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    The Greater Williamsburg area is an exciting place to live and work, especially because of the large number of entrepreneurs who have built businesses from the ground up. These entrepreneurs have taken their passion and made it their profession. Many of us want to take that step. Before you begin, you need to think of the type of business entity you want to form. Our attorneys have extensive business experience, from small one-person companies to publicly traded major corporations. Our attorneys are among the leaders in Virginia in the representation of Common Interest Communities. These communities are generally referred to as "homeowners associations," or "HOAs," and "condominium associations." In the greater Williamsburg area alone, we provide legal assistance to nearly 100 associations. Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted and defended a wide array of civil disputes involving community association covenant enforcement, commercial transactions, construction disputes, contracts, real estate matters, boundary line and easement disputes, employment matters, antitrust litigation, copyright violations, administrative proceedings, and estate issues. Real Estate law encompasses a wide variety of matters, and our attorneys have vast experience to assist you. Whether you need assistance with a commercial or residential closing, or you have questions relating to residential or commercial leasing, we provide experienced advice and counsel to our clients. Zoning law can be a complicated maze of statutes and ordinances. We have ample experience in successful applications for rezoning, variance, and special use permit requests. Finally, commercial and residential construction provide special challenges with respect to financing issues and the construction process. We serve as counsel to various financial institutions.

6 Suggestions For Homeowners Associations To Mitigate Their Exposure to Potential Liability

January 2, 2025 on 4:25 pm | In Common Interest Community, General Interest, HOA, HOA litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Susan B. Tarley, Unit Owners Association | Comments Off on 6 Suggestions For Homeowners Associations To Mitigate Their Exposure to Potential Liability

A recent case reported in Virginia Lawyers Weekly highlights the significant financial risk to homeowners associations (“HOAs”) when sidewalk maintenance is neglected. In this case, a resident tripped on an uneven sidewalk—maintained by the HOA—and suffered severe injuries. The injuries required surgery and 10 months of treatment, resulting in $200,000 in medical expenses. The plaintiff also lost valuable time from their online retail business. Ultimately, the case was settled for $650,000 before a lawsuit was even filed.
This scenario serves as a reminder HOAs to evaluate their responsibilities under their governing documents. Here are several steps HOAs can take to reduce liability and protect their communities from similar claims:

1. Conduct Regular Inspections

HOAs should establish a schedule for inspecting sidewalks and other common areas. Look for hazards such as uneven pavement, cracks, and other trip-and-fall risks. Inspections should be documented, as records can serve as evidence of diligence in case of a claim.

2. Prioritize Repairs Promptly

When issues are identified, repair them as soon as possible. In the case mentioned, the sidewalk had a two-inch height discrepancy—a tripping hazard that could have been addressed through grinding, leveling, or slab replacement. Delaying repairs increases the risk of accidents and makes claims harder to defend.

3. Enhance Lighting

Poor visibility can exacerbate sidewalk hazards. Installing streetlights or sidewalk lights can help residents navigate safely at night and deter potential accidents. Lighting improvements are a relatively small investment compared to the cost of a personal injury claim.

4. Consider Risk Transfers

HOAs should review their insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for premises liability. Additionally, HOAs may consider hiring third-party contractors for sidewalk maintenance and ensuring these contractors carry proper insurance.

5. Communicate with Residents

Encourage residents to report hazards promptly. Open communication creates a partnership between the HOA and the community to maintain safety.

6. Consult Legal Counsel

If your HOA is unsure about its responsibilities or how to implement these steps, consult an attorney experienced in HOA law. Proactive legal advice can help reduce risk and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Lessons from the Case

This $650,000 settlement underscores how expensive negligence can be. By implementing regular maintenance schedules, prioritizing safety improvements, and ensuring proper insurance coverage, HOAs can mitigate these risks. Taking proactive measures is not just about avoiding lawsuits; it’s about creating a safe and welcoming community for all residents.

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In a Heartbeat – Is an HOA liable if it provides an AED?

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, HOA, HOA litigation, Susan B. Tarley, Unit Owners Association | Comments Off on In a Heartbeat – Is an HOA liable if it provides an AED?

