HOA Housing

California Legislature Further Limits a HOA’s Right to Restrict Rentals

Published on: September 28, 2020 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

*New Legislation

On January 1, 2012, Section 1360.2 (now Section 4740) was added to the California Civil Code to limit a HOA’s authority to adopt and enforce certain rental “prohibitions.” The legislative intent behind the law was the recognition that “the rights of Owners in [a HOA] to rent or lease their properties, as the rights existed at the time the Owners acquired them, should be protected by the State of California…” Nevertheless, by its own terms, Section 4740 applies to rental prohibitions, not necessarily less serious restrictions that are reasonably related to the Association’s interests in maintaining and preserving the community. Thus, many HOAs adopted restrictions regulating the rental of separate interests within the development (e.g., one-year minimum term limit, owner-occupancy requirements, individual room rental restrictions, etc.).

On September 28, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 3182 (“AB 3182”), which was introduced as another measure “to address the housing and homelessness crisis” in California. According to Assembly Member Phil Ting (the author of AB 3182), “[t]here are millions of homes across the state that have the potential to be rented to Californians in need of housing but that are prohibited from being leased under outdated [HOA] rules.” While the stated objective of providing more affordable housing units is a laudable goal, AB 3182 significantly limits the extent to which HOAs may impose rental restrictions and prohibitions.

Under AB 3182, California Civil Code section 4741 is added to the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act and renders void and unenforceable any provision in a governing document or amendment thereto “that prohibits, has the effect of prohibiting, or unreasonably restricts the rental or leasing of” a separate interest “to a renter, lessee, or tenant.” Despite this prohibition, Section 4741 does authorize a HOA to adopt and enforce:

A rental cap of twenty-five percent (25%) of the separate interests (or greater); and
A provision “that prohibits transient or short-term rental of a separate…interest for a period of 30 days or less.”

Moreover, Section 4741 adds that a separate interest (including Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) is not considered “occupied by a renter” if the separate interest is also owner-occupied. Thus, for example, a cap on the number of rentals within a HOA would not apply to an owner renting out individual rooms within his or her separate interest.

Other than the rental restrictions specifically identified in Section 4741, there is much uncertainty as to the extent to which other common rental restrictions would be rendered unenforceable as a result of AB 3182. Indeed, the Legislature provides no guidance as to what would constitute an “unreasonable restriction” on the rental of a separate interest. Therefore, each rental restriction contained in a HOA’s governing documents must be evaluated in light of AB 3182’s intent: to increase the number of housing units made available.

There is much uncertainty that remains concerning the extent to which other typical rental restrictions remain valid and enforceable. To the extent certain rental restrictions are rendered unenforceable by AB 3182, same must be removed from the governing documents no later than December 31, 2021. Failure to comply with Section 4741 may result in a HOA being liable for actual damages (e.g., lost rental income) and a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000). It is therefore important for each HOA to consult with their attorney to determine whether the HOA’s rental restrictions are enforceable in light of AB 3182, and to take action to amend their governing documents to remove such unenforceable provisions.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Matthew T. Plaxton, Esq.

HOA Restrictions on Emotional Support Dogs in the Pool Area

Published on: July 15, 2020 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

*Asked & Answered

Asked – Our Association does not allow pets in the pool area, but a resident has recently begun bringing her emotional support dog to the pool-side lounge area. Do we have to let the dog accompany its owner to the pool?

Answered – Probably. The Federal Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations that may be necessary to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy their housing, including common area spaces. An accommodation is typically considered reasonable if it does not impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the housing provider or fundamentally alter the nature of the provider’s operation. Normally, allowing an emotional support dog to use a common area that is otherwise off limits to pets will not create such a burden on the homeowners association (“HOA”).

In this case, since the HOA’s restriction on pets from the pool area may be serving as a barrier to prevent this resident from using the pool area, making an exception to this rule and allowing her to bring her emotional support dog to the pool deck is likely a reasonable accommodation that the HOA can make.

However, like other dogs within the Association, an emotional support dog must remain under the control of its owner. This means the HOA can require that the dog remain on a leash while it is poolside with its owner unless a specific accommodation to allow the dog off-leash is requested by the dog’s owner and granted by the HOA – there are very limited circumstances when a dog does not have to be leashed or crated. Furthermore, if the dog causes a nuisance (for example, uncontrolled barking) or poses a threat of harm to another person or the property of another person, the HOA can restrict the dog’s presence in order to eliminate the nuisance or threat to other residents of the HOA.

