Karel Costa-Armas, PCAM Luxury Association Manager

10/09/2025

What authority does your HOA have to tow a vehicle? The authority of a Homeowners Association (HOA) / Condo to tow vehicles is typically derived from various sources, including state laws, local ordinances, and the governing documents of the HOA itself, such as the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). These documents outline the rights and responsibilities of both the HOA and the homeowners, including the rules regarding parking and the enforcement mechanisms available to the HOA.

Generally, an HOA is granted the power to regulate common areas and enforce rules that promote the safety and aesthetics of the community. This often includes establishing parking regulations to prevent issues such as overcrowding, blocked access to emergency services, and unsightly or abandoned vehicles that may detract from the neighborhood's appearance. To exercise its authority effectively, the HOA must ensure that its towing policies are clearly articulated in its governing documents and that homeowners are adequately informed about these policies.

see full article here:
https://www.homeownerassociationconsulting.com/post/the-hoa-towed-my-car
Get The Book of Solutions to HOA probelms- Find it here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bstVOrv

10/05/2025

As a manager, have you been called "after-hours" for nonsense?

I think we all have. I'll have to say however that this continued improper behavior may just be the manager's fault. WHY?

Here 's why. All managers need their personal space and personal life balance. You however need to communicate boundaries properly to the board. Most CAMs are "on-call" 24/7. I think we know that... That does NOT however mean that managers are on-call for any silly reason.

How can you start to curtail abuse in this area?

1- Know your management contract well. You may need to amend the details.

2- Communicate to the board (in writing), what is considered to be an "emergency". Define carefully when you are to be called.

3- Write up an "after-hours" procedural policy. Maybe one that empowers the board or staff on site, to act accordingly until you are called. Sometimes, an email will be just as effective and you won;t be woken up at 2am on a Saturday.

10/05/2025

https://www.homeownerassociationconsulting.com/post/the-hoa-towed-my-car

Can the HOA tow your car? Furthermore, the HOA's authority to tow is usually limited to certain circumstances. For instance, a vehicle may be towed if it is parked in a designated no-parking zone, if it is blocking another vehicle or access point, or if it is deemed abandoned or inoperable. The spec...

10/04/2025

Are you a homeowner with a complaint about your association?

What do you need to make progress with your complaint?
Do you think a professional entity such as the police or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will do all of your initial investigations?
You have the right to be heard and for proper governance, but you should not expect that a government agency will follow your verbal complaint with some work on your end.

09/19/2025

Husband and wife team PAID from association funds. 💰😱
Have you ever experienced this type of outrageous act?
I have. Numerous times. 🔥 Is it normal?
Is it justifiable? ⚖️Get the book now to resolve most of the suspicions at Community Associations regarding
MONEY & SPENDING
Check it out on Amazon or this direct link - https://a.co/d/fKmu8x8
Thank you for taking the time to read this post !!!!!

see more video and articles at www.CondoDetective.com

08/27/2025

FREE tacos 🌮… I think not🛑

Can innocent mistakes be made at the HOA?
✅ Of course, we are human. Honest mistakes can be made, documented, and explained.

Listen to this story and you tell me if similar instances have occurred in your business.

By the way, you can still download your FREE copy of my book on Amazon until August 29th… or you can purchase the paperback.. your choice.. link is below..

I published a concise and straight-forward guide... For all homeowners living in community associations and their board of directors. A step-by-step checklist regarding allegations of HOA Theft, Embezzlement, and Fraud.

Rather than spending hours chatting and discovering the details of a complaint, this book will guide homeowners and board members into checking what can be in place, or what should be in place for board accountability.

Who can use this book?
- Homeowners
- Board Members
- Managers
- Law Enforcement
- HOA Attorneys can gift it to their clients
- Risk Management / Insurance agents can use it as a guide or gift it to their clients.
- Vendors that have close relationships with their boards can give it to the directors as sage advice.

Check it out on Amazon or this direct link - https://a.co/d/fKmu8x8

Thank you for taking the time to read this post !!!!!

08/03/2025

Trip and Fall injuries can occor just about anywhere. One common problem most folks see on a daily basis is that of "raised sidewalks" . These tripping risks are caused by the roots of treees pushing up and lifting the concrete slab of the sidewalks.

Many HOAs are facing this problem and these reapirs can get very expensive. It's not uncommon to have a sidewalk repair project of nearly six-figures. No matter what the challenge, management and the board should take proper measures to document the issues, communicate to the community, and plan for repairs.

In this video, I talk a little about some of the steps to take in resolving these problems.

06/14/2025

03/31/2025

Buying a Condo in Florida - reviewing the Board Minutes Among the many documents a diligent condo buyer should review prior to finalizing a purchase, the MINUTES of board meetings are essential. Look for:❓topics being discussed 💰financial concerns - special assessments 🔨construction projects🚧existing damages pending repairsAlways keep in mind as a buyer, that the process remains “at arms length”. “Buyer Beware” and remain diligent in the process.Good luck 🍀

11/23/2024

Do you know what endorsements, clauses, and exclusions are within the association’s insurance policies? You’d better listen up and ask these questions right now.

11/21/2024

Most of the folks with serious complaints about their HOA or Condo Boards have a difficult time getting traction with the authorities. Why are they being ignored?The answer is simple. The complaints need to be articulated and shared with the proper authority having jurisdiction for each matter.See more articles and videos at CondoDetective.com

09/14/2024

For those of you that are in the depths of budgets season, here is the recently recorded webinar for you to share. It would be a good idea to share this link with your board members so they understand the basics of the process and the details of the SIRS and new laws that affect the process.

Thank you Rabin Parker Gurley, P.A.. and Stone Building Solutions

The clock is ticking. New laws are shaking up communities’ budgets! Not even cozy 2-story condos are off the hook. These mandates are all about TRANSPARENCY....