It happens in a heartbeat – literally.  Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among adults over the age of 40 in the United States and other countries.  Studies have shown, however, that when bystanders intervene and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (“CPR”) or utilize an (“AED”), four out of ten victims actually survive this otherwise certain killer.

Community associations considering installing an AED at the clubhouse or pool are understandably concerned about liability. What if someone uses it incorrectly? Is the Association required to provide training? Should access to the AED be limited? What if the AED has not been maintained?

AED

 

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A Checklist to improve the effectiveness of your HOA Board of Directors

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, General Interest, HOA, HOA litigation, Real Estate Strategies, Susan B. Tarley | Comments Off on A Checklist to improve the effectiveness of your HOA Board of Directors

 

For your homeowners association, here’s a simple, but effective and invaluable checklist of suggested resolutions to improve the Board of Directors in your community association.

Williamsburg Virginia Business and HOA Lawyers

Board Checklist

    1. Set-up your board of director orientation with Tarley Robinson, PLC.  This service is provided at no charge to our clients. We will send out a an email and letter to schedule an orientation shortly after your board of director elections. Email us to make sure you are on our mailing list.
    2. Review your documents with your manager and attorney, or if self-managed, with your board and attorney, to determine whether you are operating in compliance with your documents and whether your documents comply with the law.
    3. Encourage civility, applaud the good deeds of neighbors and provide solid leadership.  Remember that you are part of a community.
    4. Schedule an appointment with your insurance agent to review your current policies. Confirm that your policies comply with any insurance requirements in your documents. Find out if you should change your deductibles.  Determine if you are paying the best price.
    5. Implement your Complaint Policy and Copying Policy. You are required to have them.
    6. Conduct efficient and effective board meetings. Spend some time working on the processes and procedures for your board meetings. Seek input from your board members, manager and attorney.
    7. Follow the legislation affecting community associations. The Virginia Legislative Action Committee will be working hard to review proposed legislation and determine its impact on community associations. Updates will be posted at http://www.cai-valac.org/
    8. Review your Reserve Study. Virginia law request annual review of your Reserve Study. If you do not have a Reserve Study to review, resolve to obtain one. It is the law.
    9. Conduct a risk assessment relative to safety and the use of your Common Areas or Common Elements. Follow-up with appropriate action, be it implementing safety rules, repairing an unsafe area or item, or posting a warning sign.
    10. Attend seminars provided by CAI. The Central Virginia Chapter Community Association Day, for example, is a daylong event that includes some great educational opportunities.
Being a Board Member for your HOA or Condo Association is a big undertaking, but there are resources to help you understand your responsibilities and become a more responsive director. Resolve to take advantage of these resources and help your HOA Board become more effective.

Tarley Robinson, PLC, Attorneys and Counsellors at Law

Williamsburg, Virginia

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How does our HOA hire a Reserve Study specialist? (Part 3 of a 3 part series on Reserves)

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, General Interest, HOA, Real Estate Strategies, Susan B. Tarley | Comments Off on How does our HOA hire a Reserve Study specialist? (Part 3 of a 3 part series on Reserves)

Although Virginia law does not address who can perform a reserve study, it is clearly in the best interest of an association to hire a credentialed professional to conduct a reserve study for the community. Professionals who provide reserve studies include licensed Professional Engineers (PE), Architects (AIA and/or RA) and experts such as a Reserve Specialist (RS) or Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA).


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(Yet Another) Update on ADA Compliance regarding HOAs, Condos and Swimming Pools

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, HOA, HOA litigation, State & Federal Litigation, Susan B. Tarley, Unit Owners Association | Comments Off on (Yet Another) Update on ADA Compliance regarding HOAs, Condos and Swimming Pools

We blogged about the extension granted by the Department of Justice for existing pools to comply with the new ADA Standards for providing accessible entry and exits. Just days after issuing its “Final Rule,” the Department of Justice published a fact information page with Questions and Answers regarding Accessibility Requirements for Existing Swimming Pools at Hotels and other Public Accommodations. The DOJ’s Q&A attempts to answer questions regarding whether your pool shall require accommodations. This blog post analyzes the Q&A.

