Governing Smart - HOA & Condo Law Podcast

Verbal Abuse & Physical Threats: Managing Aggressive Members

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2550981/open_sms] Discussion with Legal Expert Jennifer Cunha, Esq. and Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Ivan Cichowicz Are tempers flaring in your community meetings? Do you have residents or board members who cross the line — yelling, threatening, or using intimidation to get their way? Verbal abuse can be just as damaging as physical aggression. It erodes trust, divides communities, and creates a hostile environment for everyone involved. Join us and explore how to recognize verbal aggression, set firm boundaries, and enforce respectful communication under your governing documents. Learn how to de-escalate heated interactions, protect yourself and fellow board members, and address abusive behavior without escalating the conflict. Gain the tools to restore civility, safety, and professionalism — and ensure that every voice in your community can be heard without fear. Here is a link to our handout: https://bit.ly/4nLhYV1 [https://bit.ly/4nLhYV1] Check out our website: https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/  [https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/]

Elder Abuse & Neglect in HOAs: When Should the Board Step In?

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2550981/open_sms] Discussion with Legal Expert Jennifer Cunha, Esq. and Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Ivan Cichowicz Do you know the warning signs of elder abuse in your community? Could someone in your HOA or condo be quietly suffering — neglected, exploited, or mistreated — without anyone noticing? Florida’s aging population makes elder abuse a growing concern for community associations. From financial exploitation to emotional or physical harm, abuse can happen anywhere — even next door. In this discussion, we'll uncover the realities of elder mistreatment, what every HOA and condo board should watch for, and how to respond responsibly and legally when something seems wrong. Learn how to recognize red flags, understand mandatory reporting laws, and create a safer, more compassionate community for older residents. Protect your neighbors. Protect your association. Awareness is the first step toward prevention. Here is a link to our handout: https://tinyurl.com/5n7t9hr4 [https://tinyurl.com/5n7t9hr4] Check out our website: https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/ [https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/]

Schizophrenia & Paranoia in Association Members: When Concern Becomes a Crisis

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2550981/open_sms] Discussion with Legal Expert Jennifer Cunha, Esq. and Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Ivan Cichowicz Have you ever encountered a resident who seems confused, withdrawn, or detached from reality — and you weren’t sure how to respond? Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, yet people living with it are part of every community, including your HOA or condominium. Misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary fear, conflict, or even discrimination. Join us for Schizophrenia & Paranoia in Association Members, where we separate myths from facts and explain how psychosis, delusions, and disorganized behavior may appear in real-world community settings. Learn what the Fair Housing Act requires, how to respond safely and respectfully, and how your association can balance compassion with responsibility. Discover practical steps for promoting awareness, preventing crises, and supporting residents who struggle with serious mental illness — all while protecting your community and reducing liability. Knowledge replaces stigma. Understanding saves lives — and strengthens communities. Here is a link to our handout: https://tinyurl.com/3epb6sex [https://tinyurl.com/3epb6sex] Check out our website: https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/ [https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/]

Dementia and Associations

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2550981/open_sms] Discussion with Legal Expert Jennifer Cunha, Esq. and Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Ivan Cichowicz Is your community struggling to support residents showing signs of memory loss, confusion, or unsafe behavior? Have you noticed neighbors wandering, forgetting to pay dues, or leaving stoves on — and wondered what your board can or should do? Join us as we explore Dementia and Associations — how cognitive decline impacts safety, liability, and community life. Learn how to recognize the warning signs, provide reasonable accommodations under Fair Housing law, and protect your residents while reducing legal exposure. We’ll also share practical steps your HOA or condo board can take to foster awareness, compassion, and safety — from emergency planning to neighborhood support systems. Empower your board to act confidently and compassionately when dementia enters your community. Here is a link to our handout: https://tinyurl.com/7kbh87km [https://tinyurl.com/7kbh87km] Check out our website: https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/ [https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/]

The Two B's: Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Affective Disorder

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2550981/open_sms] Discussion with Legal Expert Jennifer Cunha, Esq. and Board-Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Ivan Cichowicz Do you have residents or board members whose moods swing dramatically — one moment calm and cooperative, the next impulsive, angry, or withdrawn? Are you unsure whether you’re dealing with a mood disorder like Bipolar Affective Disorder, or a personality pattern like Borderline Personality Disorder — and how to respond appropriately as a board or property manager? Join us for The Two B's: Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Affective Disorder, where we break down the key differences between the two, how each affects behavior, relationships, and decision-making, and what every association should understand about fair housing protections, safety, and liability. Learn how to recognize early warning signs, communicate effectively, and create a stable environment for everyone — even when emotions run high. Gain practical tools to balance compassion with clear boundaries — helping your board navigate mental health issues with confidence, consistency, and care. Here is a link to our handout:  https://tinyurl.com/sjppfcys [https://tinyurl.com/sjppfcys] Check out our website: https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/ [https://jennifercunhalawoffice.com/]