Welcome to Ungated

Renter and Kids and Parking and Pets (Oh My)

Every association is unique, but in many cases the sources of challenges appear again and again.  It is no accident that many managers will tell you that the Three P's - Pets, Pools, and Parking are the biggest challenges in their community.  Issues surrounding renters and children also crop up with stubborn regularity.  Here are some ideas on how to maintain the harmony in your community.

81. Don't treat renters as outcasts - involve them in the community.

82. Publish a tenant's handbook.

83. Plan events for children.

84. Let the children help organize the events.

85. Give them a place to play.

86. Tow cars only as a last resort.

87. Place parking signs where they can bee seen.

88. Give pets a place to walk.

89. Encourage the purchase of fish.

90. Watch Old Yeller.

Each community has its own unique set of circumstances and rules.  One thing to remember is that communities can evolve over time and the rules may need to be changed to keep up with that evolution.  And changing the rules should be a participative process, with input from the entire community.

We held our first regional manager's conference in Phoenix last month and the response was very positive.  Over 75 managers from across the southwest (and even as far as New Jersey) gathered to invest in their careers.  In addition to challenging general sessions and detailed break-outs, the event provided managers the opportunity to network with a wide variety of peers, share ideas, and learn from others experience.  But don't take my word for it, here's what some of the attendees had to say:

Regional Conferences hold down costs of travel expenses so those of us with small budgets may attend. Exposure to all facets of HOA's; ie. high-rises, condos, etc. Making new friends who are supportive of what I'm doing-the enrichment of education and empowerment from the speakers and other managers The intimacy of the group - smaller groups tend to listen better - it the law of human nature! I learned a tremendous amount that I am already sharing with fellow managers. Thank you again for a job well done! ... the conference for me was a huge success.

One unique element of the event was an idea sharing process called the "idea cactus" (hey it was Arizona).  The "idea cactus" was a place to post ideas, techniques, and tips that worked for you, to share with your peers.  We then collected all the ideas, transcribed them, and provided them to all attendees.  Anyone can view the idea list from the Southwest meeting at SW Regional. 

Want to be part of this kind of event?  You can!  Our next regional event is coming up November 9 and 10 in Orlando, Florida.  Designed for managers from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and elsewhere in the southeast, the event will be held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.  You can sign up for this exciting event here.