Are You a Good Neighbor?

good neighbor, property management

Living in an association, whether it is a co-op or a condominium association, can be wonderful as there are usually many shared amenities like pools, tennis courts, walking paths, and community clubhouses where unit owners can schedule gatherings. There are also seasonal advantages such as always having landscaping that is well manicured and walkways and parking lots are plowed and treated when the snow storms hit. The benefits of living in a community far outweigh the occasional nuisance behaviors that can pop up when people live in close proximity to their neighbors. That is why we have put together this guide, and continue to post on our social media, ways that you can be a “good neighbor.”

Reduce Excessive Noise

Common hallways, amenity areas, and parking lots can seem like areas where you can talk louder than normal or, if you have children, let them run around and play a bit. Try to be sensitive about your noise level and at what hour you are making the noise.

Use Common Areas Responsibly

If you share a laundry facility, hallway, pool deck, or even an outdoor seating area, be especially respectful when using the facility. That means pick up after yourself, use the furnishings carefully, and treat equipment knowing that others will want to use it after you.

Take Care of Your Trash

While it might be tempting to put your trash outside the door of your unit, in order to remember to bring it out later, it could become a problem. The smell or sight of your lingering trash bag could be a nuisance to your neighbors. In general, it is a good idea to put the filled trash bags into the trash bins immediately for health and pest control reasons.

Park Respectfully

We know that New England in the winter can mean snow-covered lots. But whenever possible, park in the right spot and allow for space for your neighboring cars to get in and out easily. If you have guests visiting, remind them of the proper places to park their cars.

Clean Up After Your Pets

If you live in an association where pets are allowed, be sure to pick up after your dog. Keep your pet on a leash and encourage good behavior by not allowing him/her to jump on neighbors or bark excessively.

Being a good neighbor is easy if you follow the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated. Here at Thayer Associates, we handle many aspects of being a good neighbor with our property management. From online association services to community building services, we offer a host of ways to make your living community happy, safe, and well maintained. If you are searching for a property management team, contact Thayer & Associates, Inc., AMO at 617.354.6480 or visit our website.

 

Managing Cars and Parking Facilities in Condos

parking issues

The demand for parking has increased dramatically over the past few years. In fact, the city of Boston and the surrounding communities have been ranked as some of the worst places to find parking. Despite the newer parking apps and a pilot parking program called “Performance Parking,”  finding a spot within the city and near your condo or living quarters is a nearly impossible feat. That is why, when a condo or association offers parking spots, they are considered priceless.

Managing these highly coveted parking spots does take planning and supervision. There are inevitably battles over spaces, guest parking, and the size of spots that can be a source of constant headaches. Each association deals with these issues in varying ways with some commonalities. For example, most condo units that are lucky enough to come with a parking spot are usually considered deeded parking, assigned parking spaces, or some are first-come, first served. Some condo associations determine the proximity of the spots and the number of spots based on the unit’s number of bedrooms, seniority, or fee structure. The means by which each parking spot is allocated will somewhat determine how to solve parking issues that come up over the years.

Each condominium association will normally have what is called CC&Rs which stands for covenants, conditions, and restrictions. These clearly spell out the parking guidelines and rules for each unit. Depending upon your association’s rules, issues such as snow removal, security, larger cars, visitor parking, and commercial vehicle parking should be clearly understandable. If a rule is violated, there could be complaints filed and fines assigned to each infraction or potentially a loss of assigned space.

Special circumstances are also an occasional issue when it comes to managing parking spaces within a condo association. If a unit owner is dealing with a disability and proves the medical need to be parked closer to an elevator or ramp then the community will need to deal with rearranging the parking in order to accommodate the owner. In addition, with the dawn of hybrid cars, many condo owners are now requesting that there be spaces designated as charging stations that can be used to power up their vehicles. Finally, seasonal issues may also come up where a unit owner needs to park an RV or boat for a short time. All of these issues are something your condo association or your property management company should be able to mediate and safeguard.

Thayer Associates are experts in managing and resolving parking disputes. We understand the value of a clean, well-maintained parking spot. We also know that commuters in our region face tight quarters and weather that sometimes is not cooperative. Questions? Call Thayer & Associates, Inc., AMO at 617.354.6480 or visit our website.

