Recent Articles

Holiday Decorations And The Fair Housing Act

Stan V. Jezierski
December 02, 2008 17:22

Once again the holiday season is upon us, and that means that many homeowners associations will be hosting parties and putting up lights and other decorations on the common areas. While there is nothing wrong with fully celebrating the holiday season, associations should take care to ensure that...

Pool Safety in the Fall

Mark K. Payne
November 11, 2008 00:40

Why are we writing about swimming pool safety in the fall? One reason only – the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Effective December 19, 2008 this federal law requires that homeowners associations with community pools take certain actions intended to reduce the risk of injury...

Should Your Covenants Be Amended?

Stan V. Jezierski
October 24, 2008 18:06

Times change, people change, laws changes, can your covenants change too? The simple answer to this question is yes, they can. Two of the most frequent questions we get is how is this done and when should we consider it? Below are our answers to these questions.   When Should...

Owner Responsibility During Foreclosure Proceedings

Mark K. Payne
October 09, 2008 21:05

This is the second part of a three part series discussing when an owner’s liability for assessments terminates when going through a divorce, foreclosure and/or bankruptcy proceeding. The first part of the series dealt with divorce proceedings. This part addresses public trustee...

Conflict and Strife Between Associations and Their Members

Mark K. Payne
September 26, 2008 18:55

I have now used up another 10 seconds of my allotted 15 minutes of fame. I had the opportunity this week to be interviewed by a local television reporter who was doing a story about a property owner and his dispute with his homeowners association. Unfortunately, it is difficult to give complete and...

Bankruptcies: Accounting Suggestions and the Importance of Maintaining Liens

Mark K. Payne
September 11, 2008 17:26

You just received a notice from a homeowner that they have filed for bankruptcy. The matter is quickly turned over to the association’s attorney together with an updated account ledger to ensure that the requisite paperwork is timely filed to protect the association’s interest. How does...

New Resource Concerning Alternative Energy Devices

Suzanne M. Leff
August 01, 2008 21:55

The Governor’s Energy Office has launched an informational site about the recent Colorado legislation supporting homeowner installation of alternative energy devices. You can access the information here.

Who is Responsible for Assessments

Lawrence B. Leff
July 30, 2008 20:58

We have received many questions regarding when a homeowner’s obligation to pay assessments terminates as a result of being in or having completed a divorce, bankruptcy or foreclosure proceeding. The quick answer is that an owner is responsible for all assessments for as long as he...

Who is Responsbile for Assessments

Lawrence B. Leff
July 30, 2008 20:58

            We have received many questions regarding when a homeowner’s obligation to pay assessments terminates as a result of being in or having completed a divorce, bankruptcy or foreclosure proceeding. The quick answer is...

Clearing the Air: Dealing with Second-hand Smoke

Suzanne M. Leff
June 30, 2008 05:25

Open windows during the warmer months of the year allow you to experience the fresh, Colorado air.  But sometimes that air is not so fresh.  Second-hand tobacco smoke can make its way into your home, causing irritation and potential harm.  Community associations may have a role,...