It is worth noting, however, that just because the emotional support dog is allowed in the pool area does not mean the dog may enter the pool. Public health regulations prohibit dogs in swimming pools, and the HOA may not ignore this regulation to allow the dog inside the pool with its owner. If the owner is in the pool, the dog must continue to remain under control, whether the dog’s leash is held by another person capable of controlling the dog or tethered to a stable element.

When an HOA receives a request from a resident for an accommodation based on the resident’s disability, the Board should address the request timely and maintain an open dialogue with the resident. The Board should be careful to address these requests in compliance with all applicable laws and should not ask about the nature or extent of the person’s disability. Oftentimes in a request regarding an emotional support animal, the person’s disability and the animal’s related service task is not readily apparent (as may be the case for a dog that helps guide an individual in a wheelchair). HOA’s should consult their legal counsel regarding requests for accommodation of disabled residents.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Joelle M. Bartkins, Esq.

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

Published on: May 12, 2020 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

CondoAmenities 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 gym be opened?” Boards must balance resident pressures with their fiduciary obligation to do what’s best for their communities.

The purpose of this blog post is to identify a two-part test that can help boards and community managers evaluate when to re-open the Amenities and, if so, under what circumstances: (1) Can the Amenities be opened? (2) Should the Amenities be opened? The information provided herein is current as of Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

Can the Amenities be opened?

Community Associations Institute (CAI), a worldwide industry trade group for community associations, recommends that community associations comply with governmental regulations regarding COVID-19. Therefore, the first question to be asked is whether it is legally permissible to re-open Amenities in view of the government’s current stay-at-home orders. The answer to that question depends upon state and local declarations regarding recreational use.

Federal and state authorities do not appear to have provided guidance with respect to the closure and re-opening of HOA facilities in view of COVID-19. Understanding how the government is managing similar recreational facilities in the public arena (e.g. pools; parks; gyms; and community centers, etc.) can offer a blueprint for California HOAs.

California Governor Newsom (“Newsom”) is opening California through a four (4) stage Resilience Roadmap. As of the date of this correspondence (May 12, 2020), it appears that the state is slowly moving into Stage 2 of that Roadmap (Lower-risk workplaces). According to the state’s web site (covid19.ca.gov/roadmap/), gyms and fitness studios, community centers, public pools, playgrounds and picnic areas are categorized as “Higher-risk workplaces” which are NOT in Stage 1 or 2. It seems that the state has not yet adopted guidelines with respect to the safe operation of those areas.

Newsom states that county officials and localities can decide to move more quickly (or slowly) into Stage 2 of reopening than the statewide baseline. It is possible that county and local governments could potentially open gyms, pools and community facilities after adopting their own safety guidelines. Under that circumstance, it would be safer for community associations to open their similar private facilities because operating procedures can mirror available public health standards. If government orders are not clear or are silent with respect to the extent of lock down orders in your region, then Amenity opening could be premature – and to some degree risky. You can imagine the first question at a deposition in a personal injury lawsuit against the association: “Why did the association open the pool when your county was still under lockdown?”

Should the Amenities be opened?

Presuming Amenities can be opened because of the absence of applicable stay-at-home orders, the next question becomes: Is opening the Amenities the right decision for your community at this time? Are we able to comply with governmental regulations? If so, how can we keep our facilities safe? Those questions should be asked before Amenities are opened.

A primary consideration should be whether the association’s liability policies cover COVID-19 liability claims (i.e. a resident alleges that he or she became infected because of the Association’s improper disinfection efforts). Industry insurance professionals have noted that association liability insurance policies may include a coverage exclusion for bacteria and viruses, such as COVID-19. Under that circumstance, the association could be directly liable for personal injuries because the risk of such damage has not shifted to the insurance carrier. It is recommended that boards discuss application of that policy exclusion with the association’s insurance professional.

Before re-opening the Amenities, boards should develop a risk mitigation safety plan (“Safety Plan”), in accordance with CDC guidance and state/local regulations. That plan can be previewed with the association’s legal counsel (for purposes of legal compliance) and management (for purposes of managing logistics and enforcement). Industry experts believe that additional cleaning and enforcement efforts could create unforeseen expenses – up to as much as 25% of an existing Association budget. Management can be an excellent source to identify cost-savings measures, such as limiting resident use of Amenities and their hours of operation.

