Nothing in the Hallways

You may have received this recent notice from Markwood Management about Halloween decorations in the hallways.

Good afternoon homeowners:

We appreciate that it is impossible to avoid enthusiasm for Halloween when you live in Salem.  Unfortunately, we must ask you to remove the decorations many of you have placed in the hallways.

Insurance companies are quite adamant that nothing be placed in in common areas that might in any way be considered a "trip" hazard.

Thank you,
Markwood Management

Basically, do not place or store anything in the common areas (hallways, steps, roof) of the building. This not only includes seasonal decorations of any kind, but also trash bags, furniture, sculptures and especially...shoes. There are several good reasons for this policy: These objects constitute a potential hazard and expose us to liability (the insurance for the common areas does not cover your personal items).  That could mean problems if visitors or tenants trip on these things (and sue us), if they impede evacuation during a fire, or constitute a fire hazard in and of themselves.  There are also problems if someone damages or steals the personal items left in the common areas. This kind of clutter can also make vacuuming more difficult for the cleaners. And lastly, not everyone shares the same taste in "decoration". So please keep all of your personal items inside your unit.

FYI: Vacation Rentals are Illegal

Recently Markwood Management came across this website.
It is a listing on Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) from Home Away, a site that lists private apartments and condos around the world for short-term vacation rentals and appears to be one of the units at 24 Norman Street.

Salem is a major tourist destination, especially through the summer and Halloween. It would be great if you could rent your unit out to visiting tourists and make some extra money, especially if you are an owner who doesn't actually live in the building...wouldn't it?...except for the fact that it is illegal.

Norman Street is Designated a Central Development Zone (B5).  The Zoning By-Laws pertaining to Principal Use shows that Rooming, Boarding or Lodging Houses are not permitted in zone B5.  Rooming houses are defined in the By-Laws as:

"Rooming, boarding or lodging house: A dwelling or part thereof in which lodging is provided by the owner or operator to at least three, but not more than six, roomers or boarders. "

This is a clear violation of Salem’s zoning By-Laws, (a rooming-house permit would be required) as well as a violation of the Condo Association's by-laws. Besides the fact that it is illegal, it raises all kinds of security, liability and insurance issues. What if a short-term renter in the building is injured while staying here? or injures somebody? Who is liable? Hopefully you can see where this opens a whole variety of issues. We do not have the kind of building set-up, security, or staff to be able to manage these kind of rentals, even if they were allowed by law, which they aren't.
So, if you were thinking about doing this, well...don't.
You will be subject to legal action by the Salem Zoning Enforcement Board as well as legal action (including fines) by Markwood Management.