Beyond Insurance: Who Clears the Roads After the Storm?

When community associations talk about disaster preparedness, the conversation often focuses on insurance. Do we have enough property coverage? Are our flood limits adequate? What deductible will apply? Those are important questions. But after a major storm, some of the biggest challenges facing a community may have nothing to do with filing a claim. Sometimes…

E-Bikes, Scooters & Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Quick Safety Reminder for Residents

E-bikes, scooters, power tools, laptops, phones, and many mobility devices all use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have made modern life more convenient and accessible. For most people, they provide years of safe and reliable service. However, like any technology, lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous if they are damaged, improperly charged, modified, or used with incompatible…

The Great Winterization Challenge!

Every autumn, community associations remind owners to winterize their units before heading home for the season. And every autumn, someone writes: “Please remember to turn off your water and maintain sufficient heat.” It’s good advice. It’s also incredibly boring. The problem isn’t that owners don’t know they should winterize. The problem is that after hearing…

Good News for Community Association Boards: CTA Reporting Requirement Ends

A multi-year advocacy effort by Community Associations Institute brings welcome relief for volunteer board members. There’s some good news for community association boards — and it’s the kind of news worth sharing. On August 11, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a final rule permanently exempting U.S. companies and…

CAI Takes Community Association Concerns to Capitol Hill

Community association issues don’t stop at the state or local level. Decisions made in Washington can have a very real impact on association budgets, insurance costs, disaster recovery, condominium financing and the ability of communities to maintain their properties. That was the focus of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) 2026 Congressional Advocacy Summit, held September…

Hold My Scrapple: Delaware May Be Warming Up to Community Association Legislation

If you’ve lived in Delaware long enough, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Lower Slower Delaware.” While the nickname is most often reserved for Sussex County, it also captures something many Delawareans appreciate about our state: we don’t tend to rush into things. Unlike neighboring Maryland, where community association laws seem to arrive with the regularity…

Winter Claims Recap: What We Learned from the Winter of 2025–2026

This past winter reminded us just how vulnerable community associations can be to water damage and freezing temperatures. Between December 2025 and March 2026, condominium and association communities experienced 61 property claims, resulting in more than $1.6 million in paid losses, with additional claims still being adjusted. While winter storms, wind, snow, and fallen trees…

Building Better Communities: Rewriting the Algorithm of Dailiy Life

In a world where news cycles and social media feeds often amplify frustration, conflict, and division, it can be easy to believe that negativity is the norm. Yet every day, within our own neighborhoods, a very different story unfolds—one defined by cooperation, compassion, and resilience. Recent winter storms brought significant challenges to many communities. Tree…

Fair Rules, Clear Communication: How Boards Can Prevent Conflict and Build Trust

Homeowner associations can take proactive steps to reduce confusion, improve fairness, and lower the risk of legal disputes. While every community is unique, many conflicts arise from perceived selective enforcement—when some violations are addressed and others are not. The most common areas of dispute include:      1. Parking Restrictions      2. Architectural Guidelines…

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announce Changes in Condominium Underwriting Guidelines

A positive step toward stronger communities, healthier reserves, and more resilient properties. Community associations across the country will soon benefit from updated lending and insurance standards issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These changes are designed to strengthen financial planning, improve long term maintenance, and ensure adequate insurance protection — ultimately supporting safer, more…