Ohio is grappling with one of its most severe droughts in decades, with 22 counties declared disaster areas. This drought has hit agriculture hard, impacting crop yields, threatening water shortages, and increasing fire risks. As the drought persists, communities and farmers must take precautions and seek available resources to mitigate its impact.   Drought Impacts […] The post Ohio Drought 2024: Impacts, Precautions, and Available Resources appeared first on EQUES ..read more

I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. As pumpkins appear on store shelves and we approach the transition to Autumn, I’d like to discuss the transition of a planned community from developer control to an effective operation by the ownership.   If it feels like new condos and community associations are continuously popping up […] The post Smooth Transitions: Moving from Developer to Owner Control appeared first on EQUES ..read more

Political signs and messaging in Community Associations is generally a passionate topic to discuss with residents and the Board. From a legal standpoint, there are clear guidelines when it comes to regulating political messaging in a Community Association.   First, it is important to remember that the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States […] The post Political Signs & Messaging in Your Community Association appeared first on EQUES ..read more

The condominium statute and planned community statute require strict compliance before issuing an enforcement assessment.   However, sometimes a friendly reminder from the Association’s property manager or Board is recommended instead of immediately fining.   Minor violations like trash can violations, storing items in common areas, or weeds in the yard are more preferable for […] The post Enforcement Notices: Strict Compliance Required appeared first on EQUES ..read more

As a business owner, it’s crucial to stay informed about changes in labor and employment laws. Recent updates to overtime regulations may significantly impact how you classify and compensate your employees. On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule, “Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside […] The post Navigating New Overtime Laws: Understanding Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees appeared first on EQUES ..read more

As a business owner, staying updated with regulatory changes is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential legal pitfalls. One of the latest developments you should be aware of is the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new rule on classifying independent contractors. This rule has significant implications for how you classify and manage your workforce. This […] The post The Impact of New DOL Rule on Independent Contractor Classification appeared first on EQUES ..read more

In April 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced significant changes to the regulations surrounding non-compete clauses, which become effective September 4 2024, if not blocked by a legal challenge. These new rules strongly limit an employer’s ability to enter a non-compete with an employee. As a business owner, it’s crucial to understand the implications […] The post Understanding the FTC’s New Non-Compete Rule: What Business Owners Need to Know appeared first on EQUES ..read more

An important reminder for Boards and Property Managers: Can you impose fines for failure to follow the Declaration/Bylaws and Rules?  YES!  Can we just put a fine on the account once we notice a violation and leave it at that?  NO!   In Ohio, for condominium and homeowners associations, before imposing a fine or enforcement […] The post Can We Fine for That? Make Sure the Board Follows Protocol and the Law appeared first on EQUES ..read more

How can associations improve communications and streamline board transitions by updating emails? When board members choose to use their personal or work emails for communications related to the association, things can get a bit sticky. A big concern is that there can be a lack of confidentiality and organization. Did you mean to send that […] The post Board Member Emails appeared first on EQUES ..read more

As we gear up for another exciting season of social events within our communities, it is important to take a moment to highlight the importance of safety precautions and making sure the association has the proper insurance when hosting large events.   Safety First: Hosting a social event and involving all your community members and […] The post The Importance of Safety Precautions and Insurance for Social Events within your Association. appeared first on EQUES ..read more