Property Specialists, Inc continually strives to respond to all our
clients' questions within a timely and efficient manner. Below of just
some of the frequently asked questions. If your question is not
answered below, feel free to contact a PSI Property Manager today.
ASSESSMENT PAYMENTS:
Q. Where do I send my assessment check?
A. The coupons in the payment book have the mailing address of where to mail your payments. Note that the mailing address is a P O Box and please use the envelopes provided. If you are unable to locate your payment book, please either email PSI with your name and address or call our office at 847 806 6121.
Q. I pay my bills on line through my bank, what information is needed?
A. Please make sure that your bank makes the check payable to your Association (not PSI), and also include in a memo area your homeowner account number which can be found on your payment coupon. Please allow 5 to 9 days for the bank to mail the check to the P O Box indicated on your coupon and to avoid any late fees.
Q. Who do I make my check out to?
A. Your check should be made out to your Association as it appears on your invoice or coupon. If you are unsure of the name of your Association, please either email PSI with your name and address or call our office at 847 806 6121. DO NOT make your check out to PSI.
Q. What do I do if I cannot find my payment coupon book?
A. Please contact your property manager as soon as possible. Temporary coupons will be provided and a new coupon book will be ordered.
Q. Does PSI offer direct debit?
A. Yes, please go to the home page and click on “Documents” and then “Forms”. Both the Direct Debit form and a copy of a void check needs to be sent to PSI at our Rolling Meadows location. Please DO NOT send this paperwork with your assessment payment.
Q. I am a new owner and have not yet received my payment coupons. Will I be charged a late fee if my payment is late?
A. New owners are exempt from being charged a late fee for the first month after closing.
Q. Can I pay my assessment by credit card?
A, Yes, just click on “Pay Dues”. You will need to know the name of your Association and the address of the unit you are paying the assessment for to set up your user profile. Please note there is a service fee of $14.95 added to all credit card payments.
BOARD QUESTIONS:
Q. Why can I not directly contact my Board of Directors?
A. Your Board of Directors has hired Property Specialists, Inc. to act as your management company. The role of the property manager is to act as the liaison between the homeowners and the Board. Your property manager will make sure that your question or comment is sent to all the board and if necessary will follow-up with you on behalf of the board.
Q. What are the qualifications to becoming a Board Member?
A. The most important quality is a willingness to serve your community! No prior experience is necessary. Successful Board Members are those who serve without having a personal agenda, commit to attending all Board Meetings, keep sensitive information confidential and realize that they are part of team of equal members.
Q. Can a Board Member be removed from office?
A. Your Association's By Laws will provide you with the information you need.
Q. Can a husband and wife who co-own one unit both serve on the Board?
A. The By Laws of your Association will address this issue. However, it is very rare for this to be permitted.
UTILITY QUESTIONS:
Q. What should I do if I smell gas in my home?
A. Immediately call your gas company and they will send someone out to investigate. In the meantime, it would be best to wait outside the home.
Q. What should I do if I do not have electricity?
A. Please call your electric company and report that you do not have electric power to your home. Your electric company will give you information as to when they will be able to restore power.
Q. What should I do if I do not water?
A. Please contact your water company or your municipality as they will be able to direct your call to the proper person.
Q. What should I do if I smell smoke or see fire.
A. Immediately call 911, do not call property management.
ASSOCIATION QUESTIONS:
Q. How do I know what is my responsibility to maintain and what is the responsibility of the Association?
A. The Declaration for your Association will provide this information. It is a good idea to be familiar with the Declaration and its provisions. If you have a question regarding your Declaration, please contact your property manager.
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS QUESTIONS:
Q. Why do I need permission from the Board of Directors to make alterations or additions to my home?
A. The Declaration for your Association will stipulate what is required by owners prior to any alterations or additions being made to the exterior of your home. In most cases written Board approval is required PRIOR to any changes being made. Your property manager can email you the form required by your Association. (Go to “Contact Us” for your property manager’s email address). Though it is recommended that you contact your property manager for specifics on the requirements of your community, you may download a generic Alterations and Additions form from our web site by going to “Documents” and then “Forms”.
MEETING QUESTIONS:
Q. How many meetings is a board required to hold each year?
A. The Illinois Condominium Act requires that boards meet at 4 times annually. However you should refer to your By Laws for specifics regarding your community.
Q. Is it required that owners be invited to all meetings of the board?
A. The Illinois Condominium Act requires that meetings shall be open to any unit owner and that notice of such meetings shall be mailed or delivered at least 48 hours prior. 
Q. What number of board members are need for a quorum?
A To have quorum you need over 50% of the board present.
Q. Do owners vote on the budget each year?
A. No, the board members alone vote to adopt the budget. However, associations are required to send a copy of the approved budget to all unit owners at least 30 days prior to the adoption meeting.