Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1541378
ASK A COMMUNITY MANAGER DECIDE WHY. Changing a rule is a big deal, so you first need to confirm there's a reason for the change. Get with your leadership team and ask: • Does the community need a new rule? • Is the rule permitted by governing documents and current laws? • Is the change appropriately outlined and precise? • Can the rule be easily followed and enforced? DRAFT A PROPOSAL. The new rule won't go into effect right away; you must craft a proposal that clearly explains the need for the change and its expected impact. Your governing documents should have more details about amendment proposal procedures. REVIEW AND GET INPUT. Do your due diligence and double-check that the proposed law doesn't violate local, state, or federal laws or other community policies. I also recommend having your association's legal counsel review any rule changes. VOTE. Your compliant proposal must be brought before the board for final approval. Depending on what you're changing, resident approval may be needed, too. Be transparent about changes and allow residents to voice their opinions. NOTIFY. Residents should be informed about rule amendments ASAP, physically or electronically. Tell them where to find copies of the updated documents and who to contact with questions. Remember, your rules exist to benefit all homeowners. If the rule no longer serves the community, change it!" ASK A COMMUNITY MANAGER Michele Nadeau, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, is the general manager at a luxury high-rise condominium in Ocean City, Maryland. She has over 20 years of experience in the multi-family housing industry. It's no surprise that community associations have rules, but did you know that they can be changed to accommodate the shifting needs and wants of homeowners? New rules should only improve—not hurt or derail—neighborhood harmony and operations. We asked: when should a board update its community rules? And how? Here's what our expert, Michele Nadeau, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, general manager at Legum & Norman, had to say. Can We Change Community Rules? LEARN WHEN—AND HOW—TO UPDATE RULES WITH CONFIDENCE AND CLARITY. Q A "Communities amend rules for various reasons, but typically, it's to address a need or an event affecting residents. It's important to assess rules consistently so they remain relevant. Here's what the amendment process looks like step-by-step: 34 COMING HOME MAGAZINE