Discussing how to manage resident communication is critical as boards decide whether to re-open Amenities. Regular updates in some form are desirable for purposes of education and transparency. Use of a waiver agreement should be considered for purposes of acquiring their appreciation of the risk associated with Amenity use. It is important for residents to know that the association cannot guarantee that no one will get sick or that the premises are COVID-19 free. In that regard, disclaimer signs should be posted throughout the Amenities which state something like, “The Association is not ensuring that the [insert name of Amenity] is free of COVID 19 contaminants.”

Is Amenity re-opening the right decision for your community at this time? Factors which may be relevant for a neighboring community may not be relevant to your association, even though both developments exist within the same city. Compared to your neighbor, your community may have more or less Amenities, may or may not have the same capacity to comply with governmental safety mandates, and will likely have a different budget for purposes of maintaining a safe environment and enforcing the Safety Plan.

The understandable desire to re-open common area facilities should be balanced by prudent business practices. Understanding risk and the government’s safety guidelines are essential for purposes of making informed decisions. Fortunately, there are many sources of information in that regard. Boards of Directors and management professionals are strongly encouraged to consult with the association’s vendors and consultants during the decision-making process.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Kumar S. Raja, Esq.

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

Published on: March 25, 2020 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

*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 there is not a known case of COVID-19 in the community, Associations should be taking the pandemic seriously. This includes implementing full compliance with Governor Newsom’s Executive Order (“Order”), the Department of Homeland Security’s Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response referenced in the Order, and the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) Guidelines (“Guidelines”). In short, the Executive Order mandates that everyone is required to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, obtain necessary health care, or to perform an essential job. And, if one must leave their home, they must keep at least 6 feet of distance from others. Aside from the stay-home mandate, the Guidelines encourage people to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, to clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces, and, if soap and water are not available, to use alcohol-based sanitizer.

In response to the Order and Guidelines, Associations should be temporarily closing community recreational facilities, allowing staff and contractors (including management) to work from home where possible, implementing enhanced cleaning of any on-site facilities, postponing annual elections and Board meetings or working with counsel to determine how meetings may proceed virtually to comply with the Executive Order as well as the Davis-Stirling Act, and encouraging members to stay home and to use proper hygiene to avoid the spread of the virus.

If the Association is aware of a resident in the community infected with COVID-19, proper disclosures to the membership apprising them of the situation are recommended for heightened awareness with the goal of reducing the transmission of the virus between residents in the community.

Boards have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their communities. Additionally, the Articles of Incorporation for many Associations state a corporate purpose of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the members. To that end, it is recommended that Associations disclose to members that resident(s) in the community have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are in self-isolation. To protect the privacy of the infected members, names, addresses, and other identifying information should not be disclosed under any circumstances.

The intended effect of the disclosure is to: 1) inform the membership as to the virus’ presence in the community, a fortunate side effect of which is promoting trust and transparency; 2) educate members how to best protect themselves and their neighbors through following the Governor’s Order and the CDPH Guidelines by staying home and using proper hygiene; 3) apprise members what the Association is doing to stop the spread of the virus; and 4) instruct members per the CDC website, that if they think they have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, they should call their healthcare provider immediately for medical advice.

Associations are encouraged to work with their counsel to prepare such disclosures given the legal implications of properly balancing the disclosure of private and sensitive information related to a member’s health with promoting the health and safety of the membership during a pandemic.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Carrie N. Heieck, Esq.

Realtors Beware: Your Client’s Country Club Exclusion Can Come Back Around to Bite You

Published on: March 17, 2020 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

*Unpublished Opinion

In January 2016, plaintiffs and appellants, Michael Dubasso and Jenny Dubasso (collectively, the “Dubassos”), purchased a home in the Tradition community (“Tradition”) in La Quinta, California. The Dubassos hired real estate agent Kathleen O-Keefe (“O-Keefe”) and LQR Desert Real Estate, Inc. (“LQR”) as their real estate agent and broker, respectively. Shortly after closing escrow, the Dubassos applied for membership in Tradition’s Golf Club, a social and golf club, but the club membership committee decided the Dubassos were not a good fit for club membership and rejected their application.

The jilted Dubassos sued O’Keefe and LQR (collectively, “Defendants”) for failing to disclose that club membership was not automatic for Tradition homeowners, but was, instead, subject to a vetting process by Tradition’s membership committee. According to the Dubassos, O’Keefe and LQR breached their fiduciary duty to them by failing to inquire whether they would want to purchase the home without a club membership, and failing to advise them to make their purchase contract contingent upon approval of their Club membership application.

