Articles

Reader Questions - CC&R Changes: Saving for Legal Expense, Lenders Voting? Oct 19, 2015

Kelly,

Can an association have a line item on the reserve study called “Updating Governing Documents”? Governing documents are recommended to be reviewed and...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Why HOAs? Oct 12, 2015

Kelly Richardson,

We have lived in three HOAs. What we have found lately is that no one wants anything to do with the HOA even though they signed up to be in it when they...

Continue Reading...
Keeping HOA Money Where It Belongs Oct 05, 2015

Some associations suffer damage from financial abuse, which can be every bit as devastating as a fire, except that this financial damage might not be covered by insurance....

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Misunderstood Terms, Fair Housing Sep 28, 2015

Kelly Richardson,

Would there be any use in asking for explanations of Condo, Townhouse, PUD, Patio Homes?

Yours,

D.F., Huntington Beach

Dear D.F.,

These four terms are...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Closed Session, Member Participation Sep 21, 2015

Kelly Richardson,

I read your article in the paper, referencing homeowner association meetings and the Open Meeting Act (Civil Code 4900-4955). Prior to open board...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Homeowner Manager, Board Eligibility and Severance Sep 14, 2015

Dear Kelly,

Is it a conflict of interest to have a homeowner be the manager? As the President of a small HOA I was asked this question. I believe it would be a conflict....

Continue Reading...
Protection for Plastic Lawns Sep 07, 2015

California is in the fourth year of drought, and even with predictions of an approaching heavy “El Nino” rain season, it may take years before state water...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Posted Agendas Aug 31, 2015

Hi Kelly,

We were recently told that unless you post for all to see that there will be an “Executive Session” at a board meeting, then you can’t have...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Assessment Increases, Spending Authority, Employee Information Aug 17, 2015
 

Mr. Richardson,

Our Board increased monthly assessments by exactly 20% without bringing it to the members for a vote. Is this legal? Is the law we must vote on...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Board Size, Tenure and Compensation Aug 10, 2015

Good Morning Mr. Richardson,

Our association wants to amend our bylaws to increase the number of persons elected to the board. Do you have to fix the number to be elected...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Trees Jul 27, 2015

Kelly,

I have been complaining about a tree that is behind my property on common area. The problem is the leaves that constantly fall into my pool and yard. The...

Continue Reading...
Reader Questions - Dogs Jul 20, 2015

Dear Kelly,

Your articles on HOAs are quite informative. Thank you. Since I live in a condo I am interested in service dogs and “therapy” dogs. Why should...

Continue Reading...