Articles

How HOAs Can Cope With Pandemic Mar 29, 2020

In the past few weeks, as the COVID-19 aka “coronavirus” proliferated globally, local, state, and some national governments have taken strong measures to ban groups from congr...

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Misused Terms in the HOA World Mar 24, 2020

As a lawyer, I plead “guilty” to being persnickety (to use a Latin term) regarding the correct use of legal terms.  In the world of common interest developments there are seve...

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Your Corporate Success Could Create Failure in the HOA Mar 16, 2020

Many talented successful people find themselves continually frustrated with volunteer service on their HOA board, and often are surprised to find themselves in conflict regard...

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Navigating Elections in 2020 (and Beyond??) Mar 07, 2020

Senate Bill 323 took effect in January 2020, creating new procedural requirements for HOAs and also unintentionally creating many problems and unanswered questions. Consequent...

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Fiduciary Duty – What It Is, And Is NOT Feb 28, 2020

The term “fiduciary duty” is often used, but with a misunderstanding of what it means. HOA Directors are considered “fiduciaries” because they care for the community’s propert...

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Reader Questions – The HOA Is Not Handling Our Common Area! Feb 23, 2020

 

Dear Mr. Richardson:

Our deck, which is the HOA’s responsibility, has been rotted and deemed dangerous to walk on for over two years. The association claims they are fix...

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H.U.D. Issues Practical Guidance On Assistance Animals Feb 17, 2020

Assistance animals are very important to certain disabled individuals. Under the federal Fair Housing Act (42 United States Code 3601 and following), and California

...
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Reader Questions – Is HOA Making Solar Installations Too Difficult? Feb 09, 2020
 

Hi Kelly,

Good morning. My HOA is requiring me to install “critter guards” as part of my solar installation, but this will cost me over $1,000. Can the HOA force...

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Reader Questions – Can They Take Away My Sunshine (Energy) Away? Feb 02, 2020
 

Hi Kelly, I read your column about HOA’s regularly, and I enjoy it.

Can a HOA prevent us from placing solar panels on the roof of our condominium townhome? If we...

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Reader Questions – The Open Meeting Act Jan 27, 2020

Kelly, how much notice is required regarding place and time for monthly board meetings?

Thanks, C.B., Redondo Beach

 

Dear C.B.:

Under Civil Code 4920(a), four days’ n...

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New Year’s Resolutions of HOA Service Providers Jan 20, 2020

[This is the fourth and final installment of this series, which previously addressed directors, homeowners, and managers.]

As the association’s service provider, I resolve to...

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New Year’s Resolutions of HOA Managers Jan 11, 2020

[After two previous columns proposing resolutions for directors and HOA members, here are ideas for managers. Next week – service providers]

As an association professional ma...

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