Articles

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

Question: Our HOA egregiously violated Davis-Stirling rules by not offering due process to a resident fined for an alleged architectural misdemea...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL  

Kelly, thank you for your column. Someone who just moved told me that there is an HOA transfer fee of over $800, however it was reduced t...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

There are HOA myths that are harmful. Here are some of the most common ones.

Governing documents are boilerplate. Most HOA homebuyers read...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

Dear Mr. Richardson: I live in an association with several hundred members where it is quite often difficult to fill our seven-member board...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., CCAL

Quite recently, two of the largest residential property insurance companies announced major cutbacks in California. State Farm announced it...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. 

Hi Kelly: Three of the members of our HOA board are employed directly or through service contracts with the master community company. They hold ...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

Dear Kelly: What happens if the reserves go to zero? What is insolvency? B.E., Tarzana

Dear B.E.: HOAs which fail to set aside money in their re...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

The ancient Chinese concept of yin and yang deals with opposite and inseparable forces.  Common interest developments (“homeowner associations”) ...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Last year, HOAs received a very helpful new tool with the enactment of Civil Code Section 5103 – election by acclamation. This allows HOAs t...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Hi Kelly, we recently purchased a unit in a small development that does not send out monthly statements. I find this rather strange as they ...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL 

Dear Mr. Richardson: Management sent a budget notification to members with an agenda, date, time, and location. The board meeting was atten...

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Dear Mr. Richardson: What can be done to a person who refuses to pay their dues? A.M., Torrance.

Dear A.M.: While an unpleasant task, colle...