Page 26 - Chicagp Fall EXPO 2019

26 THE CHICAGOLAND COOPERATOR —FALL 2019 CHICAGOCOOPERATOR.COM WATER PRESSURE RESTORATION How our service benefi ts you! Hot water pressure is essential to your morning routine. Suddenly one morning, AHHHH! NO HOT WATER!!! Our service specializes in restoring hot water without the normal construction techniques. Sediment is removed from the hot water pipes by a specialized machine. 45 minutes later your hot water pres- sure is back to normal and you saved money doing it this way… LOTS OF TIME AND MONEY! 815-325-9476 HotShowerChicago@gmail.com HotShowerChicago.com BOARD OPERATIONS Fines and Penalties Using Them Fairly and Effectively BY A J SIDRANSKY Community living comes with lots of with the fines usually outlined in the gov- rules and regulations – many of which are erning documents. These documents can be codified in largely static, hard-to-amend amended when necessary to refine, add or governing documents like proprietary leas- es and condominium declarations. Others are laid out in the more flexible context of explains that Florida’s condominium statute house rules, which can (and should!) con- tinue to evolve as times change and commu- nity values and demographics shift. House $100 per violation, and fines may be im- rules can cover everything from when your posed for each day that a violation contin- monthly charges are due, to what types of ues – up to $1,000 per violation. A grievance pets (if any) you’re allowed to keep, to the committee of the condominium must hear times and days you can move into or out of the case and determine the final outcome. your unit – and a whole lot in between. Liv- ing by the rules may be easy for some, dif- ficult for others. What can a board do to en- force their own community’s standards and FirstService Residential in Chicago. “Most no-no’s? Fines and fees are one option. How Widely Used are Fines and Fees? According to Daniel Wollman, CEO of common charges, or something hefty on Gumley Haft, a large co-op and condo man- agement firm based in New York City: “I These fines and fees are generally found in can’t think of more than two co-op buildings the association’s or corporation’s house rules that we manage that levy fines. The number – not in the governing documents. The dol- is slightly higher in condominium buildings lar amount of the fine is at the board’s dis- because there tend to be a lot of renters in cretion. They can amend house rules when condos. On the whole, with more renters \\\[in necessary, and can have ranges and catego- a building\\\], there’s less of a proprietary in- terest on the part of the residents.” Humberto Roque, a management execu- tive with The Duo Condominium at AKAM tions. Typical infractions include pet viola- On-Site in Dania Beach, Florida, says that in tions (ranging from the pet relieving itself his market: “Fines are very prevalent. Most in the lobby or elevator to the size or breed condominium associations use fines as a of pet permitted); smoking in non-smoking form of discipline with owner/members, areas; parking in non-reserved areas; noisy eliminate fines and fees.” Marcy Kravit, who is also with AKAM, requires a 14-day notice period before a fine can be enforced. A fine many not exceed “Fines are a tool in the toolbox to compel a change in behavior,” says Brian Butler, Vice President of Property Management with buildings we manage have some fines. It could be as simple as a late fee on monthly lease restrictions like Airbnb violations. ries for different fines.” What Counts as ‘Finable’? Fines can be levied for all types of infrac- See us at Booth 331