Articles

Reader Questions - Adding More Directors: Fees at Time of Sale Sep 24, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,

At our HOA meeting last night – it was announced by the board that they are adding a 6th member, a 2nd member at large! I’m perplexed! Can...

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Reader Questions - Shutting off Utilities, Proxy Verification Sep 10, 2012

Mr. Richardson,

Good morning. Our community has approximately 9 that are behind in their HOA dues, some by two or more years. Can we legally have their water shut off as...

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Reader Questions - Too Helpful Manager, A Dangerous Director Sep 03, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,
I am a director of a large HOA. In our most recent board meeting the following came up in discussion:

  1. Our manager is calling homeowners and asking...
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Reader Questions - Homeowner Education Aug 20, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,

We are new to HOA and would like to attend a class on how HOA’s work.

Thank you for your column,

P.G., Hermosa Beach

Dear P.G.,

There...

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Reader Questions - The CID Act and the Old HOA, Presidential Power Aug 13, 2012

Dear Mr. Richardson,

I recently discovered your “HOA Homefront” column in the newspaper and find it very valuable.

Your mention of the Davis Stirling Act has...

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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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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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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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