Make a Plan Before Storm Damage Happens
Is your homeowners association prepared to face bad weather? With storm season approaching, it’s important to have a management plan in place before potential property damage happens. The old adage, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst,” is good advice to follow during storm season in the Midwest. Before the storms roll in, make sure to get a spring roof inspection. Not only does this help build relationships with roofing and siding contractors, but it helps determine what the current status of your building is and makes it easier to identify issues related to inclement weather. Most contractors will conduct an inspection at no cost, so take advantage of the opportunity to ensure your building is adequately prepared. Looking for a contractor? Visit our Vendor Directory. Create an emergency preparedness plan. In the event of a severe storm, you need to have a protocol in place that can be executed at a moment’s notice. Be proactive and make sure residents are aware of the safety procedures and where to seek shelter. Different weather scenarios require different plans—so make sure you are prepared for lightning, heavy rain, and tornado threats. Ensure you have proper insurance. Check in with your insurance provider to fully understand what is—and what isn’t—covered under your current policy. Make adjustments as necessary. It may seem obvious, but many HOAs fail to stay adequately covered. Now is a great time to update your policy. Prepare property exteriors. Strong winds can cause trees and large limbs to fall, which can potentially result in damage or injury. Before storm season fully arrives, consider hiring a contractor to trim the branches. Maintenance is not an area to cut corners, especially during storm season. Stay vigilant. Always check for weather updates on your phone, and make sure to download any helpful apps that will keep you up-to-date in the event of inclement weather—don’t disable notifications.
Getting Things Done – Our Growing Vendor Directory
he Sharper Management list of preferred vendors continues to grow! If you are in the market to check a few of your maintenance items off the To Do List this Spring, the Directory is a great resource. Check it out using the button link below. [button link=”https://sharpermanagement.com/preferred-vendors/” color=”black”] Vendor Directory[/button]
New Pets and HOA Living
Pets are family, and it is important for homeowners associations to welcome these furry friends into their communities. If you are a pet-friendly association, you are likely familiar with rules and regulations for homeowners with pets. If your association has yet to develop a pet policy (or if your HOA’s policy needs a revision), take note of the following considerations: Pet Registration Pet policies are difficult to enforce if you do not know how many pets reside in your community. Associations should require new homeowners to register their pets before moving in. Additionally, current residents should also submit pet registration forms before acquiring a new pet. Not only does pet registration enable the HOA to monitor the domestic animals within the community, but it also allows the HOA to follow-up with homeowners who violate pet rules and stay up to date on pets’ rabies vaccinations. Enforcing Waste Cleanup In pet friendly HOAs, animal waste can be one of the most common issues. If left unattended, animal waste can be a toxic and hazardous concern. When crafting your pet policy, be sure to include a requirement that all homeowners pick up after their pets and properly dispose of their waste. To encourage compliance, it is recommended to provide bags and trashcans throughout the community. Additionally, you may consider imposing fines on homeowners who fail to follow these rules. Leash Requirements Even in pet friendly HOAs, the importance of having a leash requirement cannot be overlooked. Regardless of a pet’s aggression levels, a leash requirement mitigates the risks of pets running into traffic or getting lost. To offset any disgruntled responses from homeowners, it is encouraged to offer a dog park or space where pets can roam freely without having to be leashed—this is a very appealing amenity to include in a pet friendly community. Establish Liability for Pet Owners It is incredibly important to establish liability for pet owners in your community. Not only does this protect the association in the case of injury or damage, but having a clear liability policy also reduces the risk of costly and tedious legal proceedings. With over 63 million households in the United States that include a dog, you will likely see this trend reflected in your community. It’s important to emphasize to your homeowners why such policies are necessary—ensuring the safety and appeal of your community.