The trial court granted the Defendants’ motion for summary judgment (judgment without a trial based on undisputed material facts) based on the fact that the Tradition declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (“CC&Rs”) expressly stated that the rights to use the club facilities would be granted only to those persons, and on those conditions, as may be determined by the club. The CC&Rs further provided that no right to use the club facilities arose from ownership of a lot, but arose, if at all, only from a membership agreement with the club.

The Dubassos appealed the trial court’s decision, claiming that they raised triable issues of material fact as to whether the Defendants had a fiduciary duty to them to (i) inform them that membership was contingent upon acceptance by the club, (ii) determine whether they desired to purchase the home even if their Club membership application would be rejected, and (iii) advise them to make their purchase contract contingent on their acceptance as Club members.

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

Published on: August 15, 2019 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

*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 to the doorframe of Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment). For observant Jews, this is not a choice, but rather, a religious duty. Attempts to bar them from fulfilling this duty violated their religious freedom, argued Jewish residents.

In Connecticut, an HOA threatened to fine a resident fifty ($50) dollars if she did not remove the mezuzah affixed to her doorframe. The HOA permitted religious displays (e.g. Christmas wreaths) on doors, but restricted any adornments from being placed on exterior walls. The HOA argued that doorframes are considered exterior walls.

In Florida, an HOA ordered a resident to remove a mezuzah, citing its bylaws prohibiting owners and occupants from attaching, hanging, affixing or displaying anything on the exterior walls, doors, balconies, railings and windows of the building.

In New York, an HOA fined a resident fifty ($50) dollars for affixing a mezuzah to her doorframe shortly after she moved in. The HOA cited its bylaws prohibiting residents from altering the exterior of their home without approval from the Association. The rule included affixing of signs, advertisements or statuary.

While there were only a handful of instances nationwide in which a resident was asked to remove a mezuzah, the bill was designed to have a broader scope in protecting any displays of religious items on doors and doorframes so long as the display reflects “sincerely held religious beliefs.” Specifically, SB 652 prohibits a “property owner” (defined to mean an HOA, an HOA board, or landlord) from adopting or enforcing any rule that prohibits the display of one or more “religious items” on an entry door or doorframe. The bill defines “religious item” to mean any item displayed “because of sincerely held religious beliefs.” The bill also identifies reasonable exceptions, such as allowing an HOA or landlord to prohibit the display of anything that threatens public health or safety, violates existing law, contains obscenities, hinders the opening or closing of any entry door, or is larger than 36” by 12” inches. Also, an HOA may require a separate interest owner to remove a religious item as necessary to perform maintenance on a door or doorframe.

Prior to SB 562, federal and state law provided some protections against religious discrimination in housing, but the author of the bill believed that these protections were not sufficient enough to protect the display of religious items. For example, the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of religion. Likewise, the state Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) makes it unlawful for the owner of any housing accommodation to discriminate against or harass any person because of the religion of that person. (Gov. Code § 12955.) The Davis-Stirling Act, which regulates homeowner’s associations and common interest developments, contains a provision that prohibits the HOA governing documents from prohibiting the posting or displaying of noncommercial signs, posters, flags, banners, on or in an owner’s separate interest, subject to certain exceptions. (Civil Code § 4710.) To the extent that a “religious item” is a sign, poster, flag, or banner, one could argue that existing law already prohibits an HOA from adopting or enforcing any rule that bans the display of religious items. But arguably there is a question of whether a mezuzah or cross hung from a door is a “sign.” SB 562 eliminates that ambiguity by protecting any “item” which is displayed because of a sincere religious belief, whether or not it is a “sign.”

SB 652, which takes effect January 1, 2020, will likely conflict with many HOA policies, which have aesthetic and architectural rules that bar hanging anything on an entry doorframe. According to the author of the bill, such restrictions from HOAs leave the affected people unable to freely practice their religious obligations and in some instances are forced to leave their residence and seek another place to live. By passing this bill, California’s legislature has followed the recent trend in caselaw suggesting that the religious freedom of individuals should take precedence over the communal interests of homeowner’s associations.

Notwithstanding, it is important to note that the right afforded to HOA members and tenants in this bill is extremely limited, only applying to a “religious item” and, even then, only when the item is posted on an entry door or doorframe. For instance, the bill would not provide protection to an owner who wanted to post a similarly-sized religious item in a window, or a door other than an “entry” door.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Reuben D. Kim, Esq.

