QUESTION: On the subject of giving gifts to our property manager either from the board or from members, I was under the impression that this is not allowed. The reason being that even homeowners wanting to say “thank you” with a nice houseplant for the property manager could be misinterpreted as buying favors.

ANSWER: The association and its members can give gifts of appreciation to vendors and employees. There is nothing illegal with the practice. Some associations allow gift-giving in keeping with the spirit of the season while others discourage it for fear it may influence the manager’s objectivity in dealing with owners. The particular practice for your association is a business decision for the board to make.