Condo Living Made Easy

In today's diverse condominium communities, fostering a culture of mutual respect and open dialogue is essential for harmonious living. Recognizing this need, the Community Associations Institute (CAI) introduced the Community Association Civility Pledge, a framework designed to promote civility within community associations. 

The Civility Pledge encourages associations to commit to principles that ensure respectful interactions among residents, board members, managers, and all community stakeholders. Key commitments include:

• Accountability: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions and words.
• Respectful Interactions: Promoting civil discussions, even when opinions differ.
• Open Expression: Providing opportunities for all community members to voice their views without fear of antagonization.
• Community Engagement: Urging residents to be informed, participate in meetings, and understand community guidelines.
• Guided Principles: Recommending a review of CAI’s "Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities" as a foundational document.

There a number of benefits that associations can experience from embracing the Civility Pledge:

• Enhance Communication: Establish a foundation for productive and respectful conversations, even amidst differing viewpoints.
• Strengthen Community Bonds: Foster an environment where all residents feel valued and heard, leading to a more cohesive community.
• Promote Effective Governance: Enable boards to make well-informed decisions that reflect the collective interests of the community.

Incorporating the Civility Pledge is more than a symbolic gesture; it's a commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive, and respectful community for all residents. 

If your association is looking for financial well-being, reach out to our team at Haus Financial Services. You can also find, hire, and manage professionals for all your HOA needs on Condoly, HOA Vendor Manager. 

Condominium associations are considered corporations in the eyes of the IRS. As such, they are required to file an annual tax return (either an 1120 or 1120-H).

Condo associations showing taxable income on their federal returns are also required to file an IL-1120 with the state of Illinois.

Tax returns must be postmarked by April 15th this year. If your association has not filed a return in the past, now is the year to begin!

Need help compiling your 2024 financials and filing your tax return? Request Accounting services on Condoly to explore your options.

On January 1, 2025, Section 18.12 of the Illinois Condominium Property Act went into effect. This new section, which applies only to condominium associations, requires all condominium associations that have parking to adopt a policy that addresses how to reasonably accommodate a unit owner who is disabled and requires an accessible parking space to ensure access to the building.

What Does This Mean for Condo Associations?

If your condominium association has parking, you must establish a formal policy outlining how you will accommodate residents with disabilities who require accessible parking. The deadline for compliance is March 31, 2025.

Why This Matters

Without a clear policy, your condominium association risks violating state law and potentially facing legal challenges. More importantly, adopting an accessible parking policy demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and ensures that all residents have equal access to their homes.

What Next Steps Should Your Association Take?

1. Review Your Current Parking Policies – Determine if you already have guidelines for accessible parking and whether they align with the new legal requirements.
2. Draft a Compliance Policy – Your policy should clearly define the process for requesting and assigning accessible parking spaces.
3. Consult a Legal Professional – If your association has not yet adopted a policy, it’s important to seek guidance to ensure compliance with Section 18.12.

If your condominium association has not yet adopted an accessible parking policy, Condoly can help you to connect with professionals today to discuss what steps need to be taken.

Ensuring compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial step toward making your community more accessible for all.