Articles

Reader Questions - Rules Apr 25, 2016

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Our board frequently adopts new rules, generally following the required process of providing 30-day notice prior to voting at an open meeting.

...

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Reader Questions - Are Closed Session Meetings OK? Apr 18, 2016

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Our board meetings consist of two parts. A closed meeting is convened with the board members and the manager discussing “sensitive”...

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Ten Damaging HOA Myths Apr 11, 2016

Some myths are not only wrong, but harmful. Here are ten HOA myths which create problems for communities:

1. Governing documents are boilerplate

Most HOA homebuyers...

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Reader Questions - Neighboring Nuisance Issues Apr 04, 2016

Mr. Richardson,

I own and live in a condo complex. Secondhand smoke from neighbors drifts through my unit even with windows closed. I have repeatedly told the smokers that...

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Tips Toward Fairer Disciplinary Hearings Mar 28, 2016

In a perfect world, disciplinary hearings would be unnecessary because members all focused on being good neighbors to each other. However, disciplinary hearings are...

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Reader Questions - Board Proxy, Earthquake Insurance, and Replacing President Mar 21, 2016

Mr. Richardson,

I serve on my HOA board, and every year we meet to discuss the annual budget. I sit through this discussion without understanding much of anything. After...

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Reader Questions - FHA Condo Loans, Rental Limits Mar 14, 2016

Dear Kelly,

Enjoy reading your weekly articles in [the paper]. I own a condo that is for sale. My agent tells me she had two offers with VA loans, but the...

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Reader Questions - Changing and Enforcing Rules Mar 07, 2016

Good Morning,

I am on the board of a community, and have seen many changes in procedures that govern all boards. Are there legal guidelines that we have to follow to...

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Reader Questions - Amending CC&Rs Feb 29, 2016

Hello Kelly,

We live in a small condominium complex in Brawley, Ca. Our CC&R’s were last updated 15 years ago. At the time they were considered...

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Reader Questions - Financial Reports, Are We a CID? Feb 22, 2016

Hi Mr. Richardson,

I am new to the HOA board and enjoy reading your weekly column in the [paper]. I don’t think you have discussed what to do if the property manager...

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Reader Questions - Is There Mandatory Education? Feb 15, 2016

Dear Kelly,

Why there are no educational requirements for board members and no requirements for either education, certification, background checks, etc. for managers?...

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Twenty Thoughts at the 200 Mark Jan 18, 2016

Dear Readers,

This marks the 200th column since it was revived in early 2012; may I share 20 thoughts with you on this milestone?

  1. Common interest communities involve...
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