Is Your Condo Association Due for an Election?

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

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

Published: 30 May 2018

Many small associations do not have regular annual elections as required by the IL Condo Act. Often, the same individuals end up serving on the board year after year. But having an annual election to educate owners and encourage them to get involved is always a good idea. Board members risk getting burnt out if they do not create an opportunity for other owners to take over.

If you are due for an election and need some guidance in how to prepare, Preparing for Your Condominium Association Election can help you to get started.  

Board members can also share our video on Board Responsibilities Made Easy to help owners understand the responsibilities of board members and election basics as well as the matters that the board handles versus those that owners have a right to vote on.

Managing Board Member Conflict

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 23 May 2018

Association board members often disagree, but conflict can interfere with a board’s ability to function effectively. Conflicts should never be allowed to get to the point where they stop critical decision making, adversely affect building systems or an owner’s property values. 

Techniques to encourage a positive, productive board environment include:

1. Establishing specific goals, timetables, and priorities
2. Preventing discussions from becoming personal
3. Distributing accurate information to all board members and unit owners
4. Setting up fact-finding committees to obtain information
5. Using independent experts to provide technical information

To learn more about these techniques and about managing conflict, click here.

What a Condo Board Can Discuss Privately

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 14 May 2018

The Common Interest Community Association Act and the Condominium Property Act were recently amended in 2017 to provide that the board may close any portion of a meeting for which notice was given or meet separately from the board meeting to:

1. Discuss probable or pending litigation
2. Discuss third-party contracts or information regarding appointment, engagement, or dismissal of an employee, independent contractor, agent, or other providers of goods and services
3. Interview a potential employee, independent contractor, agent or other providers of goods and services
4. Discuss violations of the rules and regulations of the association
5. Discuss a member’s or unit owner’s unpaid share of common expenses
6. Consult with the association’s legal counsel

Of note here is that the board can meet for discussion, provided no votes are taken, to discuss matters outside of any formal meeting. It's advised that the board handle such discussions in person rather than over email in order to prevent a written record of the discussion. 

To learn more, click here.

Think your condo is challenging? You're not alone.

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

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

Published: 08 May 2018

HausFS has worked with condo associations and condo owners in and around Chicago for more than 10 years. In that time, we've discovered that most condo owners feel that condo living is really challenging, and further, that the problems they face are unique to their association, while condo living is a breeze for everyone else. Somehow, every other association has gotten the hang of it while they are struggling.

This is definitely not the case. Every association faces conflict and the fact is that many of the problems that arise are common from one association to another.

When we speak to prospects who are looking for management support, I often remark that condo living is tough. I even say that I don't think it should exist as a housing option because it is so complicated and causes so much stress. Almost immediately, the board member I'm speaking to breathes a sigh of relief. It's as if they are afraid to admit how hard it can be, because they assume they are the only ones who feel this way.

Rest assured, condo living is tough. But with the proper help, it can be infinitely better. Don't hesitate to get the support you need in the form of professionals who understand how you feel. You're not alone, and there is always a way to make condo living easier.

Lauren Peddinghaus, CMCA, AMS
Owner, Haus Financial Services, LLC