Author Archives: chadwick
Collecting Delinquent Assessments During the Coronavirus Crisis
The spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the uncertainty it brings, especially to the economy, has caused concern among many association managers and members regarding the impact this crisis could have on their community’s ability to collect assessments. Assessments sustain operation of an association’s affairs, pay for upkeep of facilities on common areas/elements, and enable the […]
Virginia Adopts Emergency Legislation Allowing Virtual Board Meetings
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Virginia General Assembly Passes Legislation Authorizing 100% “Virtual” Board Meetings During Emergencies Updated 4/27/20 – Virginia Governor has signed the legislation As we all know, it has been a challenge for community association boards to hold meetings during the COVID pandemic. Under the existing requirements of Virginia’s Property Owners’ Association and Condominium Acts, […]
COVID-19 and Associations: FAQs – updated
Legal Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of each case and each association’s governing documents. Also, it is not intended to be a full and exhaustive explanation of all legal considerations, nor should it be used to replace the individualized advice […]
D.C.’s COVID19 Stay-at-Home Order – updated 4/15/20
Mayor’s COVID19 Stay-at-Home Order – extended to May 15 Updated 4/15/20 To fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus, D.C. Mayor Bowser issued Order 2020-053 closing non-essential businesses in Washington D.C. In addition, on March 30, the Mayor issued Order 2020-054, a “Stay at Home” Order, providing that residents of the District should stay at home, […]
Coronavirus & Your Community: Calming the Chaos
By Michael A. Sottolano The proliferation of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting your daily life. People who have been exposed or are infected may be in your community. They may be your neighbors, friends, service provider or delivery driver. They may have recently used the elevator in your building, recreational facilities in your clubhouse, community pool […]
Associations and Virginia’s COVID19 Executive Orders – updated 5/5/2020
Governor’s Executive Orders – EO53 (social distancing and non-essential business) extended to May 14. “Phase 1” reopening may begin May 15. EO55 still in place until June 10. Updated 5/05/20 EO55 – Stay-At-Home. To fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Virginia’s Governor Northam issued EO-55, an executive “stay-at-home” order on March 30, 2020, to […]
COVID-19 and Associations: FAQs
Legal Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific facts and circumstances of each case and each association’s governing documents. Also, it is not intended to be a full and exhaustive explanation of all legal considerations, nor should it be used to replace the individualized advice […]
What Does “Good Standing” Mean?
Do you know? With respect to community associations, the term appears twice in the Virginia Condominium Act (Section 55.1-1939, pertaining to unit owner rights, and Section 55.1-1945, pertaining to inspection and copying of association books and records) and twice similarly in the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Act (Section 55.1-1807, pertaining to lot owner rights, and 55.1-1815, pertaining to inspection and […]
HUD’s Latest Guidance Regarding Service/Support Animals
In late January 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) issued updated guidance regarding service / support animals as “reasonable accommodations” pursuant to the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, specifically 42 U.S.C. 3604f(3)(B). Of note is that this “guidance” does not have the force of law or even federal regulation. Failure by a housing provider to abide by the guidance “does […]
You MUST Beat the Architectural Review Shot Clock
March Madness would be approaching right now, if the NCAA tournament had not been cancelled because of COVID-19. This article was written before that unfortunate occurrence. Nevertheless, we’ll stand pat on the basketball analogy to remind our association clients to keep their eyes and minds on the (figurative) shot clock relative to their architectural application […]