Common Questions: Getting Rid of a Manager

As you know, anyone out there living in a Condo may call me with questions at any time. The following answers one of the most common of questions.

“Our Manager is terrible, how do we get rid of “her” (him)!
First of all, most do not realize that your manager is simply a bookkeeper! Your community is run by your Board of Directors. Managers simply follow the requests of the Board and make sure that “requests” are legal and within the VIRGINIA CONDOMINIUM ACT guidelines.
By the amount of calls received, most do not realize that your Board and the people on it are the most important aspect of a well run community. A majority of the Board, 2 out of 3 can fire a Management Co., simply follow the guidelines in the original contract signed with them. Sadly, those who actually run for this non paying position have personal agendas. For example, a person runs for a seat to change the Docs so that they can have a 150 lb. dog, when Docs limit the weight to 40 lbs. Another wants a seat on the Board knowing painting will soon be required and wants to award the job to their nephew. The excuses go on and on.
One caller told me that her manager threatened to kick her off the Board. Wrong! Only a majority of members on the Board can eliminate a Board member.
Sadly, most Board members do not know Condominium law and most Management companies want to keep it that way. This gives them more power when in actuality they have none! The Board has the power!
A proper Board makes decisions on spending money and should always check with owners if it is a large amount. A proper Board should always check with owners before changing the documents. A proper Board should become members of the Community Association Institute to attend lessons offered and keep up with changes in the law.
AND IF YOU LIVE IN A COMMUNITY OF 36 UNITS OR LESS, YOU CANNOT AFFORD A MANAGEMENT CO. AND SHOULD CONTACT THIS OFFICE TO LEARN HOW TO SELF MANAGE AND BUILD EQUITY IN YOUR COMMUNITY.