Articles

Are The CC&Rs Stale? Aug 19, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. 

Our Association has one board member who I’ll call “Rick.” “Rick” keeps repeating the same mantras:...

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Board Eligibility; Ballots After Failed Election Aug 12, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

Dear Kelly: Our bylaws require 2-year residency before eligibility to serve on our board, BUT we’re desperate for a treasurer with...

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The HOA’s Disciplinary Action Was Flawed, Now What? Aug 08, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

Question: Our HOA egregiously violated Davis-Stirling rules by not offering due process to a resident fined for an alleged architectural...

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Can They Charge Transfer Fees? Jul 31, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL  

Kelly, thank you for your column. Someone who just moved told me that there is an HOA transfer fee of over $800, however it...

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Avoid These HOA Myths Jul 24, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

There are HOA myths that are harmful. Here are some of the most common ones.

Governing documents are boilerplate. Most HOA homebuyers...

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What If We Can’t Fill Enough Board Seats? Jul 17, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

Dear Mr. Richardson: I live in an association with several hundred members where it is quite often difficult to fill our seven-member...

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Tips Regarding Bare Walls Property Insurance Jul 10, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

Quite recently, two of the largest residential property insurance companies announced major cutbacks in California. State Farm announced...

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Should We Hire a Member? Jul 02, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. 

Hi Kelly: Three of the members of our HOA board are employed directly or through service contracts with the master community company....

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What If Our Reserves Are Zero? Jun 25, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

Dear Kelly: What happens if the reserves go to zero? What is insolvency? B.E., Tarzana

Dear B.E.: HOAs which fail to set aside money in their...

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Is Your Association Governance Balanced? Jun 19, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

The ancient Chinese concept of yin and yang deals with opposite and inseparable forces.  Common interest developments (“homeowner...

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Richardson | Ober Welcomes Osvaldo Rocha, Esq. Jun 14, 2023

Richardson | Ober is proud to welcome our newest Associate, Osvaldo “Ozzie Rocha. Esq. 

Ozzie holds a bachelor’s degree from USC and is a graduate of...

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Be Prepared for the Possibility of Election By Acclamation Jun 12, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Last year, HOAs received a very helpful new tool with the enactment of Civil Code Section 5103 – election by acclamation. This...

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