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

Published on: May 7, 2019 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

*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 a restraining order (known as a preliminary injunction) against two tenants and their landlord to abate the tenants’ noxious behavior. The HOA relied on the provision in the CC&R’s, which stated that residents cannot disturb the neighborhood or occupants of a neighboring property or create a nuisance.

Neighboring residents made several complaints to the HOA about the tenants’ excessive and purposeful noise: the tenants consistently stomped on their floors and slammed their doors. In addition to the noise complaints, tenants permitted their dog to urinate in the Common Area, despite the posted “No Dogs” signs. Lastly, the tenants engaged in aggressive behavior against the Board of Directors in an apparent attempt to intimidate Board Members. For example, the tenants secretly photographed a Board Member at the pool on different occasions.

The trial court granted the preliminary injunction, ordering the tenants and their landlord to install throw rugs throughout the unit and a sound-muffling device on the doors; to cease photographing Board Members; and to prevent their dog from urinating on the Common Area. The trial court ruled in favor of the HOA because the tenants’ noxious behavior unfairly oppressed the rest of the community, while the ordered corrective measures were minimally oppressive to the tenants.

The Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s decision. Despite the fact that the HOA’s nuisance provision did not mention dogs, the Court broadly interpreted the existing provision to encompass the exclusion of dogs from the Common Area for health and safety reasons.

Furthermore, the Court held that the nuisance provision bans acoustic nuisances that interfere with a neighbor’s right to quiet enjoyment. In this case, the nuisance claims were supported by credible witness testimony that the tenants’ noise was excessive.

Lastly, the Court of Appeals disagreed with the tenants that their due process rights had been violated since the tenants were not permitted to challenge the violation notices at hearings. The Court held that only Owners with vested property rights are Members of the HOA. As such, only Members may participate in HOA meetings.

The Harbour Island case highlights the broad reach of nuisance provisions in CC&Rs and serves as a reminder that Owners, not tenants, have the right to attend and participate in HOA meetings.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Sarah A. Kyriakedes, Esq.

Courts Will Defer to the Decisions of Boards Based on Good Faith and Regard for the Best Interests of the Community

Published on: March 5, 2019 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

agriculture-berries-bunch-760281-e1551829548999 In Eith v. Ketelhut (2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 1, a homeowners association featuring estate properties where members maintain fruit orchards and vineyards yielding fruit that can be made into wine and offered to the public for sale required the Board of Directors (“Board”) to determine if sale of products made from fruit produced on the property is a prohibited business or commercial activity under the CC&Rs. Looking to the purpose of the prohibition – to protect the residential character of the community – the Board examined whether the activity negatively impacted the residential character of the community.

In 2003 the Ketelhuts received approval from the Los Robles Hills Estates Homeowners Association’s (“HOA”) Architectural Committee (“Committee”) to plant landscaping on their property which included a vineyard of 600 plants. The Committee approved the Ketelhuts’ vineyard as it had approved other members’ avocado and fruit trees. The Ketelhuts did not mention using the grapes to make wine for sale. Five years later in 2008 the fruit was harvested and removed to an off-site winery to be made into wine. The Ketelhuts commenced a wine business in 2009, obtaining the necessary licenses, and began selling wine in 2010 over the Internet to the public and local restaurants and hotels. The Ketelhuts characterized the vineyard as a hobby, but they filed forms with the IRS claiming the vineyard as a “business.”

Eith and other neighbors demanded the Ketelhuts cease operating a commercial vineyard, so the Board investigated the Ketelhuts’ vineyard operation. The Board determined that the vineyard did not constitute business or commercial activity prohibited by the CC&Rs, because there was no negative impact on the community. No wine was produced or stored on the property, there was no tasting room drawing retail traffic to the community, and the wine was sold over the Internet to the public and local restaurants and hotels and shipped from an off-site warehouse.

Eith and other neighbors sued the Ketelhuts for operation of the vineyard as a prohibited business or commercial activity in violation of the HOA’s CC&Rs. The trial court elected not to decide whether the operation of the vineyard was a prohibited business or commercial activity, but to find in favor of the Ketelhuts by applying the rule of judicial deference adopted by the California Supreme Court in Lamden v. La Jolla Shores Clubdominium Homeowners Assn. (1999) 21 Cal.4^th 249 (“Lamden”) to the Board’s decision that the vineyard was not a prohibited use based “upon reasonable investigation, in good faith and with regard for the best interests of the community association and its members.”

