Post Hurricane Tips & Reminders:
*”Opportunistic” contractors, insurance adjusters, etc. may be out soliciting business over the next few days/weeks. Be cautious. Make sure your community is working with reputable and trusted professionals, and be sure to understand whether commission/contingency arrangements are truly in the best interest of your community and its membership (or are you dealing with a vendor who is using the storm as an opportunity to make a “cash grab”?).
*Be sure to take timely action to address urgent concerns (take necessary action to address any risk of imminent damage), but do not rush the repair process. This is not the time to hire new/unvetted contractors. As an example: if feasible, consider securing emergency tarps to address roof leaks in the short-term to allow time for vetting contractors.
*Make sure your legal counsel reviews all repair contracts prior to execution. This is especially true for contracts where the total contract sum is $2,500 or more, as those contracts are generally subject to Florida’s construction lien laws and, therefore, carry greater liability for your association.
*Be sure to document all damage – photos and videos.
*Do not execute an assignment of benefits without first talking to general counsel.
*Do not execute an insurance release or accept an insurance payout without first consulting with trusted counsel.
*Do not engage a public adjuster without first consulting with trusted counsel.
*Do not enter into a contingency agreement without first consulting with trusted counsel.
We hope everyone fared well in the storm!
