Close

Articles Posted in HOA Governance

Updated:

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…

Updated:

The Modern Age of Social Media and the Need for Regulation Within Homeowners Associations

Like it or not, we live in the age of social media. It is undeniable and has dramatically transformed the way we communicate in every arena, including homeowners associations (“HOA”).  Information, opinions and images are broadcast and circulated at a rapid pace with little or no oversight involved.  These unfiltered…

Updated:

SB 234 Signed! Keeping the Kids Close to Home Act

*New Legislation Governor Newsome recently signed into law Senate Bill 234 (“SB 234“), also know as the “Keeping Kids Close to Home Act.”  The new law will take effect on January 1, 2020.  SB 234 permits large daycare homes, which provide care for up to 14 children at one time,…

Updated:

Can an Association Create and Enforce Rules that Only Apply to Children?

*Asked & Answered Asked – Our Association is seeking legal guidance regarding children playing in the common areas and driveways. Several homeowners have complained about the number of children playing without supervision.  Drivers report their concern for the children’s safety as there have been several reports of children almost hurt. The Board would…

Updated:

The What and Why of Lender Rights, and How to Deal with Same

*Asked & Answered Asked – We are trying to obtain a loan to conduct much needed, overdue (albeit non-life threatening) repairs and remediation work within the Association. However, the CC&Rs requires us to obtain a 75% vote by the First Mortgagees (i.e., institutional lenders) to obtain the loan because it…

Updated:

Vendor Relationships – Navigating Resident Interactions

Our industry depends on a close network of skilled industry professionals who are dependable and responsive.  Emergencies are common, particularly in condominium developments where breaks in shared or common water lines can lead to disaster.  Quick action by association vendors can extinguish the root cause of the emergency and potentially…

Updated:

THOU SHALT NOT REMOVE THE MEZUZAH: California Legislature Enacts SB 652 to Protect Displays of Religious Items on Doors and Doorframes

*New Legislation On July 30, 2019, SB 652 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsome in response to several incidents in which a homeowner’s association (HOA) asked a resident to remove a mezuzah from their unit’s entry door or doorframe.  A mezuzah is a small scroll that is affixed…

Updated:

Navigating the Hidden Risks of Homeowner Security Devices

As security technology becomes less expensive and more accessible to average consumers, homeowners are provided with an exponential increase in available options for exterior security devices. A cursory Amazon search reveals hundreds of such devices including motion sensor lights and home camera offerings that can be accessed remotely from the…

Updated:

Recent California Court of Appeals Ruling Demonstrates Broad Reach of Ban on Nuisances

*Unpublished Opinion The Court of Appeals recently rendered an unpublished opinion in  Harbour Island Condominium Owners Association, Inc. v. Alexander (2019), which provides some clarity regarding a tenant’s right to attend board meetings and the ban on noxious activities within the community. The Harbour Island Condominium Owners Association (“HOA”) sought…

Updated:

Workplace Harassment in a HOA Environment

*New Library Article! Workplace harassment and hostile work environments are nothing new for management professionals.  Emotionally charged conversations can become uncomfortable and antagonistic for many managers.  Unfortunately, such dialogue frequently crosses the line from demanding direction to demeaning personal attacks. Previously, employer liability for employee claims based on nonemployee conduct…