Articles

Reader Questions - HOA Election Glitches [Part 1] Dec 04, 2017

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Is there any restriction on note taking while inspecting election ballots in a delegate-based election? I believe copying is not allowed, but...

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Reader Questions - Should Boards Shine More Light on Solar Installations? Nov 27, 2017
 

Mr. Richardson,

Last year, I volunteered to sit on the architectural committee for our HOA and it really opened my eyes to how an HOA operates. Applications...

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What Sacramento Did For (Or is it to?) HOAs in 2017 Nov 06, 2017

The California Legislature was quite active this year in creating laws affecting HOAs, as six bills take effect in 2018.

SB 2

Senate Bill (SB) 2, known as the...

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Reader Questions - Can Board Just Give Them Some Space? Oct 30, 2017

Dear Mr. Richardson,

My HOA has a board that changes all the time. People with agendas run and many times they leave after one year. The question is whether the HOA can...

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Reader Questions - Why Canā€™t I Have MY Dish? Oct 23, 2017

Hello Kelly,

Months ago, I requested permission to have a small satellite dish placed on the side of my home. I never received any reply. I ordered the service and...

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11 Sure-Fire Ways to Frustrate HOA Elections Oct 16, 2017

Most associations have member voting at least annually, and the process required by statute applies to all HOAs, whether 2 units in Redondo Beach or 3,000 units in Oakland....

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Reader Questions - Mary Jane in HOA Unit 420? Oct 09, 2017

Dear Mr. Richardson,

I live in California where it is legal to grow 6 cannabis plants. What can our HOA do about this?

P.F., Newport Beach

Dear P.F.,

As you know,...

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Reader Questions - When Fines Are Not Fine (Enough) Oct 02, 2017

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Am I correct in my thinking that our Board can set up a fine schedule without the vote of the membership?

Thank you,

A.P., Newhall

Dear A.P.,

...

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Reader Questions - When Getting Rid of Termites, Can They Get Rid of Us Also? Sep 25, 2017

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Our HOA is mandating that each unit in our complex be tented for termites. The HOA is stating that there is precedent under California law to force...

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Conflicts of Interest: When to Step Aside Sep 18, 2017

If one is involved in a decision affecting or involving that person uniquely as opposed to the community generally, that is a conflict of interest. Directors and committee...

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Manager: It Might Be You, or Maybe Us Sep 11, 2017

Many associations struggle with a poor manager relationship, resulting in a frustrated board or a terminated manager. However, such struggles can sometimes arise from the...

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Reader Questions - I Demand That Be in the Minutes (And When Will I See Them?) Sep 04, 2017

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Does the HOA board have an obligation to put homeowners’ reasonable comments, questions and other details in the minutes? For example, several...

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