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Articles Posted in HOA Governance

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Thinking about when to open Common Area Amenities? A Blue-Print to a Successful Re-opening

Community associations across the state are wrestling with the idea of opening common area facilities after closure due to COVID-19.  Residents are becoming increasingly restless under the state’s stay-at-home order; naturally, they desire to use their community association’s recreational amenities (“Amenities”). “When can we use the pool?  When will the…

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How Quickly Must HOAs Bring Suit Against Homeowners for Violations of the Governing Documents?

*Asked & Answered Asked– Is the Board of Directors required to bring legal action, within a certain timeframe, against a homeowner, who is violating the association’s governing documents? Answered – In most circumstances, the association has five (5) years to bring legal action against violating homeowners pursuant to the Statute…

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Can an Association Prohibit Smoking Inside the Units?

*Asked & Answered Asked – Can a homeowners’ association prohibit owners from smoking within the interior of their units? Answered – The California Legislature has recognized that homeowners associations (“HOAs”) require flexibility in adopting and enforcing “operating rules” governing the use of common areas and “exclusive use” common areas (or “Restricted…

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A Member in Our Community Tested Positive for COVID-19 – What Do We Do?

*Asked & Answered Asked –We just found out that two homeowners in a community we manage are infected with COVID-19 and they are currently self-isolating in their Units. What must be done on our end and what information can we disclose to help prevent the spread? Answered – Even if…

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Managing the Coronavirus – A Discussion of Preliminary Board Concerns

Over the last few business days, our firm has received several calls regarding the Coronavirus (COVID – 19).  We understand the obstacles created by COVID – 19 because successful association governance depends upon engaged community involvement and personal interaction. The purpose of this blog post is to provide a brief…

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There is no Such Thing as a Free Lunch – Or a Free Clubhouse: Implementing Reasonable Limitations on Political Speech and Assembly Rights in California HOAs

We have just passed the two-year anniversary of California Civil Code 4515. This is the law that protects certain rights of members and residents to political speech and peaceful assembly within California community associations. With election season in full swing, it is important for Boards and management to be reminded…

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Overzealous Board Members: Understanding the Scope of the Board’s Authority to Enforce the Governing Documents

Homeowners associations (“HOAs”) are governed by a group of volunteer members known as a “Board of Directors” (“Board”). Their primary responsibilities include: (1) managing the common areas, (2) managing the HOA’s finances, (3) setting policies to assist in the operation of the HOA, and (4) enforcing those policies along with…

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Limitation on HOA Tort Liability for Failure to Uphold Maintenance Obligations

*New Case Law One of the primary purposes for which a homeowners’ association (“HOA”) is formed is to maintain and repair the HOA’s common areas, as well as any other areas designated within the HOA’s recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (“CC&Rs”) (i.e., HOA Maintenance Areas). Faithfully executing the…

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Dog Parks: Best Practices for Limiting an HOA’s Liability Exposure

One of the many benefits of living in a homeowners association (“HOA”) is the amenities provided to its residents. Common amenities include recreational rooms, pools, and fitness facilities. One amenity gaining in popularity is designated for the community’s canine companions: dog parks. Dog parks provide dogs with a designated off-leash…

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Droning On and On…Should Associations Use Them to Catch Violators in the Act?

Serial dog poop litterers, unauthorized parking of vehicles, architectural violations, smoking nuisance—the list goes on and on when it comes to common “repeat violations” that a homeowners association (“HOA”) encounters on a day-to-day basis. With the increasing number of repeat violations and limited number of HOA board members and property…