November 2013 - Ask Mister Condo

Condo Board Borrowing from Reserve Fund for Operational Expenses

By Mister Condo | November 29, 2013December 12, 2014 by Mister Condo

F.V. from Fairfield County writes: Dear Mister Condo, Our HOA board is under developer control. They are “borrowing” money from the reserve account for operational expenses. At the end of the year they will put the money back into the reserve account. Is this legal? Thanks. Mister Condo replies: Answer F.V., developer control questions are always a bit tricky as there are some rules that only apply during the developer control process. Also, since I…

Board Common Fees Condominium Financial Governance

Can a Condo Carnival be Paid for with Common Fees?

By Mister Condo | November 28, 2013December 12, 2014 by Mister Condo

L.E. from New Haven County writes: Dear Mister Condo, Can the Board spend our money on picnics or carnivals? Mister Condo replies: L.E., in a word, “yes”. While carnivals or other community events are not usually spelled out as routine expenses for a condo association, your Board may decide to hold events throughout the year to build community spirit. Picnics, carnivals, pool parties, cook-outs, pot luck dinners, and just about any other social event you…

Assessments Board Common Fees Condominium Financial Governance Voting

Consequences of a Rejected Condo Budget

By Mister Condo | November 27, 2013December 12, 2014 by Mister Condo

W.C. from Hartford County writes: Dear Mister Condo, What are the consequences of a rejected Annual Condo Budget? Mister Condo replies: W.C., I have seen condo associations prepare budgets on their own, in conjunction with their property manager, or by simply letting the property manager submit a proposed budget that the Board adopts before presentation to the unit owners at the Annual Meeting. If the budget has been well thought out and isn’t too controversial,…

Board Communications Condominium Governance Neighbor Issues

Disgruntled Unit Owners Upsetting Condo Unity

By Mister Condo | November 26, 2013December 12, 2014 by Mister Condo

S.P. from Hartford County writes: Dear Mister Condo, We have a contentious group of condo owners who were voted off of the Board. Now these owners are making unfounded complaints and harass the new board members with Sunday night emails and with spreading rumors. Do we have any recourse to stop their bad behavior? Mister Condo replies: S.P., there are times when condo living and condo governance can be a tremendous challenge to one’s patience and…