Articles

Reader Questions - Paying Directors Aug 06, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,

Ran across your column recently and that spurred me into writing you.

I belong to an HOA in Riverside County. I have been told that state law...

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Reader Questions - Open Meeting Act vs. Free Speech Jul 30, 2012

Kelly,

Thanks for your [recent] informative article regarding changes in the Davis-Stirling Act.

In the article you state that the board cannot “discuss anything...

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Toward Orderly Board Meetings Jul 23, 2012

One of the scourges of the HOA world is disorderly board meetings. Associations large and small struggle with meetings filled with the cacophony of people talking over each...

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Reader Questions - Slow Architectural Enforcement, Distribution of Minutes Jul 16, 2012

Dear Kelly,

I bought my townhome last year, and recently received a letter stating some windows violate the architectural guidelines and must be changed. My neighbors have...

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Reader Questions - Our President Is Out of Line, Director/Manager Communications Jul 09, 2012

Hi Mr. Richardson,

Every week I am intrigued by your articles on the HOA Homefront. When I read your articles, I feel like I can relate to the topic you’ve written...

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Corporate Process Is NOT Your Enemy! Jul 02, 2012

In community association governance, corporate formalities seem to get in the way of “good old common sense.” If someone is doing a good job, and is making good...

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Reader Questions - What Is “Good Standing”; What About the Renegade Association? Jun 18, 2012

Hi Kelly,

When voting for an HOA be it elections, or dues increase, and the documents state a member in good standing, does this mean they need to be current on their...

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Reader Questions: Open Forum- The Misunderstood Gem Jun 11, 2012

Is Open Forum a necessary evil, or a valuable part of your board meetings? The law requires Open Forum to be a part of every open board meeting, under Civil Code Section...

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Reader Questions - Complaint Information, Prescriptive Easements Jun 04, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,

I received a notice from my homeowners association stating that I have a tree on my property that is too tall and should be cut in half or removed....

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Reader Questions - Surveillance Cameras, “Public” Pools May 28, 2012

Hi Mr. Richardson,

I’ve been at meetings where you were a guest speaker and I have a question you can help me with. Is there any legal reason that prohibits a...

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Reader Questions - Hard to Find Volunteers, We Want to Form a CID May 21, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,

What happens when the owners of the units in a home owners association are no longer willing or perhaps even able to serve on the Board of Directors?

...
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Reader Questions - Converting to Planned Development; Use of Handicapped Spaces May 14, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,

I read the articles in the [local newspaper] and have a question. I live in one of 7 individual homes on a common lot, which were built 30 years ago...

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