The neighbors appealed the decision in favor of the Ketelhuts to the California Court of Appeal, which confirmed the trial court’s application of the judicial deference rule in the Lamden case stating, “Common interest developments are best operated by the board of directors, not the courts.” The Court of Appeal further concluded that the Board correctly interpreted the CC&R prohibition of business and commercial activity. The purpose of the prohibition was to protect the community’s residential character; therefore, the prohibition does not encompass activity that has no effect on the community’s residential character.

The Board was in a much better position than the courts to evaluate the vineyard’s effect on the community and found that the residential character of the community was not impacted as a result of the growing and picking of the grapes on the property. No business or commercial activity of making and selling wine occurred on the property and offering the wine for sale over the Internet did not transform use of the property into a prohibited business or commercial activity. At all times the operation of the vineyard was fully consistent with residential use.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Terri A. Morris, Esq.

SB 2 Signed: California Legislature Passes the Building Homes and Jobs Act to Address the Affordable Housing Crisis

Published on: September 29, 2017 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

housing-crisis California is currently facing a serious shortage of affordable housing. The housing crunch is impacting individuals and businesses in all parts of the state. Businesses are having trouble attracting and retaining employees and individuals face longer commute times and overcrowding, among a host of other issues.

To combat the affordable housing crisis, the California Legislature recently passed the Building Homes and Jobs Act (“Act”). Effective immediately, the Act adds a new section to the Government Code (Section 27388.1) and a new chapter to the Health and Safety Code (Division 31, Part 2, Chapter 2.5).

Effective January 1, 2018, the Act imposes a $75.00 fee for the recording of certain real estate documents like HOA governing documents and collection documents (i.e. CC&Rs, liens, notices of default, etc.) and cannot exceed $225.00 per transaction. The fees generated from the Act will be made available to local governments and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research through the creation of the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund (“Fund”). The Fund will be managed by the California State Treasury.

How the Building Homes and Jobs Act Will Adversely Impact HOAs in California

Central to all HOAs is the collection of assessments on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. When a homeowner is delinquent in the payment of assessments, an HOA typically records various lien documents to secure its interest thereby ensuring that it is paid what is owed.

Imposing a $75.00 fee each time these documents are recorded will increase the cost to a delinquent homeowner to resolve an assessment debt with his or her HOA. For homeowners who are already in financial straits and having difficulty making their assessment payments, the added fees to be imposed when lien documents are recorded will make it increasingly difficult for these individuals to bring their assessment accounts current and ultimately remain in their homes.

How the Recording Fees are Distributed through the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund

County Recorder Offices will be responsible for remitting the fees they collect on a quarterly basis directly to the Fund. To gain access to the fees collected, local governments must submit proposals to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research detailing how they plan to use the fees to update planning and zoning ordinances that will streamline housing production.

In addition, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research will be permitted to use a portion of the fees collected in the Fund to combat homelessness and to create, rehabilitate, and preserve transitional rental housing.

Despite the adverse impact the Act will likely have on HOAs across the state of California, its ultimate goal is to leverage billions of dollars in private investment, lessen the demands on law enforcement and dwindling health resources as fewer people are forced to live on the streets or in substandard housing, and increase businesses’ ability to attract and retain skilled workers.

-Blog post authored by TLG Attorney, Kyle B. Roybal, Esq.

AB 1139 Imposes New Notice Requirements on Deed-Based Transfer Fees

Published on: August 2, 2017 | by Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq.

disclosure On July 31, 2017, Governor Brown signed Assembly Bill 1139 (“AB 1139”) into law. AB 1139 amends California Civil Code Section 1098.5 with regard to deed-based transfer fees (“Private Transfer Fees” or “Fees”). Prior to AB 1139 becoming law, any individual or entity who imposed a Fee on real property on or after January 1, 2008, had to record a document that provided limited notice of the Fee on or before January 1, 2009.

AB 1139 now requires any individual or entity who imposes a Fee on real property on or after February 8, 2011, to record a document that contains very specific language with regard to notice. The notice must now state that federal housing agencies are prohibited from dealing in mortgages on properties encumbered by private transfer fee covenants that do not provide a “direct benefit” to real property encumbered, and that if a person purchases such a property, that person may have difficulty obtaining financing.

Brief Background

Private Transfer Fees are fees paid by a purchaser when real property is resold. The Fees are typically one percent (1%) of the sale price of the real property and specified in the original purchase documents. The Fees are typically paid from the purchaser to one of four groups: 1. the HOA, 2. tax-exempt groups that provide a direct benefit to the HOA, 3. tax-exempt groups that don’t provide a direct benefit to the HOA, and 4. third-party developers or investors.