Chicago winters don’t mess around. The recent arctic air and frigid temperatures have even broken records for new lows in our area. When temperatures plunge to such extreme lows, small issues can quickly turn into major building emergencies, and major expenses.

The Biggest Cold-Weather Risks

• Frozen pipes that burst and cause extensive water damage
• Heating system failures during peak demand
• Snow and ice buildup that threatens safety and building integrity

How to Stay Ahead of the Cold

• Keep heat on in all units, including vacant ones
• Insulate exposed pipes and seal drafts
• Schedule preventative maintenance for boilers and HVAC systems
• Remove snow and ice promptly, including monitoring roof loads
• Communicate clearly with residents about cold-weather protocols

Plan Now. Save Later.

Extreme cold events are no longer rare in Chicago. Buildings that plan ahead experience fewer emergencies, lower repair costs, and less strain on reserves. That means:

• Reviewing reserve studies with climate-related risks in mind
• Budgeting for infrastructure upgrades and preventative maintenance

Cold weather is inevitable. Financial emergencies don’t have to be. Connect with Haus Financial Services to ensure your association is financially prepared for whatever winter brings.

And just like that, 2025 is behind us. With the start of 2026, Chicago condominium associations have an opportunity to reset, refocus, and set the tone for the year ahead. Whether you serve as a volunteer board member, a community association manager, or an industry professional, one thing is certain: your time and energy are valuable and limited.

As we head into 2026, thanks to the help of Keough & Moody's recent article, here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help boards govern more effectively, stay compliant with Illinois law, and protect their communities.

• DO Think Community First: Board decisions should serve the entire association—not just the most vocal owners. Before acting, ask whether the issue is required by your governing documents or Illinois law and whether it benefits the community as a whole.
• DON’T Skip Planning: Routine maintenance, capital projects, and compliance don’t happen by accident. Use reserve studies, annual calendars, and your professional team to plan ahead and avoid last-minute scrambling.
• DO Follow the Rules: “Doing things the way they’ve always been done” is no longer enough. Boards should ensure their actions align with governing documents and current Illinois law—and update outdated rules when needed.
• DON’T Be Penny-Wise: Short-term savings often lead to long-term costs. Whether it’s deferring major repairs or skipping professional contract review, cheaper today can mean far more expensive tomorrow.
• DO Communicate Proactively: Regular updates and clear explanations help prevent misinformation and frustration. Don’t rely on one-off emails—control the narrative by sharing information consistently with all owners.
• DON’T Waste Energy: Arguing Not every disagreement needs to be won. Once a clear answer is given, it’s okay to move on. Save your time and energy for issues that truly impact the association.
• DO Educate Owners: Many owners don’t fully understand assessments, rules, or how associations function. Ongoing education—especially around budgets and special assessments—builds trust and cooperation.

2026 planning starts now.

From budgeting to collection support, Haus Financial Services helps Chicago condo boards make informed financial decisions. Partner with HausFS and move into 2026 with confidence.

Learn more today at hausfs.com