 

Going Solar within an Association

solar energy

More and more Americans are “Going Solar” every year. The economic and environmental benefits are hard to ignore. The reduction or elimination of electricity costs, an increase in the value of the property, and lowering our combined carbon footprint are powerful reasons to find out more about solar energy systems. Let’s take a closer look at how going solar within an association differs from individual homeowners and how these solar projects can work within an association.

 

For individual homeowners, the task of installing a solar energy system is fairly cut-and-dry. Once a homeowner chooses a company, they install and start saving almost immediately. Within condominiums or co-ops, the process is a little more complicated. Solar projects in condominiums involve multiple stakeholders, therefore they tend to get a bit more complicated than simply installing solar on a single-family home. Due to this, it is important to work with a contractor and property management specialist who has experience in the process of installing solar energy systems on a condominium. It is important also to thoroughly communicate what the benefits to each unit owner will be over the life of the system.

 

When residents live within an association, the condominium agreement and bylaws will determine your solar options. Most options include the following:

 

  • Association Projects: According to EnergySage, “With an association project, a solar PV system provides electricity for common areas of the building. Association projects typically connect to the building’s common electric meter, and any extra electricity the PV system produces can be shared with individual condo unit owners.” This way, all unit owners share the benefits of solar. Prior to installation, all unit owners should be made aware of the costs and financial benefits that will happen with a solar install, as well as what will happen if they decide to move in the future.
  • Single or Joint-Owner Projects: In instances where the condo association rules and bylaws allow it, single or joint-owners can install solar panels on a roof for their personal use. Unit-owner projects don’t require that all of the residents make an investment in order to install the solar energy system, so they may be easier to negotiate in large condo complexes. There may, however, be limitations on the usage of the roof and if fees may apply to this.

 

If your condo association has questions about solar installations and how they may work in your area, talk to our knowledgeable staff at Thayer & Associates, Inc., AMO. Call our office at  617-354-6480 or visit our website.

 

Addressing Smoking Issues Within an HOA

smoking issues

According to the Centers for Disease Control, Massachusetts ranks 9th among the states in the prevalence of smoking. Their recent statistics show over 18% of adults over the age of 18 smoke cigarettes. This number is down from past years and is expected to continue to decline. However, if you are a resident of a co-op or homeowners association and you are dealing with the nuisance of secondhand smoke from a neighbor or fellow resident, then these seemingly low numbers will not mean much to you. Ridding your family and home of the odor and hazard of the smoke wafting into your living areas will be your main concern. What, then, can homeowners within an association do to address smoking issues? Read on and find out more.

Massachusetts Law

Massachusetts has a “Smoke-Free Workplace Law,” which states that any workplace with one or more employees or a common area that is open to the public must be smoke-free. Common areas of a condominium may constitute a workplace if contract employees or independent contractors – including maintenance personnel or building supervisors – work in the area. Local boards of health and municipal governments may issue fines of up to $300 if a violation of the law occurs.

Condominium Associations and Smoking

Many condo associations and co-ops are responding to complaints of secondhand smoke by going completely smoke-free. Condominium trustees and boards typically already have authority to establish common area rules and, therefore, can make common areas smoke-free right away. This could include areas such as laundry facilities, pools, gardens, tennis courts, meeting areas, clubhouse common areas, and common hallways. Establishing a smoke-free rule for individual units takes a little more work. Condo boards and trustees can put the issue to a vote with the entire association. Typically, 75% to 85% of unit owners must vote in support of the rule for it to be binding on all units, which would include outside private-use balconies and patios.

Enforcing this rule, whether it encompasses only the common areas or the individual units, should incorporate actions such as: posting “No-Smoking” signs, clean up cigarette butts and remove ashtrays from common areas, responding quickly and consistently to potential violations, and informing unit owners that they will be held financially responsible for violations, even if the smoking is done by their guests or tenants.

Just like other nuisance issues such as loud dogs, boisterous children, and a renter’s bad behavior, violations can be addressed case-by-case in order to ensure the health and safety of all the residents living in your association. If you have questions, concerns, or if you need assistance with your property management, consider Thayer & Associates, Inc., AMO at 617.354.6480 or visit our website.