Latest news with #FirstServiceResidential
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
FirstService Residential Earns WELL Certified™ Gold for South Region Headquarters
Company commemorates workplace excellence milestone with an immersive wellness event for associates in their South Region headquarters in Florida PLANTATION, Fla., Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FirstService Residential, North America's leading residential property management company, announced today that its South Region headquarters has achieved WELL Certified™ Gold from the International WELL Building Institute. The recognition is awarded to spaces that prioritize health, safety, and well-being through measurable performance criteria and reflects FirstService Residential's commitment to cultivating employee-centered workplaces. To celebrate the milestone, the company hosted a wellness event yesterday, August 13, at its South Region headquarters. The day began with a live unveiling of the WELL Certified™ Gold seal by Debra George, Vice President of Operations of the company's South Region. In-person activities included chair yoga, sound bath sessions, nutrition education, tours, and a 'Build Your Own Healthy Bento Box' station for lunch. Each activation helped associates connect WELL principles to their daily routines in the office. 'Achieving WELL Certified™ Gold reflects our commitment to creating workplaces that support our associates' health and wellness,' said Robert G. Smith, President, South Region. 'This recognition underscores our belief that when our associates thrive in the workplace, they're better equipped to deliver exceptional support to the residents and communities we are proud to serve.' WELL Certification is based on attaining exceptional levels of quality in criteria including air and water quality, natural light, ergonomic workspace design, mental health support, and nutrition-focused amenities. This achievement reflects a shared effort between FirstService Residential and FirstService Energy, the company's energy advisory affiliate, to design a workplace that supports well-being in real, lasting ways. 'FirstService upholds the same wellness standards in our workspaces that we help residents and communities achieve in their homes,' said Paula Allen, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, South Region. 'Earning this certification required meeting strict criteria across all aspects of our work environment, which reflects the company's deep commitment to creating spaces where our team members can excel daily.' The WELL Certified™ Gold achievement adds to a growing list of workplace honors for FirstService Residential. The company was recently named to Newsweek's 2025 list of America's Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being and earned repeated recognition from Great Place to Work® in the United States and Canada. These achievements reflect the company's belief that investing in associate well-being leads to stronger teams, better service, and thriving communities. About FirstService ResidentialFirstService Residential is simplifying property management. Its hospitality-minded teams serve residential communities across the United States and Canada. The organization partners with boards, owners, and developers to enhance the value of every property and the life of every resident. Leveraging unique expertise and scale, FirstService serves its clients with proven solutions and a service-first philosophy. Residents can count on 24/7 customer care and tailored lifestyle programming, amenity activation, and technology for their community's specific needs. Market-leading programs with FirstService Financial, FirstService Energy, and special districts teams deliver additional levels of support. Boards and developers select FirstService Residential to realize their vision and drive positive change for residents in the communities in their trusted care. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ and TSX: FSV), a North American leader in providing essential property services to a wide range of residential and commercial clients.
The Independent
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Neighbors back Arizona man in fight against HOA after he was repeatedly fined $100 for handing out free bottles of water
An Arizona man fined hundreds of dollars by his homeowners association for handing out free bottles of water is fighting back as he and his neighbors vote to unseat several board members. David Martin of Goodyear, Arizona, has racked up hundreds of dollars in fines this summer from the Canyon Trails Homeowners Association and its management company, FirstService Residential, for placing a cooler full of bottled water on the sidewalk near his home. 'Here we are in July, the hottest day of the year, and we are still talking about a water cooler with free cold water,' Martin told KPHO last week. 'It's ridiculous that they are adding violations to a total that's not going to get paid, because I'm giving out free water.' Now, Martin and his neighbors have fought to unseat some HOA board members. Martin started a petition this month to remove three HOA board members, garnering enough signatures to trigger a special vote on Thursday, local outlet 12News reports. Two board members whose seats weren't at stake attended the meeting, along with dozens of Martin's neighbors. "I'm not the only one that sees there's something wrong in our community," Martin told 12News. At the meeting, Martin's neighbors raised various other issues with the HOA, including concerns that their voices weren't being heard and issues weren't being fixed in a timely manner, 12News reports. Out of 210 ballots, 190 people voted to remove the board members. Homeowners association member Deryl Riley said there were enough votes for a quorum, meaning the board members would be removed, 12News reports. But the three board members who were removed say the vote wasn't legal, according to 12News. The members argue Martin didn't garner enough signatures on his petition. They also claim the vote was invalid because a 24-hour notice wasn't given to homeowners. The board members also raised concerns over whether 210 votes were enough for a quorum, given the community has more than 1,000 homes. Martin says he's prepared for a legal battle and wants to keep fighting for his cause. "It's not just about water, it's about the community as a whole," he told 12News. FirstService Residential previously told 12News the HOA 'does not object' to Martin handing out free water bottles, but instead takes issue with him advertising it. 'The Association does not object to a resident providing free water bottles to the community; however, the community's rules do not allow a resident to advertise water bottle distribution from a portable ice chest, located next to their garage that is visible from neighboring property,' the company said.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Arizona man's HOA keeps fining him $100 for giving out water in heat — lawyer for HOA explains. Do you agree?