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Have You Updated Your HOA Management Contract Lately?

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Business Law, Common Interest Community, General Interest, HOA, HOA litigation, John Tarley, Real Estate Strategies, Susan B. Tarley, Unit Owners Association | Comments Off on Have You Updated Your HOA Management Contract Lately?

Many of us are so busy in performing the work that we are hired to do that we often neglect the housekeeping we should do for our businesses. Management agreements with community associations may fall into this category. As with many agreements in which sections are revised but the whole contract is not reviewed, management agreements can take on a life of their own as they are tweaked here and there. In this blog, we discuss the need to take time to have your forms and contracts reviewed to ensure that your management company is protected by the agreement, that it reflects current law, and that it comports to any required regulations.

 Contract

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Does Virginia law require an HOA to transition automatically to homeowner control of the Board of Directors?

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, HOA, HOA litigation, John Tarley, Real Estate Litigation, Susan B. Tarley, Unit Owners Association | Comments Off on Does Virginia law require an HOA to transition automatically to homeowner control of the Board of Directors?

Over the course of the past few years, homeowners in the Williamsburg development of Kingsmill on the James have become more vocal over the continued control by the community’s developer, Busch Properties, Inc. In May 2010, Kingsmill resident and a William & Mary Law School professor filed a lawsuit against Busch Properties. On August 20, 2010, the Williamsburg/James City Circuit Court heard the demurrer filed by Busch Properties. The court granted the demurrer. The Plaintiff appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court. The Court declined to hear the appeal. The Plaintiff filed a petition for rehearing that the Court refused to hear by an order dated June 16, 2011.

Williamsburg Virginia HOA Lawyers

HOA Transition

 

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Okay, how do we establish a funding plan for our HOA’s Reserves? (Part 2 of a 3 part series on Reserves)

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, HOA, Susan B. Tarley | Comments Off on Okay, how do we establish a funding plan for our HOA’s Reserves? (Part 2 of a 3 part series on Reserves)

 

Once an association has obtained a reserve study, two questions arise: 1) Do we have to fund a reserve account?   and 2) If so, how do we fund a reserve account?

The statutes for condominiums and property owners associations require an association’s budget to include, among other things, an annual amount to fund the reserve account that is consistent with the obligations in the reserve study.  This means that an association should be placing funds into the reserve account that permits it to meet is obligations to repair, replace and restore capital components based on the estimated replacement cost, the estimated remaining life and the estimated useful life of the capital component.

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Rental Restrictions in HOAs permitted according to the Virginia Attorney General

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, General Interest, HOA, HOA litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Real Estate Strategies, Susan B. Tarley, Unit Owners Association | Comments Off on Rental Restrictions in HOAs permitted according to the Virginia Attorney General

In many HOAs, an issue arises when a homeowner purchases real estate as an investment property intending to lease the home or condo unit. In those situations, the homeowner becomes a “landlord” rather than a resident owner and the situation causes concerns for many homeowner and condominium owner associations. Many association documents contain restrictions on leasing property. In response to an inquiry, the Attorney General for Virginia has issued an official advisory opinion concerning the imposition of rental restrictions in common interest communities concluding that if the restriction is adopted correctly and for a legitimate purpose, the rental restriction is valid.

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How long should your HOA retain its records?

May 26, 2023 on 5:12 pm | In Common Interest Community, HOA, HOA litigation, Susan B. Tarley, Unit Owners Association | Comments Off on How long should your HOA retain its records?

You are elected Secretary of your homeowners’ association. Congratulations! Someone hands you the minute book, owner roster, and the governing documents. You think, hey this is not overwhelming at all. Then the retiring Secretary mentions in passing that “If you’re home tomorrow I’ll deliver the boxes.” You ask “What boxes?” “Oh, all of the HOA’s records are boxed up and have been in my garage – I’ll bring them by,” replies the retiring Secretary.

What do you do with the boxes? What records and documents do HOAs need to keep? How long do you need to keep them? How should they be stored? This blog post provides some basic guidance on best practice tips for community association record retention.

HOA Filing Information

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