January 2025 CT

FEES... from page 46.

FAIR HOUSING... from page 24.

when policies are documented and applied appropriately. In this case, a resident challenged a condominium associ ation’s pet policy, which limited the weight of dogs to thirty (30) pounds. The resident claimed her much larger dog was an emotional support animal (“ESA”), citing her men tal health needs. In a narrowly tailored decision, the court allowed the resident to keep the dog because of evidence that the dog ameliorated some symptoms of the resident’s conditions. However, in the same stroke, the court found that the resident did not qualify as “disabled” under the NJ LAD. Ultimately, legal proceedings are unpredictable. While the results of some decisions cannot be changed,

Hire Professional HOA Management Managing HOA fees can be time-consuming and com plex. Many boards find hiring professional management companies to handle daily financial tasks helpful. These companies offer expertise in: • HOA fee strategies • Budgeting • Financial planning Professional management can also help reduce HOA fees by identifying cost-saving opportunities. Review Contracts Review contracts for services like landscaping and main tenance to uncover potential savings. Comparing vendors and renegotiating contracts can reduce operating costs and, in turn, HOA fees. Communicate With Homeowners Open communication with homeowners about financial decisions fosters trust and transparency. Boards should explain how HOA fees are spent and inform residents of any upcoming expenses. This openness helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone informed about the community’s finances. Involving residents in the discussion can also potentially bring helpful ideas for better managing the HOA budget. Plan for Future Growth A proactive board will plan for future growth, ensuring that the community remains financially stable. This means regularly: • Reviewing the budget • Anticipating future expenses • Adjusting HOA fees when necessary Ensuring Financial Stability with HOA Fees Ensuring financial stability with HOA fees requires careful planning and management. Boards can manage fees by creating a solid budget, tracking spending, and commu nicating with homeowners. These steps help maintain the community’s financial health and keep fees reasonable. n

associations should remember to thoroughly document rules and policies in anticipation of reasonable accommodation or modification requests. Documentation is key! Association policies should be written down. If an association denies or approves a resident’s

“Documentation is key! Association policies should be written down.”

request, the reasons should be documented—and any resi dent with a similar request should have their request treated identically. Keeping detailed records helps demonstrate that association decisions are not arbitrary and that the same standards apply to everyone. Navigating fair housing laws requires a careful balance between enforcing community rules and complying with reg ulations. Regularly reviewing governing documents to ensure they align with current laws is a good place to start. Training staff and board members about fair housing obligations and sensitivity in handling requests can help prevent conflicts. Open communication with residents is also key, as it fosters trust and helps resolve issues before they escalate. By docu menting decisions thoroughly and applying rules consistently, associations can avoid many common pitfalls. The rise in FHA and NJ LAD complaints is a reminder that fair housing compliance is an ongoing effort. By fostering an inclusive environment and adhering to legal require ments, community associations can build trust, protect the rights of residents, and create stronger, more harmonious communities. n

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JANUARY 2025