Reserve Studies and Your Community

Community Associations Institute (CAI) released revised guidelines for Reserve Study Standards in May of 2023. The update recommends adding two supplemental reports to reserve studies: A Preventive Maintenance Manual Periodic Structural Inspections These reports would be incredibly helpful to maintain buildings as the Boards and/or Management changes. Maryland, Delaware and Virginia each have reserve study requirements…

Maryland Legislative Update on Condominium Insurance

The 2023 Legislative Session in Annapolis has ended and the Community Association Institute MD-Legislative Action Committee (CAI MD-LAC) screened more than 3,000 bills introduced and tracked 87 that were of interest to the Community Association community. Effective Oct. 1, 2023, Maryland HB98/SB403 allows detached condominium units to obtain property insurance coverage as HOAs, with unit owners…

Preparing for a Hurricane

Research scientists at Colorado State University recently updated their projections, and are now expecting “above average” tropical cyclone activity during the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – Nov. 30.) ​Many community associations activate an emergency plan as a hurricane approaches. But just how thorough is yours? Download our Hurricane Preparedness Guide to help keep your family safe…

A New Era for Reserve Studies

Recognizing the need for revised guidelines, Community Associations Institute (CAI) released updated Reserve Study Standards in May to provide communities with an improved framework for effective reserve planning. Key changes and benefits offered by the latest standards include a particular emphasis on structural inspections and maintenance. About one year ago, a task force began reviewing existing…

What If I Make Changes to My Property or Lifestyle?

WHAT IF GOOD STUFF HAPPENS? What If I Want To Rent My Home On Airbnb? Not every insurance provider will offer coverage if you decide to rent out your home or condo unit while you’re not using it. Call your insurance advisor to discuss the details. Short-term rentals might need an endorsement to your current…

Water Wise: Prevent Damage & Claims

Water Damage Is The Most Common Claim, But There Are Simple Ways You Can Prevent Losses.  Water damage is more than a ‘frozen pipes problem.’ It’s a real concern that many homeowners overlook. Refrigerator icemaker failures. Leaky toilets. Dry-rotted washing machine hoses. HVAC condensation. Little drips over time that can deteriorate drywall.  In a strange…

April Showers Can Cause Water Damage

April showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring rainstorms that can cause flood damage to your property! Be sure to take the proper steps to protect your property. Check out FEMA’s “How to Prepare for a Flood,” which includes flood basics, info on emergency notifications and how to protect yourself before, during and…