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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 09 March 2021

In 2020, nearly 4 million cable/satellite television subscriptions were cancelled as consumers made the switch to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney +. 

While most consumers currently use wires for broadband internet service,this is changing as consumers now favor wireless broadband internet.

In 1996, the FCC adopted the Over the Air Reception Device Rule, or OTARD rule. In short, the OTARD rule prohibits homeowners' associations and condominium associations from placing restrictions on residents which impede the installation, maintenance, or use of satellite dishes, TV antennas, or wireless cable antennas.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made an important change to its Over-the-Air Reception Device rule, which now ncludes small antennas used for wireless internet in the list of other antennas community associations must allow, preempting any local laws or community association rules related to antennas.  

Luckily, boards do not need to spend money on a rule change, they just need to comply. 

Learn more here. 

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Written by Lauren Peddinghaus

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

Created: 03 March 2021

The U.S. House of Representatives voted yes to support the pandemic relief package that includes the Homeowner Assistance Fund.

The Homeowner Assistance Fund helps homeowners who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Condo owners may be eligible to apply for the Homeowner Assistance Fund to help with past due assessments, mitigating delinquencies and helping owners to avoid foreclosure.

Contact your legislators to ask them to support this bill so that it can move further in the legislative process.

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 24 February 2021

Unlike the vast majority of Illinois cities and municipalities, Chicago’s Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance contains stringent provisions that require strict landlord compliance. 

On January 25, 2021, the Cook County Board of Commissioners passed a county-wide version of the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance that mirrors Chicago’s ordinance.

Both ordinances regulate security deposits and provide for statutory damages and attorney’s fees for landlord noncompliance. Additionally, both ordinances delineate landlord and tenant obligations and remedies. 

Beginning June 1, 2021, the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance will apply to all properties located in Cook County. 

Learn more here. 

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 12 February 2021

Tune in to a Condo/HOA Q&A webinar on Februry 25th to learn about communication, cooperation, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

This Condo/HOA Q&A will focus on:
- Roles and responsibilities of board members, officers, and managers.
- Keeping board members on the same page
- Resolving conflicts between homeowners, board members, and managers
- Standing behind board decisions

The webinar will be streaming live on Youtube on 2/25 from 1-2:30pm. Tune in here. 

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Created: 10 February 2021

Managing a condo association is complicated. There are so many rules and regulations to keep track of and enforce.

Fair Housing Laws aim to protect diverse populations. 

Here’s what you should know about Fair Housing Laws:

1. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to make housing unavailable because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and familial status.
2. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation and commercial facilities.
3. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, military status, age, order of protection status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, unfavorable military discharge, or physical and mental disability. 
4. Section 8 voucher holders are included in the source of income-protected class under the city and county human rights ordinances.  

Learn more, here.