Articles

Reader Questions - What Amount of Reserves Does the Law Require? Jun 03, 2019

Dear Kelly,

Is there any legal requirement for the reserves to be at any levels or is it a recommendation by the state? Can an HOA be taken over by the state if it is...

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Reader Questions - Can I/They Keep My/Their Exclusive Use Area Change? May 27, 2019

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Many years ago, I was allowed by the board to raise the height of my deck. I paid for the architectural change. No board member or manager since has...

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Open Forum: Drudge or Jewel? May 20, 2019

The “Open Meeting Act” (Civil Code Sections 4900-4955), requires at Section 4925(b) that all membership meetings and board meetings have a time set aside...

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Reader Questions - Freedom of Speech and Assembly May 13, 2019

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Our board is considering banning informal meetings in common areas. To me, this sounds like a violation of the constitutional right of assembly, but...

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Reader Questions - Is This Exclusive Use? May 04, 2019

Dear Mr. Richardson,

If a club in the HOA wants a locked storage space, is it considered exclusive use?

W.S., Escondido

 

Dear W.S.,

Exclusive use common area is...

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Reader Questions - Can We Limit Dogs? Apr 29, 2019

Hi Kelly, 

Our HOA recently voted to update our CC&R’s. One section prohibits ownership of numerous breeds of dogs that the board considers dangerous. Since...

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Reader Questions - Two Homeowners Want Out, One Wants In Apr 22, 2019

Dear Kelly,

Is there a way to get out of our three member HOA? Our home stands alone. The other two are connected. Thank you for your comment on this!

K.N., Santa Barbara

...
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We Like This Manager, But Are They Qualified? Apr 15, 2019

Previous columns addressed management options and contracts. After selecting the desired type of management services, how can a board know if a manager prospect is...

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Selecting a Management Company: The Contract Apr 08, 2019

The previous HOA Homefront column discussed choices in association management.  If the association decides to hire a management firm to provide service, the management...

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Association Management: Associations Have Options Apr 01, 2019

Choosing management assistance is one of a board’s most important decisions. Even the smallest associations will benefit from some form of professional management.

...

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Reader Questions - Evaluating Management: Management Companies Respond Mar 25, 2019
 

Kelly,

I am a HOA Board member, and our management company contract is coming up for renewal. We realized we have no formal way of evaluating how they are...

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2019 Bills Proposing New HOA Laws Are A Mixed Bag Mar 18, 2019

This year Sacramento presents another spring season full of ideas for HOAs – some bad, some good, and some well-intentioned but needing revision.

SB 323

Senate Bill...

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