4 Reasons Why Homeowners Associations Need to Hire Lawyers

 

Homeowners associations have a responsibility to their residents to handle problems in a professional way. Sometimes, that means recruiting lawyers to handle legal issues. In this article, a Tampa HOA management professional lists four reasons why homeowners associations need to hire lawyers on a regular basis.

Related: Florida Fair Housing Laws: What Property Owners Need to Know

Governing Documents

Although all homeowners associations are unique, the governing documents usually contain articles relating to the Board of Directors, bylaws, and rules. Each of these contains specific sections relating to particular issues that are important to homeowners associations. It would be prudent for a homeowners association to conduct a history review to identify any problems in the past that might create problems in the future, such as improper fundraising. One of the reasons why homeowners associations hire lawyers is to create, update, or maintain the governing documents that they need.

In many instances, attorneys are hired because the members of the community do not have an adequate understanding of local laws. The governing documents are not always written in layman’s terms, so it can be difficult to understand what they mean. Attorneys are available to provide interpretation and legal guidance. This can help the members understand their legal rights and the various burdens that may be placed on them if they do not adhere to the legal requirements.

Related: How to Prevent Legal Liability with Timely Maintenance and Repairs

Collect Assessments

Collecting assessments can be a hassle, but in the end, it is often a small price to pay to avoid possible financial trouble down the road. Having a qualified attorney on your team can make the entire process much easier to handle, as they are well-prepared to manage the complete process. If you have any doubts about the legality of the board’s attempt to collect an assessment, then you should consult a competent lawyer.

Represent HOA Board

Representing the HOA board usually means handling its interests in legal and community proceedings, as well as with vendors. A lawyer will make sure that your HOA board gets fair representation so that all of your legal rights are protected at all times. This can be necessary during personal injury and financial disputes.

Related: New Laws Your HOA Need to Know About

Legal Counsel

Many homeowners associations hire lawyers to provide legal counsel to their organizations, often on an ongoing basis. Some of the common tasks that a legal counsel provides include advising individuals and corporations on legal issues related to personal injury, property, business, immigration, and family matters. Legal counsel services also include assisting clients in pre-litigation matters, drafting documents needed for litigation, advising on tax matters, and reviewing documents and reports related to probate, estate planning, and trusts. For more information, get in touch with one of the Tampa HOA management companies like Wise Property Management.

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Tips for Creating a Successful HOA Newsletter

An HOA newsletter is more than just a communication tool; it is a vital link between the board and residents, fostering community spirit and keeping everyone informed on upcoming events and critical deadlines. To ensure your HOA newsletter is successful, follow these tips from our team at Wise Property Management, a local St. Petersburg homeowner’s association management company.

How to Develop a Long-Term Strategic Plan for Your St. Petersburg Association

Creating a long-term strategic plan is essential for the sustained success and growth of any organization, including associations in vibrant cities like St. Petersburg. A well-crafted plan provides direction, fosters collaboration, and ensures that resources are effectively utilized. Here at Wise Property Management, a St. Petersburg HOA management company, we understand how a long-term strategic plan can benefit the community where you live, and the steps required to develop and put a plan into action.