Articles

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 qualified?

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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 contrac...

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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.

 

What is...

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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 doing....

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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 323 is a...

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Why Governing Documents Matter Mar 11, 2019

Governing documents are critical for HOA communities and are literally the legal glue which holds the association together. Civil Code Section 4150 defines “governing document...

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Reader Questions - Drought’s Over, Must Our Cactus Go Too? Mar 04, 2019

Mr. Richardson,

After my HOA approved my drought-tolerant design, they asked me to add ‘more & bigger plants’ which violates Civil section 4735(e). Are the regulations stil...

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Reader Questions - Recalls, Voting Feb 25, 2019

Hello Kelly,

I enjoy your column and have learned so much from reading it religiously. I have 2 questions:

1. A petition to recall a board member received sufficient signa...

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Reader Questions - Shedding Light on Solar Applications Feb 18, 2019

Hi Kelly,

My HOA sent out a proposed policy for owners wanting to install solar power systems installed on a roof shared with other units. I am not anxious to have any cont...

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Reader Questions - Fair or Unfair Housing Feb 11, 2019
 

Hi Kelly,

I recently read your earlier article on Fair Housing laws being violated by HOAs trying to enforce state-mandated signs that prohibit children from usi...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 4 – Board Meeting Participation Feb 04, 2019

Productive and efficient meetings are not happenstance but are the result of committed and prepared volunteers, normally assisted by a great professional manager.

To help bri...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 3 – How The Role Is DIFFERENT Jan 28, 2019

All the knowledge and experience from the working world (“day job”) can actually hinder a volunteer’s effectiveness in the world of HOA governance if the differences between t...

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