A: Clear rules and clear communication are your best solution, says Jim Comin, president of CDC Management Services, which oversees some 200 Northwest condo communities.

"Have good outgoing communications with owners, such as regular meetings, newsletters and Web-site updates," Comin suggests. Encourage owners to e-mail their questions and concerns to the board. Then let everyone know that board members will address concerns through these channels and when they can expect a response.

Comin anticipates there will be a few individuals who'll still want the board's immediate attention and complain when they don't get it.

"Remind them of the policy. If they whine again, remind them again," he says. After that ignore them unless they follow the rules.

"In the end, the board is acting in everyone's best interest not to spend all their time dealing with certain homeowners," says Comin. Still, it's important to respect them all, and "interact with these people as you would any other."