You work hard and try to put money away to be used for a rainy day – hoping, of course, that that ‘rainy day’ is a long-awaited trip to somewhere fabulous and tropical. Then, boom – the brakes on your car suddenly go, or one of the kids nee…

Money, money, money. The world runs on it. And your building’s well-being depends on it. The issue is not just having funds, but managing them. Handling the finances for an entire building or association is a major responsibility, and boar…

There are few feelings worse than encountering an unexpected expense and finding the piggy bank empty. That is why reserve funds and reserve studies are such important elements in the financial well-being of co-ops, condos and homeowners as…

Q. When I became disabled, I applied to the board for approval for a companion dog. Upon approval, I signed an agreement that restricted the dog from certain areas and reiterated the dog could not be a nuisance to neighbors. I installed $…

Q. Can the board change house rules without a vote? The condo declaration states no pets in or any property of the condominium upon approval of the board in writing. The house rules were changed from no pets to pets allowed and two per un…

Q. We have a doorman at our Lake Shore Drive building from 8 a.m. until midnight, and the street door is locked at midnight. Is there any regulation regarding necessary available access to the building by guests or emergency responders be…

Q. Is it illegal for members on the HOA board to also hold a position on the board of directors of the property management company that the HOA hires and oversees?                  —Worried About Impropriety A. “No, but both the board…

While the exhortation to “smoke ‘em if you got ‘em” has never really gone out of style, one should take caution before lighting up just anywhere. Many places, from restaurants to airplanes to hospitals, expressly and strictly forbid anyone …

For more than 150 exhibitors and TK of attendees, lasst month’s spring edition of the Cooperator Expo Chicago was the place to be. The Expo kept the buzzing with board members, managers, and building owners hunting for the best insights, t…

To paraphrase the Declaration of Independence, all men and women are created equal with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That may not be the case if you live in a condominium, co-op or HOA, …