The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 15,000 home fires are caused each year by faulty or improperly maintained dryers. More than half of these fires are caused by dryer vents that have failed to be cleaned. As temperatures begin to rise, it is time for community associations to examine what type of policy is in place regarding dryer vent maintenance.

New laws will take effect in Montgomery County, Maryland on November 30, 2015 which will impact parking and towing policies in community associations. This article will highlight the new requirements under Chapter 30C of the Montgomery County Code (“Code”) of which all community associations in Montgomery County need to be aware. 

The transition into the cold and dark of winter offers an excellent opportunity for community associations to analyze safety and security issues. In this article, we will examine some of the routine steps a community association can take in order to minimize the risk of crime and prevent injury in the community. We will also examine the legal issues associated with maintaining or instituting a “neighborhood watch” program.

A community association’s ability to suspend an owner’s voting privileges and community privileges, such as parking, pool, and/or fitness center access, is a powerful tool associations can use in getting the attention of owners who are in violation of association governing documents.  This tool is typically used when an owner is delinquent in paying his or her assessments and can serve as a deterrent for non-payment as well as an effective means of assessment collection.  It is important to note, however, that before an association can proceed with suspending an owner’s voting.

A community association’s ability to suspend an owner’s voting privileges and community privileges, such as parking, pool, and/or fitness center access, is a powerful tool associations can use in getting the attention of owners who are in violation of association governing documents.  This tool is typically used when an owner is delinquent in paying his or her assessments and can serve as a deterrent for non-payment as well as an effective means of assessment collection.  It is important to note, however, that before an association can proceed with suspending an owner’s voting.

With assessment collections continuing to be problem for many community associations in Maryland, manager and board members alike are exploring alternative methods for collecting delinquent assessments. Here is a summary of the general process and timetable for the lien foreclosure procedure in Maryland.

A recently reported decision issued by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals offers some guidance and support for community associations on two issues that are frequently the subject of homeowner disputes. The case of Randall Reiner, et ux. v. Clifford Ehrlich, et al. involved a homeowners association’s denial of a request to install a new roof on a home using materials not authorized by the bylaws of the association. The Plaintiffs in the case filed suit against the homeowners association and sixteen individual community members. After holding a hearing, the underlying circuit court dismissed the complaint as to the individual homeowners, and entered summary judgment in favor of the homeowners association. On appeal, the Court of Special Appeals held that the granting of summary judgment in favor of the Association and the dismissal of the individual homeowners was proper.

Over the past year, community boards have faced an increasing number of requests from owners wishing to install electric car charging stations (“ECCS”) in their assigned common element or limited common element parking spots. Given the growing popularity of fuel efficient vehicles, community boards can only expect to receive mounting requests of this nature in the future. In this article, we will explore a number of issues that community boards should consider with respect to the installation and maintenance of ECCS.