MANAGE YOUR ANGER CAREFULLY

By Darlys Walker   

Published July 4, 2018  

 

We have all either heard stories, or witnessed for ourselves, those owners and or board members who become so irate over an issue, they become physically or verbally abusive to fellow board members or owners.

 

I have personally seen chairs thrown and punches exchanged. Not to mention cursing, name calling and threats of bodily harm that would embarrass a drunken sailor! (no offense to sailors intended)

 

In one unfortunate incident, a board member shot and killed a homeowner who refused to remove his dog from the pool. So what, if any, actions can or should a board take to lessen such outbursts and is there any requirement to do so? HUD (Federal Housing and Urban Development) clearly believes that a board should take corrective action/preventative action.

 

Effective October 14, 2016 HUD amended its regulation regarding the fair housing act adding “Discrimination based on Quid Pro Quo harassment and or hostile environment harassment.

 

Hostile environment harassment is defined as “Hostile environment harassment refers to unwelcome conduct that is sufficiently severe or pervasive (from the perspective of the aggrieved person) as to interfere with the provision of enjoyment of services or facilities in connection with someone’s use and enjoyment of their home.”

 

“Neither psychological nor physical harm must be demonstrated to prove hostile environment harassment and the harassment can written, verbal or any other conduct.

 

Clearly the board member shooting the unit owner with the dog is criminal. But what about those owners and board members who raise their voices, call others S.O.B or Bit*h evading someone’s personal space but never actually putting their hands on the other person. Is this considered harassment? According to HUD yes, and it is the boards responsibility to stop it! So what can the board do?

 

Here are a few suggestions….

 

1.    Establish a code of conduct for every board member to fully understand and agree to comply with.

 

2.    Establish proper conduct for all meetings and establish a no tolerance policy for those who chose to act out.

 

When in doubt, have security present at your meeting to maintain control.


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Darlys Walker, Founder and CEO of Condominium Concepts Management, Inc. (CCM), is recognized for her straight talk, subject matter expertise, and valued insights regarding real  

state management, leasing, and HOAs. Her company serves a diverse portfolio of properties, from 16-units up to 600 as well as large mixed-use developments.  

 

   From its beginnings in 2000, CCM has become a well-respected asset manager and now works with over 100 associations with 16,000 units served by over 300 employees. Darlys and her team deliver resources and responsiveness through six regional offices - in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Charleston, Nashville and Atlanta.

  

   Darlys Walker is best known for her passion and precision, understanding that the only difference that matters in today's demanding marketplace is service delivery ... doing what is promised and what is right. She knows that every community serves two masters ... the property owner/developer and the resident/homeowner. "If we are not equally responsive to both, we are not doing our job," she states.  

 

   Her clients say it best: "Darlys really knows her stuff" ... "at the top of her profession and it shows in the caliber of her clients" ... "delivers quality resources that match up well with needs and expectations that are really rigorous."  

 

   She is a licensed Real Estate Broker in four states, holds an Associate's Degree in Marketing and has earned the Accredited Real Estate Manager designation from the Georgia Institute of Real Estate Management. Also she is one of few certified as a Lead-Based Paint Abatement & Removal Trainer in Georgia.

  

   Darlys Walker and her team have been selected to manage the condominium conversion process and day-to-day operations for many of the Southeast's most high-profile condominium communities including luxury high-rises, mid-rises and garden-style homes. Most recently she has been recognized as an expert in 're-versions' of communities from condominiums to leased homes, as well as repositioning projects. A visionary and a tireless perfectionist, Darlys demonstrates hands-on leadership, working individually with each client and staff associate to achieve defined business outcomes and satisfaction.  

  

  For more information about Darlys Walker and Condominium Concepts Management, Inc. please visit www.condominiumconcepts.com.


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