Articles

Reader Questions - Homeowner Manager, Board Eligibility and Severance Sep 14, 2015

Dear Kelly,

Is it a conflict of interest to have a homeowner be the manager? As the President of a small HOA I was asked this question. I believe it would be a conflict....

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Protection for Plastic Lawns Sep 07, 2015

California is in the fourth year of drought, and even with predictions of an approaching heavy “El Nino” rain season, it may take years before state water...

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Reader Questions - Posted Agendas Aug 31, 2015

Hi Kelly,

We were recently told that unless you post for all to see that there will be an “Executive Session” at a board meeting, then you can’t have...

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Reader Questions - Assessment Increases, Spending Authority, Employee Information Aug 17, 2015
 

Mr. Richardson,

Our Board increased monthly assessments by exactly 20% without bringing it to the members for a vote. Is this legal? Is the law we must vote on...

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Reader Questions - Board Size, Tenure and Compensation Aug 10, 2015

Good Morning Mr. Richardson,

Our association wants to amend our bylaws to increase the number of persons elected to the board. Do you have to fix the number to be elected...

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Reader Questions - Trees Jul 27, 2015

Kelly,

I have been complaining about a tree that is behind my property on common area. The problem is the leaves that constantly fall into my pool and yard. The...

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Reader Questions - Dogs Jul 20, 2015

Dear Kelly,

Your articles on HOAs are quite informative. Thank you. Since I live in a condo I am interested in service dogs and “therapy” dogs. Why should...

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Reader Questions - Exclusive Use Common Area Jul 13, 2015

Dear Kelly,

What is exclusive common area? I’m in a townhome community. Are fences between connected townhomes exclusive common area that the HOA has...

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What is “Exclusive Use Common Area”? Jul 06, 2015

Condominium owners often misunderstand exclusive use common area, and this leads to far too many wasteful disputes. Simply put, exclusive use areas are not...

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Reader Questions - Termite and Wasp Problems Jun 29, 2015

Kelly,

I live in a stock cooperative apartment complex comprised of downstairs and upstairs apartments. When tenting for termite infestation, this service covers both...

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Reader Questions - Maintenance Agreements, Minutes and Hiring Family. Jun 22, 2015

Dear Kelly,

Our HOA permits homeowners to maintain small areas of common area with the understanding that the homeowner will pay for returning the area to the care of the...

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Reader Questions - Non-Action Board Discussions, Alcohol Jun 15, 2015

Dear Kelly,

Can the board of a condominium meet without the manager to discuss board business and take action as long as the agenda is posted? Can board members meet to...

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