Resources

Client Alerts, News Articles, Blog Posts, & Multimedia

Everything you need to know about BMD and the industry.

HOA Construction Project Do’s and Don’ts

Client Alert
January 20, 2025

Good fences can make good neighbors…

But they can also cause headaches, heartaches, and hay when you don’t get permission for your homeowners association (HOA). There have been countless disputes, arguments, and lawsuits over even the fanciest, nicest new fences. Local regulators can approve, but if a resident contacts their HOA Board there may be trouble. Fences, yard alterations, and backyard decks do not have to be such a hassle and a point of conflict. The following Do’s and Don’ts could help HOA residents avoid issues:

Do attend your HOA Board meetings…

  • To get to know board members
  • To keep up with HOA news and
  • To gather information on renovation and remodeling projects

Don’t start a small, medium, or large construction project without checking in with your HOA Board…

  • Many conflicts occur because HOA Board members are not properly notified in advance
  • HOAs often accept simply building plans and estimates to begin the review process
  • HOA Boards have to approve your project, even if the local Building Department already approved it

Do obtain a copy of your HOA Declarations and Bylaws…

  • The Declarations will help you understand the review process
  • The Bylaws can provide details on fines and other penalties
  • The Declarations and/or Bylaws regulate the election of HOA Board members

Don’t expect to do it now and ask for forgiveness later…

  • HOA Boards are on the lookout for new fencing, new construction, and other alterations
  • Your neighbors are on the lookout for new fencing, new construction, and other alterations
  • Your neighbors’ pets, family members, and visitors are on the lookout for new fencing, new construction, and other alterations

Do be a good neighbor…

  • If you notice a new construction project in the HOA, check in with your neighbor first
  • If you want more information on the project, check with the HOA Board
  • If you do not like the planned project, remember that homeowners have the right to make changes that are approved by the HOA and local regulators

Don’t ignore notices…

  • If you receive a violation notice from the HOA Board, contact the Board for more information. Do not ignore the notice.
  • If you receive a violation notice from local regulators, contact the Housing or Building Department to gather more information. Do not ignore the notice.
  • If you receive a court notice related to a lawsuit, strongly consider contacting an attorney. Do not ignore the notice. There are extremely important time limits/deadlines related to answering the lawsuit.

BMD Litigation Partner Scott Heasley has assisted numerous homeowners litigate disputes with their HOAs; border disputes with their neighbors; and nuisance issues related to harassing behavior, light pollution, and adverse possession (the taking of property after long-term use). Scott Heasley can be reached at rsheasley@bmdllc.com or 216.428.4718.

HOABylawsHome Owners Association
Client Alert

Quiet Hours Texts and TCPA Claims: Consent Remains King as Courts Divide on Text Messages

March 31, 2026Businesses face increasing TCPA lawsuits over off-hours marketing texts, but recent court decisions highlight strong defenses. Clear consumer consent and updated terms and conditions can defeat many claims, while a growing number of courts are finding that text messages are not “telephone calls” under the statute. Proactive compliance measures, including clickwrap agreements and forum-selection clauses, are critical to reducing risk.Client Alert

New Ohio Reporting Requirements for Non-Residential Contractors

March 18, 2026Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, effective March 19, 2026, requires all nonresidential construction companies, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use E-Verify to confirm employee work eligibility on projects across the state. The law applies regardless of company size and carries financial penalties and potential restrictions on future state contracts for noncompliance. Some uncertainty remains around requirements for existing employees, making early compliance planning important.Client Alert

DOT Non-Domiciled CDL Rule

March 11, 2026A new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will significantly narrow eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) beginning March 16, 2026. The rule limits eligibility to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visas and eliminates Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as qualifying proof of work authorization. As a result, many lawfully present and work-authorized immigrants, including refugees, asylees, DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status holders, will no longer be able to obtain or renew a non-domiciled CDL. The change is expected to affect roughly 194,000 drivers nationwide and has prompted multiple legal challenges, including a pending emergency stay request before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Client Alert

FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Now in Effect

March 6, 2026FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, effective March 1, 2026, requires certain real estate transfers to be reported to combat financial crimes. Transfers of residential property to entities or trusts without financing may require a Real Estate Report.Client Alert

Department of Education Proposes Redefinition of “Professional Degree,” Excluding Nursing and Limiting Graduate Loan Borrowing

February 20, 2026The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.
Older posts