Last time we checked, the mortality rate was 100%. This means that owners of real property within homeowners associations (“HOA’s” or “Associations”) will inevitably pass away at some point. This leaves many questions for Boards and management about how to navigate issues surrounding the separate interest still titled in the…
Articles Posted in Enforcement
New ‘Community Association Update Newsletter’ – Issue 57
In case you missed it, Issue # 57 of our ‘Community Association Update’ newsletter is available now! Topics covered in this issue include: AB 1410 – Speech on Social Media; Room Rentals; Enforcement During Emergencies AB 1738 – EV Charging Stations in Existing Multi-Family Developments SB 897 – Accessory Dwelling…
Evidence of Violations is Necessary
There will come a time when a homeowner violates an association’s governing documents (i.e., CC&Rs, Rules & Regulations, Architectural Guidelines…etc). If there is a possibility those violations will be litigated, the association must have a proper trail of evidence to bolster their claims. Q: What are some types of violations…
What Happens When a Delinquent Homeowner Dies?
When a delinquent homeowner dies, there is a strict one-year statute of limitations to sue them or to continue a lawsuit against their estate. (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 366.2). This is true even if the statute of limitations would have been longer had the person survived. This harsh rule…
Addressing Requests for Installation of Solar Panels on Shared Common Area Roofs
The rising cost of electricity, environmental considerations, clean energy and tax savings, utility company programs designed to help alleviate the demand on the grid, and the proliferation of affordable residential solar energy systems have made solar power more popular than ever. Consequently, Associations are seeing a sharp rise in homeowner…
Should an HOA Interfere with Parental Rights? NO!
Children are usually considered blessings and a joy to be around. Unfortunately, there is always one slightly rambunctious child who may be prone to causing trouble in Homeowners Associations (“HOAs”). What should an HOA and/or Board of Directors (“Board”) do in such scenarios? Is there anything the HOA can legally…
Combatting Unlawful Harassment with Restraining Orders
Board Members are tasked with the difficult job of enforcing the Association’s rules and regulations against non-compliant Members. Unfortunately, this often creates tension between Board Members and Members. In some circumstances, this tension turns into unlawful harassment. When this occurs, Board Members should consider the available legal remedies provided under…
What the Cluck? Addressing Backyard Chickens in HOA’s
It is becoming increasingly popular to raise chickens in suburban and even in urban areas. Chickens offer a continuous source of fresh eggs and arguably help with pest control. Conversely, chickens can be loud, messy, attract coyotes, and arguably are best suited for rural, country life. Because many municipalities have…
The Impact of a Homeowner Filing Bankruptcy and Receiving a Discharge on Assessment Collection
*Asked & Answered Asked – Our HOA Board of Directors has been advised that a homeowner who is delinquent in their payment of assessments has filed bankruptcy. If the homeowner obtains a bankruptcy discharge does the HOA have to write off the delinquent account as a bad debt? Answered – Not necessarily.…
How to Determine Whether Compliance Fines are Reasonable
*Asked and Answered Asked – How long should homeowners associations levy compliance fines against non-compliant Members before transferring the files to legal counsel? Answered – Monetary penalties (also known as “fines”) should be levied against non-compliant homeowners so long as the purpose of the fines is to deter the homeowners’ unwanted behavior…