HOA Homefront is a syndicated weekly column that educates the public on issues pertaining to California residents living in common interest developments, their boards of directors, and community association managers. HOA Homefront is published in over a dozen Southern California newspapers.
Recent Articles
Reader Questions – Where Is the Property Line?
My association has taken the stand that a side fence on a zero lot line single family dwelling that is entirely on the dwelling’s property is shared 50/50 with the neighbor for maintenance or replacement costs. In my opinion, this is totally incorrect that a neighboring property owner would be responsible for a fence that is entirely on a neighbor’s property.
Reader Questions – Management Cutbacks
I received notice from my association that our management company resigned and that the association intends to self-manage. I am uncomfortable about the expertise that exists on the board to properly run the business of the complex. What does the Department of Corporations require?
‘Twas the Night Before (the HOA’s) Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and through the HOA community
Not a complaint was heard, and there existed pure unity;
The thank-you notes were placed by the bulletin board with care,
In hopes that the board and manager would soon see them there;
Stop The Fights Over Records Requests!
Over the many years I have been writing this column, the clear number one ranked dispute between homeowners and their associations regards records and information access. These disputes are never productive, and generally avoidable. Here are some tips for HOAs regarding producing requested records and some tips for requesting homeowners.
Reader Questions – Requests for HOA Information Part 2
I attended my first HOA meeting and I noticed that the format is slightly different from city council meetings. Board members were provided a lengthy document prepared by management, containing specific details on water usage, maintenance requests, and detailed financials. I queried if the report was available, and was told no, they are only provided to board members. In city council meetings, documents that don’t violate confidentiality or executive session privilege must be made available for review in advance of the meeting. Does the Davis-Stirling Act require something similar?
Reader Questions – Questions about committee, board disclosures (Part 1)
Are homeowners allowed to read or copy committee minutes? Our manager says no because they are not “standing committees” like the architectural committee. I say all records, receipts, minutes can be read and copied except for executive minutes. The Davis-Stirling Act is a little confusing on this subject.