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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What IS Exclusive Use Common Area May 09, 2026

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

Condominium projects typically consist of three categories of property – the “separate interest” (normally called the “un...

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HOA Security Camera Issues May 02, 2026

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

Many HOAs inquire about installing security monitoring cameras. Such cameras may or may not be required by the specif...

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Are Personal Security Cameras OK? Apr 27, 2026

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

Dear Kelly: What is the law when it comes to doorbell cameras mounted on outside, pointing at your neighbor’s front do...

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Does Your HOA Have “Nonfunctional Turf”? Apr 17, 2026

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

In 2029, a new law will ban watering of “nonfunctional turf” with potable water. What is “nonfunctional turf,” and mus...

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Tips For Successful Virtual Board Meetings Apr 12, 2026

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

Civil Code 4926 permits 100% virtual meetings as an alternative to solely in-person or hybrid board meeting formats. ...

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Must We Have Virtual Meetings? Apr 03, 2026

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

Mr. Richardson: It appears during the pandemic that state law changed to allow HOAs to hold board meetings by Zoom. Th...

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Can They Have a Rule on THAT? Mar 27, 2026

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

Dear Mr. Richardson: I asked our HOA management company about owners displaying flags inside windows, on individual u...

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Is It a Rule? What’s Allowed and What Isn’t Mar 23, 2026

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

Dear Mr. Richardson: Our HOA board recently changed the rules without notifying owners. Does this invalidate the changes? ...

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