*New Library Article There are numerous records and items of information maintained and generated by a homeowners association (“HOA”) in the course of its operations. It is common for a HOA member to request copies of such records and information, especially in connection with an ongoing dispute the member may…
Articles Posted in Enforcement
HOAs Prohibited from Fining Homeowners for Failure to Water
In its third consecutive year of severe drought, California faces a historic water shortage and wildfire danger. According to Mashable.com and US Drought Monitor, “The entire state is in some stage of drought, with 77% of the state suffering from ‘extreme’ to ‘exceptional’ drought conditions.” Matters are expected to worsen,…
HOA Dealing with Unruly Tenants?
*Asked & Answered Asked – A renter/tenant within our community is continually engaging in improper conduct, violating the governing documents, and causing nuisances that are impacting surrounding homeowners. Is there anything the HOA can do to evict the tenant? What steps can the Board of Directors take to prevent situations…
Court Upholds HOA Enforcement of ‘Maid Unit’ Rent Restriction
The ability of California homeowners associations (“HOAs”) to adopt and enforce restrictions on the renting of units has been limited by changes in the law over the past couple of years. Those changes have purported to provide greater protections for homeowners seeking to rent out their units to third parties.…
HOA Legislative & Case Law Update (2014) Now Available!
Our “Annual Legislative & Case Law Update” newsletter for the year 2014 is now available in our library! The Legislative & Case Law Update provides an overview of the new legislation and case law impacting California Homeowners Associations (“HOAs”) as we head into 2014. The new legislation includes, among other…
Is There a ‘Model’ Set of HOA Rules & Regulations?
*Asked & Answered Asked – Are there recognized models of well-written rules and regulations for homeowners associations? Answered – No, there are not, and the reason is because homeowners association (“HOA”) CC&Rs typically leave the drafting and amending of rules and regulations to the HOA’s Board of Directors. The types…
HOA Collection Procedures: Strict Compliance Required
*New Case Law The California Civil Code requires community associations (“HOAs”) to levy regular and special assessments as necessary to perform the HOA’s obligations under its governing documents. However, when a homeowner fails to pay those assessments, HOAs are often left with no alternative other than to pursue the owner…
Dealing with Homeowner Delay in ADR Scheduling
*Asked & Answered Asked – My HOA previously sent out an ADR request to a homeowner which was accepted shortly thereafter. The HOA has been attempting to schedule the ADR by providing the homeowner with numerous dates and times that worked for the HOA. However, the homeowner has rejected all…
Swimming Pools: Required Safety Signs
*Asked & Answered Asked – Is there a new sign requirement for pools located in homeowners associations? Answered – Yes. Title 24 of the California Building Code was updated to require new safety signs for public swimming pools. (Association pools are considered public pools.) Two new signs are required for…
HOA Restrictions on Companion and Service Animals
*Asked & Answered Asked – Our high-rise condominium association does not allow dogs weighing over 40 pounds, but we have an owner that has requested an exception for her “companion” dog that is a 70 pound Golden Retriever. Does our HOA have to allow the homeowner to have her companion…