David Martin of Goodyear, Arizona, says he just wanted to help his neighbors stay hydrated during triple-digit temperatures — but now he's being fined for it by his homeowners association. Martin has been placing a cooler filled with free bottled water near the sidewalk outside his home since May of 2020. 'It's for the kids, the delivery drivers, the couple holding hands walking down the street,' Martin told local outlet KPHO. 'It's for the little kid who has to walk his dog in the heat.' In 2022, the Canyon Trails HOA and its management company FirstService Residential, gave him a warning for his cooler, but then followed up with an apology letter. "At that point, I thought it was over and done, and we wouldn't have any problems ever again until May of this year," Martin shared with local outlet KYMA in 2024. Then in May of 2024 he received his first fine for $50, eventually escalating to multiple citations for $100. Ever since then Martins has been receiving fines of $100 whenever he puts out his cooler when it gets hot out. He claims the fines are unfair — and dangerous — in a state where heat has already killed dozens this year. 'Here we are in July, the hottest day of the year, and we are still talking about a water cooler with free cold water,' Martin said. 'It's ridiculous that they are adding violations to a total that's not going to get paid, because I'm giving out free water.' An attorney for the Canyon Trails HOA released a statement to KPHO last year saying: "The association does not object to a resident providing free water bottles to the community; however, the community's rules do not allow a resident to advertise water bottle distribution from a portable ice chest, located next to their garage that is visible from neighboring property." After months of mounting fines, Martin launched a petition to recall three HOA board members. He claims it received over 100 signatures. According to 12News, a special meeting was held on Thursday Jul. 10 where 190 out of 210 votes cast supported removing the board members. But the fight wasn't over. The HOA's board held an emergency meeting Friday Jul. 11, voiding the results — claiming the petition didn't meet signature requirements and questioning whether the 210 votes reflected a quorum for a community of more than 1,000 homes. Martin provided documentation to 12News showing FirstService Residential's own legal counsel had allegedly verified that the petition met the requirements under state law. He says he's preparing for a legal battle. 'I am hoping with three new board members that get elected, they'll see that wasting time and money on a water cooler that's helping the community is just that: a waste,' Martin told KPHO. While Martin's gesture is generous, it highlights a bigger issue: HOAs typically enforce community rules strictly — even when they clash with common sense. If you're part of an HOA community: Check your CCRs (covenants, conditions and restrictions) before placing anything in shared spaces. Document your intent if you're doing something for health or safety reasons. Reach out to your board for clarification or exceptions — especially in emergencies. If you receive a violation notice, address it immediately and document everything in writing. If mediation fails, seek legal advice to understand your rights and options. On Reddit, where the story has gone viral, many sided with Martin. One user wrote "HOAs really deserve every ounce of disdain they receive. The gall to punish someone for having compassion, and providing water in an organized manner on their personal property." This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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The Independent
11-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
An Arizona man is handing out bottled water to neighbors in extreme heat. His HOA is fining him $100 every time
An Arizona man says his homeowners association is punishing him for a simple act of kindness: handing out free water to people during an extreme heatwave. 'It's for the kids, the delivery drivers, the couple holding hands walking down the street,' David Martin, who lives in Goodyear, Arizona, near Phoenix, told KPHO. 'It's for the little kid who has to walk his dog in the heat.' Martin said he's received multiple $100 fines from the Canyon Trails Homeowners Association and its management company, FirstService Residential, for placing a cooler full of bottled water on the sidewalk near his home. Martin did this last summer, too, but said the violation letters stopped arriving after local media covered his story. But a few months ago, they returned. An attorney for the HOA told the outlet in a statement last year, 'The Association does not object to a resident providing water bottles within the community; however, the community's rules do not allow a resident to advertise water bottle distribution from a portable ice chest, located next to their garage that is visible from neighboring property.' Despite the rule, Martin continues his efforts. Video shows him handing out bottles from his coolers in his driveway with a sign that reads 'free cold water.' 'Here we are in July, the hottest day of the year, and we are still talking about a water cooler with free cold water,' Martin said Thursday. 'It's ridiculous that they are adding violations to a total that's not going to get paid, because I'm giving out free water.' Martin is now fighting back against the HOA by launching a petition to remove three board members. He has gathered over 100 signatures in support of the effort. Even his neighbors are baffled by the fines. 'I have no idea why they are coming down on him,' Rich Koustas told the outlet. 'I don't know. It doesn't make any sense.' A special HOA meeting was set for Thursday night, where residents voted on whether to oust the board members. The results were unknown at the time of publication. 'I am hoping with three new board members that get elected, they'll see that wasting time and money on a water cooler that's helping the community is just that: a waste,' Martin told the outlet.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
What Condo Reform Bill Means for Florida
