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Category Archives: Dispute Resolution

Going from Difficult to Reasonable

Going from Difficult to Reasonable

As with any relationship in life, we all hope for harmony but, inevitably, we all will experience our share of “difficult” people. Some may remember their first encounter with that “other kid” at preschool who would always take the toy we were playing with. Others may recall the co-worker later in life who made every meeting unbearable with his constant complaints or comments. Serving on a board of directors or committee for a homeowners association (HOA) can be challenging in many ways; dealing with individuals who are difficult is part of the landscape. However, there are issues to consider, whether we are the recipient or even the cause of this negativity.

There are some fundamental techniques in dealing with these challenging personalities, whether you encounter them at an HOA meeting or just walking around a neighborhood. First, try to understand what motivates people to be difficult. Some owners may attend a board meeting because they received a covenant violation notice; realize that there could be other underlying reasons for the tirade. Second, don’t discount the value of criticism. There is sometimes value amongst all that negativity; perhaps if we step back from our defensive inclinations, we might find a great suggestion or solution. Finally, maintain realistic expectations. It’s true that an HOA has rules, but those rules may have just enough flexibility to enable you to work with the homeowner to come to a simple solution.

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Association Liability

Latest articles about condo’s and HOA’s, found on the internet, compiled by the Community Associations Network

Without a doubt, the most common question I am asked as an attorney by my homeowners association clients is “What can we do to protect ourselves from getting sued?” My answer is always the same: “Nothing!” In this era of quick-trigger and frequent litigation, there truly is nothing that an association can do to stop itself from being sued. However, it is important to understand that the clients are asking the wrong question. Instead, they should be asking what the association can do to protect itself from being held liable in a lawsuit.
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All Together Now!

Philip Reid’s small dog, Paolo, is hardly the kind of animal to strike fear in the hearts of children.  Yet two African Muslim girls were anything but delighted as Reid walked the Boston terrier-pug blend on a leash at his culturally diverse, mixed income neighborhood. 

“The girls were running by, and they screamed when they Saw him, and I said ‘He’s not going to hurt you'” recalls Reid.  “They said it’s a religious thing, and I was kind of Shocked.” 

Reid did his homework and learned, sure enough, many Muslims avoid dogs, believing them to be unclean animals.  In fact, Muslims who come into contact with dog saliva are obligated to go through elaborate cleansing rituals. 

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On the Board

Is it dissonance or dissidence? In the beginning, it can be hard to tell. When healthy dialog turns into personal insults, innuendo, gossip, and disruptive arguments, board meetings can get off message and contentious. Left unabated, the board fractures, no one is satisfied and the community suffers. How can a board deal with a disagreeable board member? Each situation is unique, so specific approaches will differ. However, there are a few helpful tactics boards can use.

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* These articles and related content on this website are provided without warranty of any kind and in no way consitute or provide legal advice. You are advised to contact an attorney specializing in Association Management for legal advice related to your specific issue and community. Some articles are provided by thrid parties and online services. Display of these articles does in no way endorse the products or services of Community Association Management by the author(s).