Articles

Tips Regarding Emergency Special Assessments Jun 02, 2026

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., HOA Homefront Column 

Emergency special assessments have saved many HOAs from disaster. One recent example occurred during the rise in property ...

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They’re Not Taking Care of the HOA Property May 29, 2026

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., HOA Homefront Column

Kelly: Our HOA has not kept up with building maintenance. I along with other residents have reported issues to our board bu...

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Advance Notice, Leaked Assessment Payments, and Must Our Board Reduce Assessments? May 22, 2026

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq.

Dear Mr. Richardson: How much notice is an association supposed to give a homeowner before a special assessment is due? C.A., Orange 

Dear C.A.:...

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Are Our Assessments FAIR? May 17, 2026

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., HOA Homefront Column 

Dear Kelly: My large HOA has monthly assessments that are the same for all units. The units vary in size from free-standin...

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How Should Late Assessment Payments be Applied, and Are Rental Assessments Legal? Aug 17, 2025

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., HOA Homefront Column 

Hi Kelly: When homeowners make assessment payments, our management company first applies the payment to prior outstanding ...

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Is My HOA Supposed to Notify Us In Advance? Mar 10, 2024

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL, HOA Homefront Column

Dear Kelly: My question is whether it is legal to raise one's HOA fees without a prior notification of proposed increa...

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Assessment Increases - What If I Can’t Pay? Jan 28, 2024

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL, HOA Homefront Column

Dear Kelly: Can HOAs increase the 20% for monthly dues plus add a 5% special assessment at the same time? P.M., Pacoim...

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Are Unexplained Assessment Increases and Vague Agendas OK? Jan 08, 2024

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL, HOA Homefront Column

Hi Kelly, we just received a notice two days ago that our HOA assessments will increase 10%. The new increase takes ef...

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One HOA Increased Assessments: The Other Refuses May 29, 2023

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...

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How to Get a Court to Back You In a Dispute With a Rogue Condo/HOA Owner May 24, 2023

This article first appeared in HOAleader.com. Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL, is a regular contributor to help inform community associations. 

A California case, Orangecrest Co...

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How Do We Handle Delinquent Members and Delinquent Directors? May 22, 2023

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...

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HOA Damaged Me, My HOA Suspended - Must I Pay Assessments? May 15, 2023

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL 

Kelly, when is it legal not to pay HOA dues/fees because an HOA is not fulfilling its duties? I've had emergency leaks and made calls and s...

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