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Wednesday reforming the recently implemented building safety legislation that has thrown the state's condo market into chaos, hoping to offer owners some relief from rising costs. What Problem Is the New Bill Addressing? The Sunshine State—especially its southern region—has been brewing a condo crisis over the past year, as the coming into effect of a law requiring inspections and reserves for condo buildings has led to significant financial burden for owners. The new legislation was passed in the aftermath of the deadly collapse of the Champlain Towers South building in Surfside in June 2021 which killed 98 people. In an aerial view, the city of Miami skyline, where many renters reside in the apartment buildings on September 29, 2021, in Miami, Florida. In an aerial view, the city of Miami skyline, where many renters reside in the apartment buildings on September 29, 2021, in Miami, an investigation found that structural issues with the building and delayed maintenance had led to the tragedy, lawmakers introduced new requirements demanding that all condos three stories or higher undergo regular inspections and that condo associations put aside sufficient funding to conduct necessary maintenance and repair work. While well-intended, the legislation had the unpleasant consequence of raising costs significantly for condo associations and owners. In an attempt to escape rising costs which they often cannot afford, hundreds of condo owners have been trying to sell their properties, leading to a surge in for-sale inventory across the state at a time when demand is sinking. Many are now stuck inside units that promise to cost them increasingly higher fees, while some might even lose their homes because of expenses they cannot shoulder. What the New Bill Signed by DeSantis Changes? House Bill 913, which the Republican governor had strongly pushed for, aims to balance the safety requirements introduced by legislation passed after the deadly Surfside collapse with more financial flexibility for homeowner associations and condo owners. Crucially, the bill does not eliminate the requirement for regular inspections or for the creation of a reserve fund for future maintenance, but it gives condo associations more time to get it in place. "The immediate impact is that condo associations now have much more flexibility and uniformity when it comes to reserve requirements," Robert G. Smith, president of property management company FirstService Residential's South Region, told Newsweek. "Instead of being required to fully fund reserves right away, they can now prioritize urgent repairs first—especially those flagged during inspections." Under the legislation signed by DeSantis on Wednesday, condo associations can temporarily pause reserve fund contributions for up to two years. In short, the new bill "gives associations time to focus on what matters most," Smith said. "It also introduces a standardized format for reserve studies, bringing more consistency and clarity." Additionally, HB 913 allows condo associations to use alternative funding methods, like loans or lines of credit, to meet reserve obligations. "That's a major relief for boards who are feeling the financial pressure," Smith said. Will The New Bill Help Florida Condo Owners? "When it comes to condo safety, this bill gives owners much-needed breathing room," Smith said. "One unique concern we've consistently heard from our boards is the frustration with being required to fund reserve studies that don't reflect real-time repair efforts," he added. "This bill directly addresses that issue by allowing associations to complete critical repairs first and conduct updated reserve studies based on the building's current condition. It's a more practical approach that recognizes the proactive work our boards are already doing—and it clearly shows that their voices are being heard in the legislative process." Juan Arias, South Florida-based director of market analytics at is less optimistic about the positive impact of the bill. "While the law is positive, it is unlikely to drive a significant shift in pricing trends," he told Newsweek. "The headwinds of elevated financing costs, HOA costs, assessments and slower employment gains still remain." While the bill is a move in the right direction, he said, "further extensions to meeting milestone deadlines will remain increasingly unlikely as lawmakers weigh the benefits for current condo owners v. the potential of another building collapse." Kat Amador, partner and real estate attorney with Berger Singerman, agrees that "for many struggling condo owners, the bill doesn't go far enough," she told Newsweek. The bill checks some boxes, she said, but leaves big gaps, especially on how enforcement and affordability challenges will actually be handled. "It puts new responsibilities on DBPR [Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation] local agencies but doesn't address whether they have the staff or resources to enforce them effectively. Worse, it leaves unresolved the ongoing inconsistencies between agencies," she said. "And while the bill offers funding flexibility for associations, it does nothing for low-income owners who simply can't afford massive assessments," Amador said. "In my practice, I regularly see owners forced to sell below market because buyers discount for looming repair costs. It's even worse when owners can't afford repairs at all, leaving the building tagged as unsafe," she added. "Unit owners are forced to move out, stuck with huge costs for a home they can't use, and hoping someone will buy fast." For Amador, there is still space for further changes to the legislation in the future. "Florida is often informally referred to as 'the condo state' and for good reason. Much of our coastline is developed into high-rise condo buildings to maximize oceanfront views and density," she said. "Several issues such as implementation challenges, funding shortfalls, gaps in enforcement and mandating annual adjustment thresholds for inflation, especially when you take into account the increasing costs of construction and insurance, will likely bring about additional reforms as associations deal with compliance with financial requirements and safety regulations." Are you a Florida condo owner? I'd like to hear your opinion on the new bill and whether you think it goes far enough to help you. Email me at
