advantageous for landlords to allow pets if they do not want to miss out on over half of their prospective tenant pool. However, landlords who are renting out a unit in a condominium building are bound to the pet policies that exist for the association. Landlords should consult their association's governing documents prior to allowing any tenant to have a pet, as a condominium board can take legal action to evict any tenant that is not in compliance with the association's documents.

The following are good guidelines for establishing a pet policy, whether for the entire condominium association or by individual landlords residing in condo buildings that do not have an established pet policy. Landlords and condo boards should be mindful when it comes to pets, as they can both enhance and detract from neighbors' living experience.

If pets are allowed, a pet policy and screening process should be established. The policy should do the following: 

1. Identify the types of pets allowed. If you will only allow certain kinds of animals, such as cats and dogs, but not others, like reptiles or birds, that should be clearly outlined.
2. Identify the number of pets allowed per unit. Consider the size of the units and their outdoor space when setting the appropriate limit.
3. Identify the size of pets that is allowed. A weight limit per pet can vary depending on unit size to best avoid property damage.
4. Specify the costs associated with pets. You can choose to charge pet fees, rent, or security deposits to counterbalance the possible risk of damage. Specify if extra insurance will be required to cover pet-related incidents.
5. Specify the course of action if an accident involving a pet occurs. Outline policies for inappropriate pet behavior in the same way policies are created for tenants.

To learn more, click here. 

Are HOAs Required to Translate Board Meetings?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 12 November 2019

Unless an association’s governing documents require it, a homeowner’s association is not responsible for using common funds to provide a translator during meetings.

However, non-English speaking community members should still be able to participate. So, what are the best ways to help them?

1. Have bilingual community members volunteer to translate meetings and documents.
2. Use technology to translate web pages and other documents without charge or need for volunteers.

To learn more, click here.

HausFS Sponsors the 6th Annual Chicago Children's Business Fair

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 05 November 2019

Haus Financial Services is proud to sponsor the 6th annual Chicago Children's Business Fair on November 17. We are excited to promote a program that encourages children to become entrepreneurs!

Hosted by Greenfields Academy, the fair allows children ages 5 - 15 learn about entrepreneurship by developing a brand, creating a product or service, building a marketing strategy and selling to customers at this one-day marketplace. 

With over 70 vendors, you'll be sure to find unique holiday gifts, delicious goodies, home goods, pet supplies, handmade art and jewelry, and more. 

The fair will take place on Sunday November 17, 2019 from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Artifact Events Space. Join us as we support these talented kids in pursuing their business dreams. 

Learn more here. 

Updated Approval Rules for Condos

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 03 November 2019

FHA-insured mortgages help creditworthy first-time, minority, and underserved households achieve homeownership.

However, after the 2008 housing crisis, the FHA condominium approval process severely impacted access to these mortgages, shutting many out of condo homeownership. 

In fact, condominium unit mortgages currently account for less than 2% of all FHA-insured mortgages.

The FHA recently announced changes to streamline their condo project approval process and expand homeownership for many Americans. 

Important elements of the newly released approval process include:

1. As long as the condominium is financially stable, the FHA will insure up to 10% of mortgages in condos without FHA approval.
2. FHA approvals for condominium projects will be expanded from two years to three years.
3. Condo projects seeking recertification will no longer be required to resubmit all project information. Instead, they will only be required to update new information.
4. Mixed-use condominium projects with up to 45% commercial space will be eligible to apply for approval.
5. The FHA will insure up to 75% of condo unit mortgages in a condominium project.

To learn more, click here.